Amicalola Falls State Park

[tbdean]

I'll be going to Amicalola Falls State Park on March 3rd. Anyone know any good (non-MTB) routes up there?

I'm staying in the cottages, it looks like I have access to the 52, I don't know if bikes are allowed on that road or not. If not, I can borrow someone's car and drive a bit.

I'm looking for something 20 - 40 miles. Nothing extremely hilly. Preferably something that takes advantage of the scenery. I have my first century two weeks later, I want to make sure I'm not slacking off.

Thanks.

[ModoVincere]

I would not advise riding on 52. It is a curvy 2 lane road with little to no shoulder. People drive way too fast on it and going around curves they might not see you in time. It would be kind of dangerous IMO. I think GA 75 over around Helen may be a safer route for riding on. This is just a suggestion though, as I have not ridden up there myself. I have seen several cyclist riding around there though.

[cnkjr]

I think you are going to have a hard time finding something that is not "extremely hilly." Amicalola is the jumping off point for the Appalachain Trail, and as most hikers will tell you the area is full of PUDS--pointless up and downs

[gapowermike]

Helen-Hogpen-Jacks-Unicoi-Helen is a great circle that I'll be riding next month. There is a little handbook about riding in the North Georgia Mountains but I can't remember where I placed it. It spoke of rides in Elijay and Dahlonega so I'm sure there is a decent ride that you can partake in without 'caging' for 30 minutes.

I'll see if I can find it,

Michael

[tbdean]

Helen-Hogpen-Jacks-Unicoi-Helen is a great circle that I'll be riding next month.

Oh man, I figured I'd give Wolf Pen a shot towards the end of summer - it's not too far from me. But Hogpen, isn't that the worst one?

[cnkjr]

Out of the gaps named Hogpen is the steepest. But if you live in Lawrenceville then you're about as close to that ride sitting at home as you would be starting frmo Amicalola Falls. What's your idea of extremely hilly? 2000 feet of climbing? 5000 feet? 100 feet?

[tbdean]

I do 1000 feet over 16 miles on my daily route, and 2000 feet over 30 miles during my Saturday group ride. Although the group ride still has two hills that kill me, these are starting to feel pretty flat. I think 5000 feet would be 'extremely hilly'.

Mon - Fri: http://www.routeslip.com/routes/13043
Sat: http://www.routeslip.com/routes/22154