South Fork Trail & Loop

Mountain Biking
Level of Difficulty: Intermediate

This ride has most of the things that make northern Georgia trails so great. Take a camera along for some great photo opportunities. The ride starts out with a moderate climb along FR 64, rewarding you for your efforts with a great overlook back to the east, from whence you came. The descent that follows is a constant temptation to go way too fast, with some banked turns along the way (remember, the road is open to motorized traffic). At the end of the descent, turn right onto a singletrack trail that follows an old logging roadbed paralleling parts of the south fork of the Jack's River. You'll cross some creeks and streams, and sections of the trail are rocky and technical. Along the way, the sound of rushing and falling water through the trees beckons you to investigate, and if you do, you won't be disappointed. You will come across some great waterfalls in two separate forays into the woods (off-bike, of course). Toward the end of the singletrack, you'll experience two awakening (or refreshing, depending on the season) fords across the river. After the second ford, you will rejoin another gravel forest road for the return trip, which is just long enough to dry your shoes and steep enough to warm you up again. All in all, this is a great ride and well worth the trip. Tread: 2.9 miles on singletrack on old logging roadbed and 5.2 miles on gravel forest road.

Trail Statistics & Information:

Length: 8.1 total miles
Elevation Gain: Minimal
Duration: 1.5 hours
Trailhead Elevation: 2,500 feet
Top Elevation: 3,200

Directions:

  • Take GA 5 northwest from Blue Ridge for about 4 miles
  • Turn left (west) at the Watson Gap directional sign onto Old GA 2 and travel 10.5 miles to the four-way intersection at Watson Gap
  • Turn left onto Forest Service road 64 and go 4.2 miles to the trailhead
  • Parking is available just past the trailhead in the Jacks River Field campground

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