Ocoee

Ocoee

	Ocoee
Location:	Tennessee
Nearest Town:	Cleveland
Directions to Trailhead:	hwy 64 to hwy 30, take left on 30 then the very next left into parking area.
Trail Description:	Many trails to choose from, Clemmer is a great climb or descent depending on which way your going. Slickrock has some real nice sections, less straight uphill/downhill then Clemmer. Benton falls is great for jumping with a good vista of the falls. Clear Creek is a good workout. Lots of good singletrack, doubletrack. Forest and views are a beutiful compliment to the trails. The Rangers out there are making an effort to make this area one of the best riding spots in the southeast and have allotted the money and resources to do so. These trails are already great, so it will be interesting to see the devolopment in the future.
Trail Length:	35?? miles
Trail Type:	Singletrack & Fire Roads
Skill Level:	Trails for all skill levels
Submitted By:	RIZZO

Dylan from Cleveland Date: March 23, 2003 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Any of em, they all work for me. Try em on single speed. Its amazing how a single speed with a rigid fork completely changes the way you see the trail! Other recommended trails in the same area: We're prepping to open the new brush creek trail up on Boyd gap. The riding is gonna be nearly identical to riding the faster trails at Tsali. No steep climbs, smooth and rolling, its gonna be awesome. We still have a lot of trimming out on the trail to get stobs and thorns out of the trail bed, but once its complete; fast baby, fast!!
Review: The new trail is completed. Granted its pretty short, its still a lot of fun. BE VERY WARY of the dirt jumps, a couple of them will launch you in directions that you cant control if you hit em really fast. One of the jumps includes a 5" tree in the launched trajectory path! Other than that, the rock garden will sneak up and bite ya if you dont read the line pretty well. On azaelea, the old mud bog is gone now, due to the efforts of many trail volunteer hours. Of course, it appears that a new mud bog is developing about 50 yards on down.	Overall Rating:

Tmack from Atlanta, Ga Date: February 1, 2003 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Any way you want. Other recommended trails in the same area: Somewhat close: Iron Mtn, Sumac Creek, other stuff in the cohuttas, havent ridden much else around Chattanooga/Cleveland.
Review: Nice trail! Starting at Clemmer, I went up and around to the Red Leaf trail, then came back via the Clear Creek "Dry route". Clemmer starts off as an uphill doubletrack. Its not too steep, but does go uphill for about 2mi or so. Once you get to the top it levels out into some fast wide singletrack/double track. I took the Rim extension loop, but it was a bit of a dissapointment, not much of a view and several large trees across the trail (at handlebar height, otherwise I would ride over them and not complain). There are alot of small stream crossings (and muddy spots), so if its cold, be prepared for wet feet. This section I give a 4, I took it uphill, but it looked like a fun downhill too, should be no problem for beginners. The area up around Red Leaf has been forrested, apparently to get rid of the pine beatles. All the large pine trees in the area have been cut down and left laying around. Red Leaf itself was freshly buldozed doubletrack with lots of sand, was like riding through a wet sandtrap. Not too impressed by that, so I give this part a 2. Clear creek started off ok, bridges over the creek with ramps, nice single track. Beware of the bridge that has no ramp, there are DEEP mudholes at the bottom of the steps. Almost lost a shoe. Up to the Rimrock branch this is a very nice trail, lots of short hills, a few rooty/rocky sections, but nothing bad, lots of fun so it gets a 4. After the branch, it takes off uphill. This is where the trees really became a nuicence. Every 1/4 mi I had to get off my bike and figure out a way to get me and my bike around some sort of treefell obsticle. Again, like the rim extension, not just logs on the trail, TREES, usually multiple, across the trail (one obsticle on the switchbacks required sliding my bike sideways between two downed trees). Otherwise this would have been another great trail. There are some very sketchy rocky downhill sections on the edge of a very steep slope that might require walking past to avoid sliding down the slope on the loose rocks. The "Dry" route still has a few wet spots, but is for the most part dry, and will dump you out onto hwy30. This last section should get a 3-4 but currently gets a 1 since I felt I spent more time trying to get around down trees than actually riding. The trees are probably from the storms that came through not long ago, most looked like the fell recently. One note: Check your tires and brakes before going on this one, you will need them on the downhill, and there are some nice rockgardens to give you a pinch flat (cant ride tomorrow cause I used my last tube today, and it was flat when I got home). See the "Chilhowee Trail Complex" review for a link to a map of the trails.	Overall Rating:

