Cochran Shoals Mountain Bike Trail (Atlanta, GA)

Cochran Shoals is a 4.2 mile walking, and biking loop that runs parallel to the famous Chattahoochee River. It is a state park trail with a three dollar parking fee required per vehicle.

The main trail is a packed gravel trail making it a great ride for family and mountain bike beginners. If you are feeling a little adventurous, or are in the mood to stretch your skills a little, the trail forks at the 1.25 trail marker. This fork leads to a packed dirt trail that is both narrow and fast (if you’re willing to pedal through it). This offshoot has a few small s-turns but nothing to throw even the most basic riders off.

The dirt trail parallels the main trail for about twenty yards before again merging with the main trail. If you want to continue the main loop you will find yourself on a simple, yet enjoyable ride back to the parking lot you came from, but then you’d be missing the best part.

On the back side of the loop (not the riverside), there are three turn offs to the right. Take the first right turn and challenge yourself with a difficult up hill climb that is known for separating the rock stars from the groupies. At the top of this steep incline lies a small gated cemetery with grave stones from the late 1800’s. As you follow the trail around the cemetery a side trail will pop you out onto a new main trail which spans from Cochran Shoals to Sope Creek. Follow the trail to the right for about a quarter mile and you will start to see glances of houses through the trees on your left.

As far as the trail maps are concerned this is the mid-way point between the Cochran Shoals and Sope Creek, but who needs a map? Now you will turn around so get ready to rule the trail! The first quarter mile will, of course, be what you just rode, but just after the intersection of the cemetery trail, the main trail takes on a nice and lazy slope that will allow you to gain some great speed. WATCH OUT, this part of the trail is infested with wooden cross beams to contain corrosion of dirt, and they have been known to creep up on more than one unwary rider. The easiest way to approach this part of the trail would be to stay to the side and follow the grooves cut by earlier riders.

Ride at your own level, but if you are looking to really kick some butt stay in the middle once the wooden ties are spaced far enough apart because some of these baby’s will drop you two to two and half feet. With the help of the lips on the ties you can get enough air for x-ups, and if you are feeling like really stretching it out, possibly a table top. The downhill ends at the main trail which leads to a nice leisurely ride back to the parking lot.