Ellijay has quietly become a mountain bike town. The national forest land north and west of town has long forest-road climbs, rooty singletrack and fast descents, and riders base themselves here for weekend trips. You can even finish the day at a bike shop that doubles as a brewery.

Here are the main rides, with distances from the Forest Service and trail guides. Conditions change after storms, so check alerts before you go.

Bear Creek

The signature ride near Ellijay. The Bear Creek Trail is a 6.7-mile loop in the Chattahoochee National Forest, and bike routes built around it run from about 6.6 to 8.5 miles depending on the variant. Expect creek crossings, rocky and rooty descents and a long climb on forest road.

The trail passes the Gennett Poplar, a tulip poplar more than 100 feet tall and roughly 18 to 20 feet around at the base, about 0.8 to 0.9 mile from the trailhead. Hikers share the trail, especially near the tree, so slow down and say hello.

Best for: intermediate riders. Beginners can manage it with patience and some walking.

Pinhoti Trail sections

The Pinhoti is a long-distance trail that runs from Alabama into Georgia, and several sections near the Cohutta area are open to bikes. Riders often link Pinhoti sections with Bear Creek into bigger days. Mulberry Gap is a popular trailhead base for these routes.

Best for: strong intermediate and advanced riders looking for big miles.

Windy Gap

Windy Gap is the leg-burner: about 5 miles one way with roughly 2,000 feet of elevation change. Most riders climb it on forest road or shuttle and descend the trail, which is rocky and steep in places. It is closed to bikes from January through March each year.

Best for: advanced riders.

Fort Mountain State Park

Fort Mountain, west of Ellijay on GA-52, lists about 27 miles of biking trails. It is a good choice when you want park facilities like restrooms and a lake to cool off in afterward. A ParkPass is required.

Best for: mixed groups and riders who want shorter loops.

Trail etiquette and safety

  • Yield to hikers and horses. On shared trails, call out early.
  • Stay off wet trails when they are soft enough to leave ruts.
  • Know the boundary. Bikes are not allowed in the Cohutta Wilderness, including the trails to Jacks River Falls.
  • Hunting seasons. Much of the national forest is open to hunting in fall. Wear bright orange and check Georgia Wildlife Resources Division season dates.
  • Bring tools and water. Cell service is spotty and help can be a long way off.

After the ride

Downtown Ellijay has food and drink within a short walk of the square. Cartecay Bike Shop Brewery combines a bike shop and a taproom. See the downtown Ellijay guide and our list of wineries and cideries.

Sources and further reading

Facts in this article were checked against these sources on October 30, 2026. Hours, fees and seasons change, so confirm before you go.