Santa Cruzer from Harrison Date: November 25, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: They are all good. Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: I used to ride here weekly, but I haven't been in a while. I tried the new trail for the first time and It's a BLAST. It's a little short, but I love it. No one is riding too much in the area so leaves are hiding the trails. Coming down the Rim from Clemmer you should watch out as there is a huge new tree down. It's a pain to get through. Bravo to whoever built the log ramp on Clear Creek. Nice one.	Overall Rating:

Scott from Pensacola, FL Date: August 20, 2002 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: ? Other recommended trails in the same area: www.porc.org
Review: We rode this trail a few years ago - sort of by accident. We were camping at the top of the mountain and we were there only for rafting but we did bring the bikes and decided to ride around to see what we could find. We rode for a long time on great singletrack then on a fast, downhill fireroad. After an hour or two of this bliss, we made it to the bottom and decided to ride up the paved road to get back to the camp (a mistake - - should have taken the trail ). This was a fantastic ride and I would love to go back one day to ride it again on my way to Tsali, this time from the bottom up.	Overall Rating:

Mike from Fayetteville, NC Date: May 2, 2002 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: The trails range from easy to extreme. Some double track but mostly single. There is about 30 miles of trails and every trail is well worth the drive. Clear creek trail is probably the best because of it's tight downhill decent, turn the bike around and it is a grueling climb. Definetly worth five wheelies!	Overall Rating:

IcePick from Cleveland, TN Date: April 23, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: This is supposed to be a trail review not a forum. So get off your soap boxes and quit whinning about "trail maintenance" and "I have a wife and kids too". Stop volunteering if it bothers you so badly.	Overall Rating:

Brother Gene from Jacksonville FL Date: April 15, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: If you live here you should thank the good Lord for blessing you with some GREAT single track, and ride it hard and often! Other recommended trails in the same area: I recommend riding with Jesus!
Review: We rode from the bottom to the falls, and back down! On the way down I got a flat and had given my hydro pac to my dad who was hiking... no co2 and no patch... I stuffed my rim full of leaves and rode it out. I had to keep it under 15 but it was better than walking... I felt cheated so the next day before we left town I cheated and started at the top from a recreation area and got to bomb the hill. Kudos to the trail maintenance crew, and all the great people we met on the trail, and at the trail head. It dont get no better... folks. Maybey a diffrent flavor but no better!	Overall Rating:

Don from Dalton Ga. Date: April 2, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: All of them..... Other recommended trails in the same area: Bear Creek, Iron Mountain, Sumac Creek, River Loop, Flat Creek, Edwards Point, Mountaintown Creek. Heck, Ride them all
Review: Great trail system for every skill level. I have taken first timers up here as well as serious gear heads and have always had a blast.... Trails are currently in great shape, thanks to the hard work and dedication of volunteers and forest service folks..... the slickrock section has a butt kicking downhill section. Probably one of my favorites in the area. It rivals the Thompson Loop downhill section at Tsali. Come on up, and don't forget to also check out the whitewater center trail system....It is starting to get interesting....	Overall Rating:

TNRIDER from KNOXVILLE, TN Date: March 28, 2002 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: none Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: This is a Trail Review site, not a forum.	Overall Rating:

Alex Willliamson from Cleveland,TN,America Date: February 19, 2002 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: I have been on this trail it is fun.(clemer) I am ten. I ride with my dad on this trail. if you do not like to ride up hill bring to trucks have one bring you to the top and the other at the bottom.I rode from the bottom up and down. one way up it is about five miles. it might be tirering if you do not ride to much. If you ride alot it might not be a challenge to you. I had alot of fun on this trail, if you try it you might like it too. there are lots of other trails that you might want to start off on or try. HAVE FUN!!! Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: it was fun	Overall Rating:

