7 Most Bike-Friendly Towns in Georgia
If two-wheeled adventures are your thing, be sure to consider Georgia for your next cycling escape. Blessed with no end of bikeable landscapes along with a mild climate that makes year-round cycling doable, the 鈥淧each State鈥� boasts some of the most bike-friendly towns in the South. Perfect for both casual riders and diehards alike, these towns feature everything from gentle bike paths to dedicated mountain biking trails, along with cycling events that draw in visitors wanting to explore Georgia's natural beauty on two wheels.
Many of these towns also support local cycling clubs and businesses, making them hubs for the state鈥檚 thriving bike culture. Join us for a two-wheeled tour of these seven most bike-friendly towns in the beautiful state of Georgia.
Ellijay
Located in Gilmer County, the self-proclaimed 鈥淢ountain Bike Capital of Georgia," the lovely small town of Ellijay offers some of the best off-road cycling in the Southeast. Situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Ellijay is a magnet for mountain bikers wanting to test their skills on the area's challenging terrain. The nearby Cartecay and Bear Creek trails are popular choices, offering a heady mix of scenic beauty and technical difficulty that鈥檚 hard to match. In addition to its mountain biking trails, Ellijay hosts a family-friendly bike ride during its famous Georgia Apple Festival in October, a popular event that attracts cyclists and apple pickers from across the region.
Cycling-related businesses thrive in Ellijay, providing gear, rentals, and guided tours. Cartecay Bike Shop Brewery is a local favorite and offers bike sales and repairs for those hitting the trail, as well as aptly named beers such as The River Loop Dark Pilsner and the Rhodo Dark IPA, both named after local bike landmarks. Need a bike-friendly place to stay? Check out the awesome Ellijay River House luxury B&B or, for a cabin in the woods, the first-rate Gingershack Farms.
Senoia
Senoia鈥檚 Southern hospitality doesn鈥檛 just extend to sightseers. One of the prettiest small towns within an easy drive of Atlanta 40 miles to the north, Senoia throws out the red carpet for cyclists, too, with its flat terrain and accessible streets making it an ideal location for road biking. The Senoia Area Bicycle Club promotes a thriving cycling culture, offering leisurely group rides for all levels of cyclists along some outstanding scenic routes through pretty Coweta County greenways.
Beyond its bike paths, Senoia is a hub for film enthusiasts, too. The town has been the setting for numerous movies and TV shows, most notably the hit zombie show, The Walking Dead. The downtown area is also bike-friendly with local eateries and shops always throwing out a warm welcome to cyclists.
Blue Ridge
The pretty town of Blue Ridge in the North Georgia Mountains offers cyclists both scenic road routes and rugged mountain biking trails. The town is surrounded by national forests, with the Aska Adventure Area being a top spot for mountain bikers. These trails offer varying degrees of difficulty, ensuring there鈥檚 something for everyone. Blue Ridge鈥檚 trails are well-maintained and frequented by local cycling clubs such as the Blue Ridge Bicycle Club, which regularly organizes group rides and events.
The town鈥檚 commitment to cycling extends beyond its trails, with bike-friendly accommodations and businesses catering to two-wheeled travelers. Our favorite? Check out the historic Blue Ridge Inn Bed and Breakfast, a classy spot situated in the former home of a local railway tycoon, while outdoor adventure shops like Blue Ridge Mountain Outfitters supply everything a cyclist might need for an adventure.
St. Marys
Located on Georgia鈥檚 lovely southern shoreline, St. Marys offers cyclists a truly memorable coastal biking experience. This pretty seaside town features flat, easy-to-navigate streets, making it perfect for casual riders wanting to explore an urban area that鈥檚 safe to bike. Looking to explore further? Head to nearby Crooked River State Park for additional biking trails with beautiful marshland views and 500 acres to explore. St. Marys also serves as the gateway to Cumberland Island, where cyclists can take a ferry and explore the island's sandy trails on bikes.
Cycling events and tours are also a big thing here, with cyclists coming together to enjoy everything from sunset bike tours, and the popular Three Rivers Ride, a family-friendly ride with options for a 10-, 30-, 40-, and 62-mile route.
Covington
Covington鈥檚 bike-friendly downtown and surrounding areas provide an ideal setting for cyclists looking for scenic routes through Georgia鈥檚 historic heartland. The town鈥檚 Newton Trails system connects cyclists to local parks and neighborhoods via dedicated paths, offering no end of opportunities for bike-related adventures. The Eastside Trail in particular is popular with both locals and visitors and is regularly featured in group rides hosted by the Covington Bicycle Club.
Covington鈥檚 cycling culture is certainly supported by thriving local businesses offering rentals and repairs, including C Town Bikes and Brooks' Bike Shop of Covington. The town鈥檚 downtown square is bike-friendly, with plenty of caf茅s and shops where cyclists can stop for a break.
Peachtree City
Peachtree City鈥檚 location just 30 minutes drive south of Atlanta makes it an ideal spot for a 鈥済et-out-of-the-city鈥� day trip and bike ride. One of the most bike-friendly towns in Georgia for its extensive network of multi-use paths, cyclists certainly won鈥檛 get bored here. All told, over 100 miles of paved paths wind through neighborhoods, parks, and along its lakes, all manageable for cyclists of all skill levels.
Cycling clubs and events in Peachtree City keep the local bike culture thriving, with groups like the SouthSide Cycling Club regularly hosting rides for members and newbies alike. Need a little extra pedal power? Pedego Electric Bikes Peachtree City offers e-bike sales and rentals.
Cartersville
Cartersville鈥檚 Appalachian Mountain setting has certainly boosted its popularity among cyclists. This bike-friendly community is home to the Etowah River Trail, a scenic and easy 2.5-mile loop that can be completed in under an hour, including stops to admire the views. Prefer something more challenging? Head to the nearby Pine Mountain trails for a thrilling off-road adventure.
The cycling community in Cartersville is certainly an active one with local bike shops and clubs offering plenty of support for both novice and experienced riders. The Cartersville Bicycle Service & Supply store is a notable hub for cyclists and provides gear and fun organized events throughout the year.
The Final Word
Whether you鈥檙e a die-hard mountain biker or someone who prefers a leisurely, paved bike ride, Georgia鈥檚 diverse landscapes, from mountains to coastlines, provide an excellent backdrop for a fun cycling adventure. Each of these towns offers up unique opportunities for riders to explore the state鈥檚 natural beauty while also enjoying local culture and amenities. Whether you're seeking a rugged mountain adventure or a relaxed coastal ride, these seven most bike-friendly towns in Georgia cater to cyclists of all levels, making the state a prime destination for pedal-power enthusiasts.
