Cartecay Bike Shop - Carters Lake

Carters Lake (at the Ridgeway Recreation Area) - 5.6 miles; Skill level - Intermediate

This might be the longest 5 miles you ever ride.  There are almost no flat places on this trail (think roller coaster).  You are either climbing straight up or flying straight down.   It is a strenuous and often scary ride for beginners and intermediate riders.  Bring your lungs.  There is one very steep, slick descent with a hairpin turn to the left (don't miss or you are over the embankment).

Directions to trail:  Take Hwy 282/76 west from Ellijay (this is the road at the Dairy Queen intersection) approx. 6 miles to the Ridgeway Recreation Area sign on the left (brown sign); turn left and follow gravel road about 3 miles; when road becomes paved again, follow signs to boat ramp.  Bike parking lot will be on the left.  Trailhead is down the hill on the left.  The trail is very well marked and easy to follow.  There is one optional black diamond loop that adds a little extra, but comes right back into the main trail.

Click HERE to go to the MTBR.com reviews of this trail!