Paulding County, Georgia
| RIDE TYPE Road | DISTANCE 62.2 Miles | ASCENT 4351 Feet |
| COURSE Loop | TERRAIN Hills | SETTING Rural |
The Braswell Mountain Metric is a classic 100 km road route west from the Atlanta suburbs into rural Paulding County with one major climb over Braswell Mountain. The return east uses the most interesting section of the Silver Comet Trail including the 800 foot Brushy Mountain Tunnel and the 750 foot long Pumpkinvine Trestle which sits 125 feet above the Pumpkinvine Creek.
The Braswell Mountain Metric route has been known as such for close to 20 years. The route is a staple for some Southeast Cyclists and with good reason. As a classic road route it has a little bit of everything and in just the right proportions.
The route can be ridden in either direction but anti-clockwise is preferred for the long, stepped climb over Braswell Mountain toward the west. On the way you will feel almost weightless as you descend Harmony Grove Church Rd, hit two 12% kickers and carve beautiful Burt and Tibbits roads at more than 25 MPH.
Braswell Mountain Rd itself is somewhat of an enigma. Even on a gorgeous Saturday morning, the entire 8 miles can sometimes be ridden without encountering a single motor vehicle. Maybe all the motorists are on the main highway to the south.
The return east begins with 14 miles of what is undoubtedly the most interesting section of the Silver Comet Trail. Bisecting the Paulding Forest Wildlife Management Area, this portion of the 100% paved rail trail includes the Brushy Mountain Tunnel and the Pumpkinvine Trestle, both vestiges of the railroad which ran from 1897 to 1903. The flat trail is a counterpoint to the surrounding hills and is one of the longest paved trails in the United States.
The Braswell Mountain Metric route is worth the drive from anywhere near Atlanta. Those visiting the area should bring their bike and enjoy a taste of the area roads.
- Harmony Grove Church Road can be busy when school school is in session or when the local high school football games let out.
- Park anywhere along the route and ride it any direction. The map shows it started from the town of Acworth where there are several restauraunts and shops and ridden in the anti-clockwise direction.
- At least three convenience stores are directly on the route at miles 20, 31 and 51.
Terms of Use: Use of this route is at your own risk. This route map and associated route descriptions are believed correct at the time of publication but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. You assume all responsibility for 1) checking weather and road conditions, 2) knowing and obeying land use rules and restrictions, 3) knowing and obeying all rules of the road, 4) carrying and using proper safety and navigation equipment and, 5) knowing the limits of your physical ability. SoutheasCyclingRoutes.com, contributors and Timothy Hollingworth are in no way liable for personal injury, damage to personal property, or any other loss to individuals following this route or using information contained in the route map or description.
I followed this route on Sunday, March 14, leaving the Publix parking lot at 10:34am. The route was excellent overall. Here are two thoughts 1) At about mile 50, there is a hairpin turn onto Old County Farm Road. The cue sheet shows this as a turn onto North Industrial Boulevard. This is especially confusing because there is an Industrial Boulevard North 100 feet past Old County Farm Road. 2) The traffic along Due West and County Line Road, about the last 10 miles was moderate at 2pm on Sunday: the Varia radar reported 3 or more vehicles overtaking almost continuously. I wondered after the ride if, rather than the hairpin right following Gullege, it would have been better to bear left onto Seven Hills Boulevard and follow that to Seven Hills Connector to complete the loop. The finish at Publix is the best store stop: Boar’s Head sandwiches, two liters of lemonade, and chips for about $10.
Hi John. This is one of my personal standard routes and I’m glade you enjoyed it. Thanks for the feedback!
You are correct about North Industrial Rd vs County Farm Rd. OSM based maps show it as North Industrial Rd. Google maps shows it as Old County Farm Rd. The nearby road with a similar name doesn’t help. It’s a nice climb though, innit?
Seven Hills is a large development and can have lots of traffic. Seven Hills Blvd itself has a center divider and somewhat narrow lanes (traffic quieting) so it isn’t optimal. I ride it occasionally, mostly at night when traffic is light. The climb to Cedarcrest has to be done on the golf cart path IMO.
-Tim-
I logged into OSM and edited the street name. It should show up at some point.
I didn’t know you could do that.
Thanks!