[Al.]

I rode Bear Creek a couple of weeks ago, and noticed a new trail. As you ride up the Bear Creek trail from the parking lot, towards the Gennet Poplar, this trail splits off to the left.

Does anyone know where it goes? Is it a bike trail? Any info would be appreciated. I am going up on Friday for the Tour of Georgia, planning to ride Bear Creek after, and would like to ride this trail. (if it's legal)

 

[Duckman]

Yes, its bike legal. Thats a new section of the Pinhoti network. The best way to use it, is do the normal Bear creek, being for most, its an 'in and out' up the main trail...to the lookout...then up to the upper TH, then back down the switchbacks, and then back down the way you came. But when you get to that trail again(just after the creekcrossing past the Poplar)..take a right(up)on the new trail. It goes aprox(I have not been on it yet, but was just up there riding last Thursday and talked saw/talked to the local bike shop owner being Mike at the Carticay bike shop, and asked this very question. We had a tired dog with us, so we didn't do the trail/FS rd mileage) 4 extra miles, sorta up and over the ridgeline...heading back towards the same FS road that goes up to the lookout. Ride it to the FS road, then just turn left and smoke back down it and too your car, since you had already otherwise ridden most all the singletrack back down to the lower TH anyway. He said the trail is beautiful, and well worth the effort. Adds about 5 more miles to the ride for 17 miles, which is badly needed IMHO.

Duck

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[Al.]

Thanks for the info!

I will check this out and report back. I guess I will be forced to learn how to post a picture or two...

Thanks Duck.

Al

 

[TurnerXCE]

I rode Bear Creek a couple of weeks ago, and noticed a new trail. As you ride up the Bear Creek trail from the parking lot, towards the Gennet Poplar, this trail splits off to the left.

Does anyone know where it goes? Is it a bike trail? Any info would be appreciated. I am going up on Friday for the Tour of Georgia, planning to ride Bear Creek after, and would like to ride this trail. (if it's legal)

Its the Pinhotti trail.
Saw it and rode it last year and it was fun!
First initial climb is slow but the trail becomes a beautiful rollercoaster afterwards
with alot of speed. Great work to the Ellijay trail workers!

After maybe 4-5 miles it'll put you on the gravel road that takes you up to Potatoe Patch mountain if you make a right. Make a left as you exit the trail and this will take you back to your car if you've parked on the road. Or you can do it as an out and back. This will have more climbing this way.

Enjoy!

 

[p0Ke'[email protected]]

Added thanks.....

Yes, its bike legal. Thats a new section of the Pinhoti network. The best way to use it, is do the normal Bear creek, being for most, its an 'in and out' up the main trail...to the lookout...then up to the upper TH, then back down the switchbacks, and then back down the way you came. But when you get to that trail again(just after the creekcrossing past the Poplar)..take a right(up)on the new trail. It goes aprox(I have not been on it yet, but was just up there riding last Thursday and talked saw/talked to the local bike shop owner being Mike at the Carticay bike shop, and asked this very question. We had a tired dog with us, so we didn't do the trail/FS rd mileage) 4 extra miles, sorta up and over the ridgeline...heading back towards the same FS road that goes up to the lookout. Ride it to the FS road, then just turn left and smoke back down it and too your car, since you had already otherwise ridden most all the singletrack back down to the lower TH anyway. He said the trail is beautiful, and well worth the effort. Adds about 5 more miles to the ride for 17 miles, which is badly needed IMHO.

Duck

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For you and Turner's info on the "Pinhoti bike connector" at Bear Creek....not to be confused with the "Pinhoti hike-only trail" that leads up the mountain from near the loop connector trail. This new bike route will just make a great trail ever better. And thanks for your thread and pics in Passion on Bear....it captures the essence of N.Ga. riding. I was talking to Robert McBride of EMBA while walking/riding what there is of the Woodring Branch, and he thought there would be final connections of the Bear-Pinoti system. Anyone know about this? Thanks Tom