Dylan from Date: December 12, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Azaelea to Clear Creek to Rim Rock to Clemmer to Benton falls to Slickrock entrance to upper Slick Rock back to Clemmer to Benton Falls to Red Leaf to Arbutus to Azaelea. Other recommended trails in the same area: Ya know, as the guy in charge of Volunteer trails maintenance on the Chilhowee trail system, it sickens me that there are individuals that believe that they are above and beyond the dreaded "Trail Maintenance". The statement that says "I have a Job, wife and kids" compiled with "My parents did'nt pay for all my stuff" trully aggitates me. Hmm I've a job that requires a minimum of sixty hours a week along with a secondary job on weeknights programming CNC systems. This is so that I can pay for what I have, as my parents did'nt pay for anything. Hmm something to think about....... If I may be so bold in saying, If you're gonna have the attitude that you're too important to do trail maintenance, Stay off my trails and dont ever think of coming back!!!!! Its people with that type of thinking that are the unknowing destructors of our lifestyle. Its people like that who have'nt a clue of even one of IMBA's trail rules. Its people like that who fuss and complain about parking fees, yet are not willing to step forward and help take care of the situation. Ya might as well be an old hateful, invalid granny who fusses about even the best things in her life. Hmm,now I'll step off my soapbox. Concerning the new trail within the Slickrock system, it'll be a blast!!! It'll be fast and one direction; Downhill!!! I'm looking forward to the completion of the trail.
Review: Good little warm up ride.	Overall Rating:

mtnbikingxtc from Cleveland Date: December 11, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Start at the parking lot on HWY 30 and ride up the Clemmer or the Clear Creek, then climb to the upper Slickrock and Naked Widow, then the Azalea and back down which ever trail you did not climb. Other recommended trails in the same area: Sumac Creek in N.GA., Many good trails at the Lula Lake Land Trust on Lookout MTN
Review: This trail is in excellent shape. The trail drains well and is fun to ride a day after a rain. THIS COULD ONLY HAPPEN WITH REGULAR TRAIL MAINTENANCE. I TOO HAVE A WIFE AND KIDS AND A JOB. ITS A FAMILY EVENT TO GO TO THE MOUNTAIN AND HELP OUT. JUST LIKE ANY OTHER COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER SERVICE WE DO AROUND TOWN (i.e. CHURCH EVENTS). We all reap the rewards. Where would this country be if we did not have some volunteering people in the 1770's wanting a better life? And besides, what is Tennessee known world wide as? THE VOLUNTEER STATE!! Be proud of your trails. Help them and enjoy them. The USFS is the best group of people around. There is so much they do in their own off time. Plus they are sent to other states to help fight forest fires. We are so lucky to have the Rangers we have in the Cherokee National Forest. Lets help the new trail system at the White Water Center. Seven new miles have been cut and need some fine tuning. JANUARY 26 2002, 9 AM. Contact the Chattanooga Bicycle Club http://www.chattbike.com	Overall Rating:

