TALKING ROCK GRAVEL

TALKING ROCK, GA

The 45 mile mixed-surface Talking Rock Gravel route is an absolute blast. Portions beg to be hammered and lots of climbing adds spice. The route starts one hour north of Atlanta and features impressive views of Rich and Burnt Mountains, meadows, orchards and genteel countryside. For those so inclined there’s even mid-ride charcuterie and tasting available at a winery right on the route.

This route is fun. We’re talking big grin, high-five fun. If there are gravel and paved equivalents to mountain bike “Flow” trails then some of these roads are it. Much of this route makes riders race each other just because. You won’t be able to help yourself.

The Talking Rock Gravel route shares a few roads with the Talona Creek route but starts further south and avoids the gnar inside the Rich Mountain WMA. The Talking Rock route is more genteel, but don’t confuse “Genteel” and “Fun” with easy.

Maps claim 4100 feet of climbing but most riders end with their GPS showing 4600 to 4800. There are many smaller climbs on this route but two are notable. The gravel Raven Cliff Rd climb comes early and is locally infamous – you will spend a minute or two at 12% and woe to those who climb it when the gravel is fresh! Yukon Rd climb comes late in the ride and pavement tilts up at 5% for about a mile. Twisty descents, fast sweepers and transitions from pavement to gravel and back again will test your technical skills. Of these, the descent on Price Creek Rd at mile 38.7 stands out with its perilous drop, hairpin, and long finish.

Sporadic logging and land cleared for livestock give this route a much more open feel than routes in the densely wooded national forests. Surprisingly “Big” scenery will suddenly pop into view when cresting a hill or rounding a bend. One particular view of Rich Mountain will have you on the brakes. Wineries, meadows, lakes, horse and cattle farms, dozens of creeks… There’s no shortage of things to look at. Even the store stop at mile 19 has lots of character.

The route starts at a gravel parking lot in the Talking Rock Nature Preserve. “Nature Preserve” is a actually a local term which roughly translates to “Mountain bike park.” Bigun’s Barbeque on highway 515 is an alternate starting point but private parking signs threaten towing so check with the owners before riding off. This is Georgia wine country and those so inclined may want to stop at the Ott Farm & Vinyard which is on the route at mile 29.

A great time for the Talking Rock Gravel route is in May when honeysuckle and ligustrum perfume the air and the meadows are full of yellow-tops. The orchards are gorgeous in April when the apple trees are in bloom. The mountains reveal themselves in winter when the leaves are off the trees – a special treat for those who venture into the cold.

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.