South Carolina Border to Tallulah Falls

The route is traditionally ridden east to west starting at the South Carolina state line at Russell Bridge on the Chattooga River. Immediately the paved road climbs into the Chattahoochee National Forest and begins a series of difficult climbs over steeply graded gravel, dirt and paved roads. Before reaching Dillard, over Wilson Gap, the route uses a horse trail and a bit of singletrack before rejoining pavement and gravel. More dirt and gravel roads eventually lead alongside the scenic Tallulah River falls.

Tallulah Falls to Helen

After crossing the Tallulah River, the TNGA continues on forest roads, some well travelled and others all but abandoned. This portion of the route is punctuated by several big climbs and a stint on Hwy 76 before an epic forest road climb up Tray Mountain to the highest point of the route. The descent into Helen is a sketchy one along a rugged rock-strewn road bed that devolves into rough and rocky singletrack. Stop at Cimmie’s Cafe for a bite before you start the next big climb.

Helen to the Aska Trails

After leaving Helen, there is a long paved climb through “The Gaps”, Hogpen and Wolfpen Gap. The route then returns to mostly gravel road as it follows the Toccoa River, crosses an old iron bridge and approaches the Aska Trail network near the town of Blue Ridge.

Aska Trails to Mulberry Gap

The bench-cut Aska Trails are a nice singletrack network that meanders through the forest and then climbs the epic Stanley Gap before an incredible descent rejoining gravel into the community of Cherry Log. After a neverending pedal up Cashes Valley Road, riders enter the Cohutta Mountains on gravel, doubletrack, and the singletrack of the South Fork and Pinhoti trails. This section is punctuated by the flowing singletrack forest ride through the Bear Creek section of the Pinhoti which eventually dumps out onto Mulberry Gap Road.

Mulberry Gap to Finish

The remainder of the TNGA mostly follows the Pinhoti trail, which features a wide variety of terrain, trail, and road. Once in Dalton, and after a paved climb, the route rejoins the Pinhoti through the rocky ridges around Snake Creek Gap. Some sections are singletrack, others old roadbeds, some follow gravel roads or pavement. The final run toward the Alabama border follows an old rail bed.