MOUNTAIN BIKING: Hickory Nut

Single Tracks →

Description

Described by some as one of the most difficult rides in all of Georgia, from
what I've seen, they're probably right. Of all of the rides that I have done
east of the Rockies, this ride best embodies the Northwest Montana
mountain biking school of thought: climb a very long ways up a fireroad,
because the descent is way too steep, rocky, and nasty to even conceive of
climbing. The only difference is, the views in Montana and the singletrack
quality are significantly better. Anyhow, from Woody's, take a right onto
Hwy 356, then a right on Hwy17/75 and in about a mile a right onto FS 79.
You are going to climb FS 79 for about 8 or 9 miles and gain 2,500 ft in
elevation. It is always a good thing when you can feel your ears pop on a
mountain bike!! You will know when you reach the top (Tray Gap). Be
careful, do not jump on any of the singletrack crossing the road as you
climb: it's the Appalachian trail, and is highly illegal. The top is a big
parking lot-ish area, continue straight across and begin descending on FS
79. While the climb was relatively maintained, the descent on the backside
is washed out, and just busting with rocks! I don't remember the last time
I have seen this many rocks. (Bring your suspension.)Bust down this
stinking sweet descent, hang a right at the T, and keep going until you
reach a spot where it looks like the road ends and fourwheeler trails take
off to either side. Continue straight across the area and pick up the 5 mile
piece of gnarly, overgrown, concentration-requiring singletrack and keep
rocking down this amazing downhill! When it ends :( hang a left on the
pavement, and a right on 356 to head back down to Woody's. Woody's
offers a shuttle for up to 4 people at the cost of $100 if you don't want to
do the climb. But then that would make you a wussy. So anyhow, long
story short, this is a freaking epic ride, get out and do it!

Directions

From Helen, drive north about a mile, and hang a right on Hwy 356 towards <br />Unicoi State Park, and hang a left into Woody's and park there.