There are sections that riding is allowed. Look on the Conservancy website. Having hiked from Amicalola falls to Springer mtn, I can't imagine someone being able to safely ride it. Esp with gear. That's a pretty tough climb on foot much less on bike. It's almost like a rough ship's ladder.

At least in Ga, it goes close to an army ranger base. The rangers use the area for training. You want to mess with them? Knowing a couple of guys there, I'm sure they would have something to say about riding it.

As for responsible riding? I continuously see people riding irresponsibly in the natural parks around here. It's naive to assume that a rider and hiker would always pass each other without incident. The trail was made for hikers, and should be left that way.