Charleston Park

Fun! Thank you to whoever put these trails in. I was visiting my in-laws and wanted to go ride. These trails were less than 10 minutes away. Rode both trails and then went for a swim. Do yourself a favor and come ride them if you are in the area.

My wife and I both rode this and we feel the same way: the trail is definitely overrated, especially in light of the reviews on this page. There is very little flow, roots throughout, and not enough downhill for the climbs. We have recently ridden and LOVED Blankets Creek and even Big Creek, both of which had a lot of roots and technical sections but still had much, much better flow. The views are great but we will likely not be returning.

I rode the inner loop only. Kinda wonder why they call their two trails the inner loop and the outer loop as one does not surround the other, it's one after another, but what they call these trails is not that important.
In the parking lot as I was unloading a uber wealthy couple (or at least they wanted to look like one), was loading and talking really loudly about the poor conditions of the track. they obviously wanted me to hear them. They were saying things like it was impassible, it was almost completely rutted and where there weren't deep ruts, it was soft sand, almost like quick sand. It seemed really odd the way they were talking, but I figured they were just trying to get me to look at their $15k worth of bicycles and their $60k Porsche SUV and of course all their fancy Lycra. After I got on the trail and saw the conditions of the trail were near perfect I guess they were just trying to talk me into loading my cheap bike back up and leaving "their" MTB trail alone. Maybe I'm just projecting the many wealthy d-bags in Florida with waterfront homes that think it's "their" beach, and their park and their street. But who knows.

I was a busy day when I got there, well the park was busy, the mixed use trail handled the traffic just fine, never once seeming busy. there were only a few walkers but sadly two of them brought dogs, and of course they fought when they saw each other, and this point was the only time the trail was impassible and the peace and quiet gone. But after I moved away from them.
Odd note: This trail has signs that say bikers "always" have right way. That backwards from what other parks say, isn't it?

The trail was impeccably clean, not a scrap of garbage anywhere.

This trail seems to have been designed by someone who didn't really want anyone to use it, at least in the direction I was going (it rotates on different days) of the week. It's Georgia so there were lots and lots of pine roots, no [problem, but there was not one single drop or jump and only the shortest straightaways possible. No going fast here. And somehow they got a wicked witch to cast a spell on this trial make this loop, it IS a loop, uphill the entire way. which seems impossible I know. but besides little downhill section (very little) that are broken up with sharp turns so you can't build speed somehow the entire thing is mostly uphill. that has to be either some kind of magic use or my imagination. I would say the later but others in my small party were mentioning that too.

The rating and review on this trail is in serious need of updating. I would at least rate this trail into 2 categories. The inner loop is a beginner trail while the outer loop is closer to Intermediate. The outer loop has some of if not the most roots of any trail I ride in north Georgia. And they're nothing to sneeze about. On the back side near the swampy area is some gnarly technical sections that are quite fun. The first half has some long climbs with tremendous long DH flow payoffs. It appears RAMBO has been rerouting and/or creating some new trails here which seem to make it more fun in certain sections. It appears they've made a new shortcut that one can bypass the swampy section altogether. I think. I've not rode it but it seems like it from what I saw. Maybe someone else can attest to this.

Wonderful little trail. There are two loops, and the riding direction changes every day. The inner loop is more technical; washed out, steep, and more roots than rocks. The outer loop feels like a six-mile-long pump track; it just flows and flows, with only one little break in the bottom near the "connector" (you'll know it when you see it) where the roots are lying like a carpet on the forest floor. The only real shortcoming is that the trail is short, so you'll probably want to ride it all twice.

Whoever is maintaining this trail is doing a superb job under difficult conditions. This trail is especially vulnerable to water erosion, so stay off it for 48 hours following a rain shower.

Free parking, free riding, and the ninth worst public restroom in Georgia are all at the trailhead parking lot.

Fun ride overall, lake views and a variety of terrain. It can get the blood pumping for sure, but there are rewards for the climbs. Good downhill sections with rollers. Techincal in some spots with roots, etc, but not to the point of annoying like Big Creek. I prefer running it clockwise, but counter clockwise, the outer loop starts with some good DH after a climb. Clockwise just seems more fun....

good trail, but not sure if I would classify this trail as a "beginner". It seems that much of the trail below the roots has washed, so it takes some good maneuvering, if not some hops, to get up the trail. Seems a bit more difficult than some of the intermediate trails around here. Still fun and good sights though.

beautiful view of the lake , well taken care, good signs, some painful climbs , very fun , not for early beginners

I wanted to give a shout-out to whomever recently went to Charleston Park with either a scrapper blade or leaf blower (mac daddy one for sure!) and cleaned the leaves off the entire trail. It is in immaculate shape right now and SO much fun to ride.

Lots of roots on this trail. Nice flow trails.

Great buff trail full of twists and turns and a good bit of climbing. Well marked. I especially like the the swampy rooty section in the middle of the outer loop.

As of December 31st, there were three trees down on the outer loop. Despite all the rain we have received, the tails held up nicely except the large amount of flooding at the first bridge crossing

Great 6 mile singletrack with great climbs and good downhill.

Great trail but needs better markings. I didn't even see where the beginning of the trail was marked. I had to explore the park and find my way in...no worries though...this kept it interesting. There were times where I was wondering if I was going in circles. But, what a great variety this trail has. Short steep climbs where you have to navigate roots and then some really fun downhill sections. I'll be back for sure.

Great Trail.

Love the trail. Since I've just gotten back into MTBing, it's just about perfect for me. While it says beginner, and I suppose it is, it's not a super easy trail. It is very flowy and fun with some technical sections at the beginning/end of each loop. I wish the trail were marked a little better. There are no markings after the original sign indicating the direction of the day.

There are 2 trees down across the trail where you have to portage over them. Anyone know who to contact about having these removed?

This place is pretty great. I was visiting from Colorado and a friend recommended this trail. I loved it because it snakes through very dense forest but the trail is well-kept and clear. There are plenty of roots to keep the ride interesting. I only gave it 4 stars because I wish it were longer than a mere 6 miles... but I don't think they could have crammed any more trail on the small plot of land. Great work by the trail builders to give it nice flow!

Great track! But I will say that as a beginner this trail is a handful! Bring your climbing boots . I certainly had to walk a few hills. All in all fun trail win lots of variety!

Great trail! Lots of downhill. Just right for getting back on after 3 years off. We were approached by Parks and Rec employee and told it was closed. No signs to indicate this at all. He told us we could be fined $130. Bizarre.

I really enjoy riding this trail. It has it all in a short 45 min ride. I wouldn't recommend this trail for beginners.