TC from Chattabouts Date: December 5, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Park at the bottom of Clemmer (off TN 30 which is off US 64 - right across from Parksville Lake Campground, which I think is cheaper than camping at Chilhowee, bongs notwithstanding). CLIMB up Clemmer! C'mon, it's hardly two miles to the top and after the initial grunt is a fairly easy climb, even for a fatass like me! Up on top, take your pick - I like Rimrock to Clear Creek to Azalea to Benton Falls and then to any combination of Slickrock loop/alt. The best is back down Clemmer where you can hit some whoops at 25+ mph! You could also go down Clear Creek from Rimrock to TN 30 if it is open. This is a very scenic part of the trail that has a cool cliff section (not particularly rideable in spots), then a killer fast downhill with more whoops! Other recommended trails in the same area: Whitewater Center, Sylco Creek, Caney Creek
Review: First let me just say that it takes a certain dedicated mountain biker to get involved with trail maintenance/building. Some of us have a passion for it as it provides more time in the great outdoors, and helping to provide recreational fun for hundreds if not thousands of others is very rewarding to us. To gripe and be demeaning when someone suggests that you give it a try is to demonstrate a shallowness that unfortunately is all too common among "work hard - play hard" folks in this country. Just keep your mouth shut unless it is to express thanks to those who have helped provide something that you get to use at a most excellent cost/fun ratio. Anyway - Chilhowee is the jewel of the Ocoee region - great beginner to intermediate singletrack, doubletrack, fire and jeep roads. Something for everyone, and with new mileage at the Whitewater Ctr, I will be driving to Tsali a lot less. Beware (or completely avoid)the Benton Falls area on weekends in nice weather - it is usually full of hikers that for some reason are clueless as to what to do when a cyclist says "On your left!". Also be courteous and encouraging to the many families who bring kids to bike the nice doubletrack near the campgrounds, politely reminding them that children under 16 are required by TN law to wear a helmet, and that it's not a bad idea for themselves as well (pardon my bike weenie on his soapbox). Ride Chilhowee! Pay the exhorbitant fee! Help build/maintain trails anywhere, anytime! Go to work! Kiss the wife and kids before you go ride (or do trail maintenance/building)! Pay those college loans! Cherish well your thoughts, and keep a tight grip on your bars! Peace, TC	Overall Rating:

trailrunner from knoxvegas Date: November 13, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Dollar Bill,trail maint.?Heck fire budy when you have a JOB,wife,and child trail maint. is the last thing on my long list to do.My ma and pa did not pay for my school,financial support,etc...quit wacking it and get a life!	Overall Rating:

dollar bill from chattanooga Date: November 10, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: i have recommended a route earlier. Other recommended trails in the same area: iron mtn.,sumac creek,sylco
Review: i just wanted to post an update to the ongoing work on the new section of the slickrock trail. starting nov.11th we will begin construction of the forth section of this trail. this new trail, which will enable us to ride all four sections without doubling back, will begin at the wildlfe field (on the left-hand side) at the end of the original slickrock trail. we finished flagging the trail just today (the 10th). the trail will be made up of two old service roads joined by side-hilling across a long, steep ridge. it will have fast bermed turns, whoop-dee-doos,rock gardens,drop-offs, really a little of everything. one thing i'd like to comment on. an earlier post complained about the rangers work (or lack of it) and i'd like to set the record straight. the rangers have been building new trails for us to ride at the whitewater center. they have built about 8 miles of new trails so far- this is in addition to clearing about 1200 or 1300 trees killed by those #!** pine beetles. instead of complaining, everyone is welcome to donate their time at trail maintenance.	Overall Rating:

nitz from Durango Date: November 4, 2001 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: GPS, Map or call for directions, - jerky. Other recommended trails in the same area: Horse Gulch, Stacy's Loop, Perins Pass, Kokopelli, Purgatory- Hermosa Creek.
Review: Uh.... dude, Next time you post, do a spell check, junior. You must have had your bong along side you when you posted---cause' your sh** is sloppy. We had no trouble getting on trail and riding 3 straight hours. Hey, we'll even meet you up there and take you around. Don't be scared, it'll be cool, we promise, suffer boy. As a matter of fact, bring your gat- we'll jack' them rangers and drive back in one of those trucks you mentioned. later, Nitz	Overall Rating:

Trail runner from Tn Date: May 8, 2001 Trail Ridden: Every few months
Recommended Route: Any Other recommended trails in the same area: Tsali they don't have pine bettles.
Review: Well if the forest service people would do there job instead of running around all day in there 2001 brand new full size air conditioned trucks,these trails might get to re-open one day.Oh and i really like the price per spot on those camp sites!18.00 please.And closed trails.Now i see how you guys got those trucks.And what the hell is with the 3.00 trail usage fee.It is only2.00 at Tsali and a hell of alot better riding.You mo fo's are crooks.Oh and i like the sign no Alcohol allowed,wright for 18.00 i ought to be able to bring my bong along to!Get real,this is as expensive as 6-flags!or is it 6flags over Ocoee?	Overall Rating:

