Fort Mountain State Park

Fort Mountain State Park - 07/28/09

This was our last "Muddy Spokes Club" bicycle ride. The park is located 8 miles or so east of Chatsworth (if that doesn't help you any, Chatsworth is maybe 15 miles east of Dalton). Anyway, this park is on a big mountain, in a beautiful part of the state. Take a little extra time and pull off at the scenic overlooks near the park.

There is a $2 charge per person to obtain permits to use the biking trails. The "Muddy Spokes Club" trail is the Gold Mine Loop, also known as the 303 trail. I knew this one was going to be tough because of the terrain, but it was surprisingly easy until the last mile or so, which was impossible...not just because it was all uphill, which it was, but also because it was very rocky and you couldn't get a lot of traction.

Your best bet is to get a map when you get your permit(s) and have someone highlight the route. You start out going clockwise on the loop marked as 301 on the map. It is mostly downhill for 5 or so miles...a few short climbs, but a lot of fun. You need to be careful just before you get to the 3 mile marker...there's a steep downhill and a hard right turn...if you miss the turn, you're in for a rough ride (or maybe a smooth ride through the air and a really rough landing). I had to lay my bike on the ground and slide to a stop to prevent going over the edge...Mark learned from my mistake and walked his bike down that hill. The 301 crosses paved roads at various places. At the third crossing, you make a right turn onto the paved road and you get a mile or so of riding on pavement. When you get to the camping areas, you need to start looking for the 303 trail on the left side of the road. When you see that, prepare yourself mentally for a mile of agony. From there back to the trailhead is nothing but uphill.

Click here for a few photos.

Donnie
Mark

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