Mountain Biking at Ft Yargo State Park

Within its impressive 1800 acres Fort Yargo State Park features 18 miles of scenic mountain biking and hiking trails that surround its beautiful 260-acre lake.  Its attractions also include camping, rental cottages, a disc golf course and even an 18th century log fort! The State Park is a convenient 45-minute drive from NE Atlanta (see detailed directions below).

BEGINNER 7 MILE LAKE LOOP:  After introductions and a brief "bike check" in the parking lot, we'll begin our riding with the 7-mile "inner loop" around the lake.  Suitable for mountain bikers of all experience levels, this route is wide, flat, very scenic, and makes a great warm-up for the longer loop. Bikers must yield to hikers (and fishermen) on this trail.  We'll then return to the parking lot for a break before starting the next loop.

OPTIONAL INTERMEDIATE TRAIL:  Our more experienced riders (and adventurous beginners) may then enjoy the 8 to 11 mile intermediate loop trail (we can tailor the distance as needed).  This loop is outside of the beginner loop, joining it in one or two places. It includes at least one long climb, some fun "whoop-de-doos" (sudden dips in the trail) and enough roots to keep you looking for that smooth line! Overall, we'd rate the outer trail as pure intermediate, with enough elevation change to keep your heart pumping and optional technical features to keep you interested. Comparable GA trails include the "Blankets Creek Dwelling" loop near Woodstock and the "Chicopee" main loop near Gainesville.

POST-RIDE "CURE FOR THE HUNGRIES!"  For all who might like to join Harry & Charlie for a well-deserved meal after the ride, there's a Ruby Tuesday restaurant (good salad bar) just outside the Park in Winder. Turn right out of park, restaurant is 0.6 miles on the left.

PARK FEATURES & SPECIAL NOTES:
• Free Park Trail Maps available in parking lot
• Free Online Park Trail Map: http://yaba.homestead.com/Trails.html
• Uni-Directional Trails (everyone goes same direction—a good safety feature!)
• Many scenic lake views along trails
• Convenient Restrooms
• $5 GA State Park Parking Fee (unless you display a valid annual pass).

DESTINATION ADDRESSES FOR USE WITH GOOGLE.COM/MAPS & GPS:
FT. YARGO STATE PARK ENTRANCE: 210 South Broad St, Winder, GA
BIKER PARKING LOT LAT/LON: 33.97937 N, -83.73446 W

DIRECTIONS FROM I-85/I-285 "SPAGHETTI JUNCTION" INTERCHANGE:
(It's about 34 miles each way -- about 45 minutes with normal traffic) 

1. Head northeast on I-85 North and go 10.2 miles 

2. Take I-85 Exit #106 to merge onto GA-316 eastward toward Lawrenceville/Athens and go 21.2 miles, 

3. Turn Left onto GA-81 N and go 3.0 miles,

4. Turn Right into Ft Yargo State Park.  Continue 0.4 mile to the trailhead parking lot on your left (across from the tennis courts).  Look for Harry's pea-green Element and Charlie's dark green Civic.

Free Event, but $5 Georgia State Park parking fee (cash, in self-serve envelope w/tear-off rear-view mirror receipt)