the white devil from marble, nc Date: April 22, 2001 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: Other recommended trails in the same area: hanging dog, 40 miles east
Review: bad news. all chilhowee mtn rec. trails have closed indefinitely due to the southern pine beetle infestation. the beetles have supposedly made the trails unsafe from falling trees. forest service is at work rectifying the situation but it will take some time. work did not start soon enough to avoid me making the trip only to discover they were closed. even if i wanted to scoff the closures, trees have been felled across the trails by work crews. i believe the trails were closed around 4/10/01. for the record, the ocoee ranger district should not be blamed for its heavy handiness. trail users should consider checking and updating this site as needed.	Overall Rating:

greg from seymour Date: February 1, 2001 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: Any Other recommended trails in the same area: all
Review: All good!There is a bike festival here 4-14&15 that is alot of fun.details are on Chattanooga mtb page.use your search engine.	Overall Rating:

Shawn from Durham Date: November 28, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Up Clemmer to Benton Falls. Continue up Benton Falls to Slick Rock. Slick Rock to Naked Widow. Naked Widow to Clemmer. Back down Clemmer to Rim Rock. Rim Rock to Clear Creek. Clear Creek to Dry Route. Dry Route back to Clemmer. Back down Clemmer to parking lot. Other recommended trails in the same area: There is a camp ground at the top of the mountain. The Tsali trail system in NC is just over an hour away as well as the trails at Fontana.
Review: Park at the parking lot and pay $2. If the lot is full there are a couple of spots to park along Hwy 30. Big game hunting season is open now so be sure to wear some bright orange. The route I took was about 16.5 miles and it took me 2hrs. The trails here are GREAT. The long climb up Clemmer and Benton Falls is worth the effort. There are stream crossings on most of the trails. Lots of fun little jumps on Slick Rock. The water fall that is just a short hike off Benton Falls trail is nice. There is a very rocky section on Clear Creek with lots of exposure that I could ride through half of without walking. There were logs to bunny hop and lots of technical sections as well as double track to ride. The trails were a lot of fun and not very crowded. I only saw 3 other bikers the whole time I was out on the trails but I went in the morning.	Overall Rating:

Cary from Jackson, MS Date: September 13, 2000 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: For an epic ride--take Azaela from the trailhead then tie back in to Benton Falls(on Arbutus maybe?)and check out the falls, then down Clemmer and take left on Rim to Clear Creek to Hwy 30. Climb up Clemmer and finish off with Slickrock. This took us about 4.5 hrs and was a great ride. Probably not a good route for Beginners--Azaela and Benton Falls are pretty easy and Slickrock is maybe a little harder but both good for Beginner to Intermediate. These are also on top of the mountain so no long climbs. Other recommended trails in the same area: Tsali is a little over an hour away for fast, fun riding and a great campground(everyone there is a mtn biker--you'll make friends), Cheoah Bald(a 6.5 mile fire road climb near Tsali--great if you're into long climbs like I am and has good views), I hear that Tanasi is good but havent been yet.
Review: This trail system has it all--Rocky stream crossings, rock gardens, rocky technical sections and a long hike a bike(unless your crazy enough)on a cliffside on Clear Creek. Also lots of jumps and fast downhills and a 3 mile climb. Check out the Scenic Spur. Be advised it is hiking only but the waterfall at the end may be worth the walk. Of course you can also see your normal rhododendron tunnels and that sort of thing. Chilhowee is probably the best trail I have ever ridden--we finished off a 5 day camping/riding trip there after Tsali and will definitely be back for more. The campground is nice($12 per night) and close to other outdoor action at the Ocoee. Also thanks to Doug from Scott's Bikes in Cleveland who we saw at the trailhead. He gave my buddy a link after he broke his chain and enabled us to ride the next day without a trip to town first. Ride this trail!!!	Overall Rating:

kevin from Chatt Date: August 29, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Azaelia to Clear Creek to Rim to Benton falls to upper slickrock to parking area. Other recommended trails in the same area: Iron Mnt. Sumac creek
Review: Last year I rode almost every week here. Then I took a 6 month break from the area. Fell in love with exploring new and different trails. I came back today. It has become bumpier as more roots and rocks are becomming uncovered. My favorite parts are the rocks on Azaelia, the whoops on the rim, the climb out on the rim, the rocks and the switchbacks on Slickrock. These are not groomed trails! They can send you out for a dirt sandwich if your skills are flat. I ride a hardtail, but these trails would feel better on a full suspension rig.	Overall Rating:

