Atlanta’s mountain biking scene offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a quick after-work ride or planning a full weekend adventure. This guide breaks down the best trails based on when you’re most likely to ride them.

This guide is a work in progress, and I’ll be adding more content over time. I’ve ridden these all many times of course, but dont have pictures of them all yet.

Weekday Rides (ITP & Close-In)

These trails are perfect for after-work sessions or quick rides when time is limited. All are either inside the perimeter or just outside, making them accessible for most Atlanta residents within 30 minutes.

Southside Park

Atlanta’s only official ITP mountain bike trails, Southside Park packs serious punch into a compact package. With about 8 miles of singletrack ranging from flowy beginner trails to legitimately technical rocky sections, it’s become a favorite for after-work sessions and skills development. What sets it apart is its raw, old-school handcut feel - a refreshing change from the machine-built flow trails that dominate the area.

Read the full Southside Park trail report

Riverwalk Atlanta

Hidden behind Whittier Mill Park along the Chattahoochee, these volunteer-maintained trails offer a uniquely adventurous experience within the city limits. The unmarked, informal nature of the trails adds to their charm - every ride feels like exploration. The trails transform dramatically with the seasons, from spring wildflower carpets to late summer’s shoulder-high vegetation.

Read the full Riverwalk trail report

Sope Creek

• Scenic Chattahoochee River location
• Technical rocky terrain
• Historic paper mill ruins
• Connected to Cochran Shoals

N. Cooper Lake (& Comet Vomit)

• Smyrna’s technical playground
• Famous Comet Vomit descent
• Rocky, challenging terrain

Weekend Adventures (Up to 1 Hour Out)

When you have more time to spare, these trail systems offer expanded riding options worth the drive. Each offers unique terrain and challenges that justify the journey.

Cochran Mill

Just outside Atlanta proper, Cochran Mill offers some of the most natural-feeling trails in the metro area. Two main loops - the intermediate Yellow Trail (5.7 miles) and more technical Red Trail (6.1 miles) - provide distinctly different experiences while maintaining that authentic cross-country singletrack feel. The trails feature scenic waterfalls and are rarely crowded, making it feel more like a wilderness experience than a city park.

Read the full Cochran Mill trail report

Rope Mill

One of metro Atlanta’s premier mountain biking destinations, Rope Mill showcases modern trail building at its finest. From the beginner-friendly Explorer trails to the technical challenges of Avalanche, the system offers clear progression opportunities. The trails here are classic SORBA machine-built style, and being close to Blankets Creek makes it perfect for big combo days.

Read the full Rope Mill trail report

Blankets Creek

• Canton’s classic trail system
• Famous Quehl Holler downhill
• Variety from beginner to expert
• Well-maintained year-round

Big Creek

• Roswell’s flagship trail system
• Modern flow trails
• Progressive features
• Night riding permitted

Allatoona

• Lakeside trails
• Technical challenges
• Beautiful water views
• Less crowded option

Mt. Tabor

• Dallas’s hidden gem
• Raw, natural trails
• Technical challenges
• Tight, twisty singletrack

Note: Each trail system deserves its own detailed guide. More individual trail reports coming soon.