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Tags:
Level: Intermediate
Length: 2.8 mi (4.5 km)
Surface: Singletrack
Configuration: Loop
Elevation: +51/ -62 ft
Total: 140 riders
Mountain Biking South Loop
#30 of 403 mountain bike trails in Georgia
A 4.2 mile directional loop that is directional based on the day of the week. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday are counter clockwise. Listed as advanced in difficulty, the loop is more of a technical challenge than the others in the Blankets Creek system. The aerobic level is moderate but that is all relative to your level of conditioning and the pace you decide to ride. Several rock gardens, a couple log crossings, and a tons of roots await you. While you may encounter hikers on the other trails in the Blankets system, the sign at the South Loop trailhead specifically discourages their use of this trail as it is very tight and could cause injuries.
First added by GoldenGoose on Aug 5, 2010. Last updated May 11, 2020. → add an update
Before you go
- Drinking water: unknown
- Lift service: unknown
- Night riding: yes
- Pump track: unknown
- Restrooms: unknown
- Fat bike grooming: unknown
- E-bikes allowed: unknown
- Fee required: unknown
This trail information is user-generated. Help improve this information by suggesting a correction.
From I-285 go North on I-75 to I-575 north. Go to Sixes Road-exit 11 and turn left (west). Parking lot is about 2-3 miles on the left and is clearly marked. South Loop is accessed via Shultz's Chute which branches off of the bi-directional gravel trail that starts at the parking lot.
I've been riding South Loop since it first opened over two decades ago, and it has remained the same with a few additions. You'll start on this loop no matter the designated direction, navigating some tight, winding singletrack through scrub pines. You'll then do some short technical climbs between rocks and over roots. You'll encounter a few blown-out turns that are a little tough to climb or descend, but most don't have a problem with it. In some areas, the loose rock will have you scratching for traction. There is also a set of switchbacks that is fun to go down and challenging to climb. This trail makes a nice run along a ridge that hugs the lake's shoreline in a few spots. Make some good line choices on this trail to create your own flow and you'll enjoy it.
| ThankBetter than I thought it was going to be. Plenty of challenging climbs, and good technical challenges too - hard enough to challenge, but not enough to deter me..
| ThankI am a local so I ride Blankets regularly. South Loop is not a flow trail nor is it a trail that is particularly fast. There are a LOT of roots and rocks with some technical climbs thrown in. However, it is a trail that will challenge your technical riding skills and aerobic capacity. I ride it often and I enjoy it. Afterwards, Dwelling Loop makes a great cool down ride!
| ThankAwesome trail, not as much flow as Dwelling or Van Michael, but it is a great place to work on technical skills.
| ThankVan Michael is one the best trails in the state. Especially since they have re-done so many of the rollers and turns
| ThankThis is one of the fastest trails I have been on. I wiped out on the first few turn coming down from the top. The climb to get to the top is a beast but worth it.
| ThankA lot more fun than I remembered. A good place to work on every skill in MTB.Rock gardens, roots, steep drops, etc. A good workout.
| ThankA little slice of North Georgia close to the city.
South Loop is the most technical trail at Blankets Creek. Excellent for working on your bike-handling skills.
Some tough, switchback climbs with rocks in them keep you on your toes. A couple of high speed descents, nothing very long of course. Feels much more remote than the rest of the trails there.
You're less likely to run into other riders on South Loop. All around great trail.
| ThankThis trail has some very difficult climbs. Half of the loop follows the shoreline of lake Allatoona with moderate elevation changes,but the other half has difficult climbs and descents with some pretty technical rock sections.
| ThankThis one is very technical with some rock ledges and very tight sections with a mix of good climbs with some good views of lake Allatoona.
| ThankDefinitely the best technical trail in the Atlanta area. Sad to hear that VMT is having issues, hopefully it will open back up soon!
| ThankThey've recently closed the rocky, switchback section that's made this trail so famous (see profile picture). It's still a hell of a ride, but about 1 mile has been cut off. Trail now redirects riders through Inner Loop trail instead of outer VMT at end. Still very technical in fun but missing its signature calling.
| ThankMost technical ride close to Atlanta. Good fun if you're in to that sort of thing.
| ThankAwesome trail, lots and lots of rocks, which make it a challenge.
| Thankok... rode again today CW - M/W/F/S... now I understand why it is rated difficult... much more challenging in this direction. Many of the sections I had no trouble with previously were just a nice hike today...
| ThankFirst time on this trail - enjoyed it. Rode it CC - T/Th/S. There were several sections that I was forced off the bike... but this isnt unusual for me. This trail is in better shape than Dwelling - not as worn & rutted. The climbs were short and not too steep. Trail is rated advanced due to some of the obstacles, but I would call it intermediate. Passed some hikers on this trail... a little close for multi use...* Review edited 7/4/2012
| ThankGreat technical trail with a lot of nice scenery. Great ride if you want to feel like you are far away from the city. Almost feels like Canada when it is foggy out.
| ThankI think this is easily the best trail at Blankets. It offers up great views of the lake, and is much more entertaining with more rocks and roots than the other trails. While it is more technical than the other trails at Blankets, it's still not very difficult, and it does maintain great flow. I highly recommend it!
| ThankVery Technical....rocks, roots, and climbs galore. Fun but it will keep you on your toes.
| Thank