Greg from Chattanooga, TN Date: June 1, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Clear Creek both ways! Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: I prefer to start at the parking area at the bottom of the mountain, head over to clear creek and go up that way. I also prefer to come down clear creek. Hint--adjust your brakes before coming down. You will need them. Very fast with some technical sections. Slickrock at the top is very nice, but is not marked very well in some places where the trail follows fire roads for short sections. Clemmer is easier to climb and decend, mostly because about 1/3 of the elevation gain is on fire road with gravel which I don't enjoy.	Overall Rating:

Dylan Mantooth from Cleveland, TN Date: May 31, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: I personally prefer to start at the bottom of clemmer on HWY 30, ride up to the Benton falls trail up to the upper parking lot, jump on Azalea to Red Leaf then to Arbutus. Next get back on the Benton falls trail going back down the mountain, intersect with Slick rock (Short route), climb back up slick rock (this is backwards), catch all the whoopdee doo's and berms coming down, re-intersect with the Benton falls trail which becomes Clemmer and head back down the mountain. Other recommended trails in the same area: The Chestnut Mountain Loop up at the Ocoee Whitewater Center.
Review: This is a fun ride that I can finish in just about two hours. I'm more of a technical rider so henceforth I'm slower. I know others can probably ride this faster. Watch out for a couple of the creek crossings after a good rain, they are deeper than they look, of course a bath never hurts. Bill rogers (CBC)trail route (the review is on down the page) looks pretty interesting as well. For goodness sakes folx, wear a friggin helmet. My helmet is the only thing that kept me from receiving some serious injuries on Clemmer.	Overall Rating:

Bragg from Nashville Date: May 30, 2000 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Any. Get a map and do them all. Other recommended trails in the same area: Tsali, Pigsah I hear are great, but I am hooked on Ocoee(Chilohowee)
Review: Go planning to camp. You will want ride it all again the next day. The camping is good, as well as the local Mountain Biking Hospitality, if you need any idea as where to go or the best way anything find the Fat Tire Farm on Hwy 64 these guys will assist you. It rained pretty hard and within a couple hours the trails were back in great shape. Not too crowded. Clemmer, Slick Rock, Clear Creek and Red Leaf are all fast, with the exception of the climb on Clemmer. Best trails I've ridden in Tennessee. Not very technical, but man they are fast. I will be back soon.	Overall Rating:

Dave from K-town Date: February 28, 2000 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Whatever Other recommended trails in the same area:
Review: Why doesn't anybody call this place by it's real name: Chilhowee Mountain? It is a lot of fun, I just get annoyed by people calling it Ocoee, which is actually a freakin' river, which we all know you can't ride on.	Overall Rating:

Todd from Michigan Date: February 9, 2000 Trail Ridden: Please Select
Recommended Route: Up Clemmer & down Clear Creek and vice-versa. Hit the other loops like Slickrock etc... Other recommended trails in the same area: ???
Review: Very nice trail network, lots of climbing, fast downhills. Could be marked a little better though. I had a blast!!!!	Overall Rating:

ray from chattanooga, tn Date: December 28, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: Lots of routes to take. Other recommended trails in the same area: Edward's Point, Pigeon Mt.
Review: Great trails. Must do them all. (Rim, Slick rock, Clemmer). The Clear Creek is really tough. Must start at the bottom and take Clemmer to the top.	Overall Rating:

Cindy Akins from Cleveland, TN US Date: December 20, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: I recommend starting at the campground and riding Azeliea to Arbutus trail that will take you to Redleaf trail take a turn on Benton falls trail and then you will get on Slickrock trail. Ride Slick rock and then it ends in different places however the best is ending on CLimmer. Then take Climmer down and then ride it back up. Other recommended trails in the same area: I recommend Rim trail,clearcreek, and local Ocoee white water center trails. Theres more than just bear paw trail at the White Water Center.
Review: Azeliea trail is fast and there are a few technical places to get through. Slickrock trail is moderately challenging with very technical sections and couple of good climbs. Fun to night ride and stop in the grassy fields and view the stars. Climmer if beginner start in granny gear! Rocky ,rutty , and good down hill. Has great views of mountains. I also recommend these trail night riding to. Make sure your out by 11p.m. the gate closes.	Overall Rating:

bill rogers from chattanooga Date: October 29, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: my favorite route is a little different from what i've read here.i start on azalea, then take clear creek down the mountain. at the end of the downhill on clear creek, take the service road to the right. follow this to an intersection. here you can go either way, left to the parking lot or sraight, which will take you directly to the clemmer trail. after the 3-mile climb up clemmer, there is about 2 miles of rolling singletrack which climbs gently towards the campground. take the main entrance to the slickrock trail(named after the slickrock sream which flows through the area). the first section ends at a wildlife meadow. turn right and go up the grassy service road. at the top of this climb(just before the paved road) turn left at the trailhead. this is my favorite trail out here. there is a pretty strenuous climb with a nasty switchback at the top, followed by an interesting rock-garden. after this section, get ready for one of the fastest,sweetest singletrack downhills anywhere. at the end of the downhill there is another singletrack section, a bridge over a creek, another rock-garden, and yet another climb. after this climb, there is another terrific downhill which ends at a gravel road. turn left and follow this road until you see a trail on the left. this is sometimes called the "naked widow loop". from here it is all uphill until you get back to the wildlife meadow where you started. go straight across the meadow and ride the slickrock trail back to the clemmer trail.( a note here-a new section of this trail is being planned. this will give us a new way to return to clemmer, rather than doubling back on slickrock.) Other recommended trails in the same area: rim-rock
Review: following this route will give you all the workout you could want.it's about 18 miles long with lots of challenging climbs and some of the fastest, ear-to-ear grinning downhills you'll ever see in one place. there are also enough technical sections to keep your interest. all in all, a truly awesome place to ride.	Overall Rating:

charles lane from chattanooga Date: August 14, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: same as above to get to the park , see my review for the best route , and if you don't like it eat me !! Other recommended trails in the same area: tsali , white water
Review: this trail sustem is a blast . start at the bottom parking lot and take clemmer to the top , once you come to the barton trail that runs beside the waterfall keep going up . this eventually turns into a fire road and brings you to the swimming area . ride all the way up there and get some water you just climbed about six miles congrats . find the azalea trail head which is off of the road leading to the campsites from the parking lot . azalea will run into clear creek . follow clear creek to rim rock , and be careful going down rim rock . it has some waterbars on it and i jumped one into a low tree branch and about knocked myself out. once you get off rim rock you are back on the barton creek or the fire road trail take a right and go back up to the swimming area . once you come to slick rock take it until you get back to clemmer then enjoy the decent back to your car. i enjoy azalea and clear creek more than any of the others . if you like roots and rocks you ' ll love those two . when i think of single track that is what i think of . im giving it five because it is so fun . there are some good jumps built into the trails . once you learn the trails it is pretty easy in my opinion . i will say last week i ate it pretty hard coming down clemmer , a real nice endo in a rut going about 30 . lotsa nice looking scabs and scrapes . i haven't been all the way down clear creek yet , but i have heard it is a nice decent with sharp switchbacks . it is the next thing to do on my ocoee list beside go to the white water park where they are building some serious trails .	Overall Rating:

Ryan Danell from Chapel Hill, NC Date: July 6, 1999 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: I parked in the lot at the intersection of rt. 64 and 30, it costs 2 bucks to park here, vs. on the street and as my friend always says, "it supports the park." The ride up Clemmer from here, while tough, is well worth it and I would encorage all to start at the BOTTOM. I road all the way up Clemmer to the camp ground, then took slickrock (not sure where this name came from - nothing like Utah) to the left when riding up. I continued straight on the main trail at the wilderness field, took at left at the bottom on RD 5050, then a right heading down Clemmer again. I then took a left a short way down onto Rim Rock, over to Clear Creek. I road up Clear Creak (left as well) to Arbutus and then Red Leaf back to Clemmer (the next two lefts). I then took Clemmer all the way down. This route was about 19 miles, and involved about 2000 ft. of total climbing, but it really did not feel like that much. Other recommended trails in the same area: Gotta hit Tsali for the real deal in single track.
Review: These trails are really great. I went and sketched the map at the base just in case, but with a planned route, like that above, you should be able to find the trails just fine. Everything is marked very well, so it is hard to get lost or miss a turn, as long as you keep an eye out. I road these trails after eastern TN had been hit pretty hard with rain and while this made the stream crossings at the top of Clemmer and on Rim Rock a blast (the had rock bottom would make these rideable in even a few feet of water - the deepest I observed was about one foot), the rest of the trail was in great condition, except for a little mud on top of the jumps on Clemmer and S-rock. The loop up to Slickrock and then simply down Clemmer would be a nice shorter ride as well, although the solitude on Clear Creek (for some reason it looks like very few people ride out here) is a welcome addition. I was also very impressed with how many trails were open and so enjoyable on a mountain bike. The bridges on clear creek even had ramps on both sides over 1/2 of the stairs!! Finally, I heard a comment that these were the best single track trails around and I would probably disagree. A fair number of these trails are not really single track, but converted logging roads that have grown in, however, the single track that is there is a blast. Overall, a must ride if in the area, just for the water crossings and the high speed decent back to your car.	Overall Rating:

greg lovelace from knoxville,tn Date: May 19, 1999 Trail Ridden: Ridden Once
Recommended Route: Ridden once.went camping there.had a great time this place has it all.great climbs,singletrack,logging roads,and even swimming for when your done with a day of riding.we rode slick rock,cleemer,up and down;azalea,rim rock and god only knows what else.It is a fantastic place to ride and get away.i favored this place over tsali for the crowds and the climbs,over some of pisgah even though pisgah is hard to beat,probally for the mountain water beach swimming area abd over big south fork for the lack of sandy trails.if you have not been to ocoee you need to go! Other recommended trails in the same area: I THINK THEY ARE WORKING ON TRAILS IN THE MOUNTAINS UP BEHIND THE WHITE WATER OLYMPIC CENTER.
Review: SAME AS ABOVE.	Overall Rating:

Mike Barron from Collegedale, TN Date: February 19, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a month
Recommended Route: If you want just downhilling fun, take 2 or more vehicles and park some at the bottom, then go to the top and take clemmer down. If you want to earn the downhill, start at the bottom. Also try Azalea trail at the lake parking lot at the top--excellent singletrack. Other recommended trails in the same area: Gee Creek campgrounds just N, on the Hiwassee river. Horse trails, and Oswald Dome trail as well (may be hikers only)
Review: These trails offer the best this area has to offer--6 mile uphill/downhill, jumps, tight singletrack as well as wide open, 30 mph descents. The park is ever-expanding their biking trails, so look for new ones each time you go.	Overall Rating:

Alan Brown from Paducah KY Date: February 12, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a year
Recommended Route: Get maps at USFS Ranger's Station at base of mountain. Spend a weekend and try them all. Several loops possible but they all look somewhat alike so carry the map. Other recommended trails in the same area: Tsali is only about an hour away, but heck Ocoee is just about as good and less crowded.
Review: Rode there twice this year (one race) and have been on most of the trails. Riding was great and most of the trails are well marked. Can be some brutal climbs depending on direction taken. Nice but busy campground at top of mountain. Nice swimming lake with sand beach.	Overall Rating:

Fat Cat from Ringgold GA Date: February 2, 1999 Trail Ridden: Once a week
Recommended Route: Clemmer to slickrock Other recommended trails in the same area: Whitewater Trail
Review: Could spend a whole week up there at a time. Perfection.	Overall Rating: