Sope Creek
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For more information on rides and other trail projects in the Atlanta area, please visit www.sorbaatlanta.org
To make your tax deductible donation to help build more trail and to maintain the existing trails, please go to
http://www.sorba.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=39&Itemid=63
Make sure you mark your donation for 'SORBA Atlanta' to ensure that your donation goes directly to work on the trails you use!
Remember, it's not just about mountain biking. Hikers, runners, bikers, bird watchers, families, student groups, neighbors, etc -- we ALL use these trails so please help us make OUR trails better!
Remember: The Main Street trail is the only dirt trail that is open to bikes at this time. This is a doubletrack 2.5 mile out/ back trail. All singletrack is currently off limits to bikes. You can help us get additional mileage open by abiding by these rules!
Directions to car parks can be found by visiting http://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/unitdirections.htm.
The Sope Creek unit directions take you to the Paper Mill Rd access. This is a very small car park at the top of the trail system. From here, you descend at first and get a little warm up before reaching the more difficult stuff. Recommended starting point for beginners.
Interstate North is aka Cochran Shoals. From here, you get a nice warm up on the 5km gravel loop before reaching the dirt trails which start with a techincal climb. Recommended starting point for advanced riders or those who need a good warm up!
Columns Drive is a small car park and is usually VERY crowded on weekends. Same recommendations as Cochran Shoals.
Directions to car parks can be found by visiting http://www.nps.gov/chat/planyourvisit/unitdirections.htm.
The Sope Creek unit directions take you to the Paper Mill Rd access. This is a very small car park at the top of the trail system. From here, you descend at first and get a little warm up before reaching the more difficult stuff. Recommended starting point for beginners.
Interstate North is aka Cochran Shoals. From here, you get a nice warm up on the 5km gravel loop before reaching the dirt trails which start with a techincal climb. Recommended starting point for advanced riders or those who need a good warm up!
Columns Drive is a small car park and is usually VERY crowded on weekends. Same recommendations as Cochran Shoals.
This is a map of what the proposed new trail system will look like.
Advocacy Alert:
Great news: The Sope Creek trail system is getting a complete makeover! 10 miles total trail with 7 miles of mtn bike accessible trail at Sope Creek to be built and finished in 2010! NPS needs your comments in support of the plan so please go to
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?parkID=364&projectId=28627
review the documents, and provide your feedback. Please be sure to include comments about how the trails need to be directional, closed when wet, etc. The NPS is already planning to do these things and we need to support them. On the lower left of this page is a copy of the map that's available -- bear in mind this is not including the southern portion of the Cochran Shoals unit and there is presently trail there that needs to be replaced as well. I believe we can get another 2-3 miles in there. Furthermore, there is space to the west of the Main Street trail on the north end before you reach the pond. Many users (mostly non-bikers) have advised me they'd like to see mountain bike specific trails and in the future (2011 or so) I'd like to see a new trail added in this open space that is open to bikes.
This is a great new progression for the Sope Creek trail system where 1.5 million visitors play annually. What you'll see on the map is how the trail system will look when finished -- all of it. The other existing trails will be closed and reclaimed. And before you start bashing me for closing or sanitizing trails, please remember this is not SORBA's plan, it is not my plan -- this project is being led by the National Park Service and we are just one of the user groups they are trying to appease. We are simply strengthening our relationship with NPS by leading the volunteer effort.
Also important to remember: once the trails are built and finished -- they are not automatically opened to whomever. A special regulation has to be passed in order to allow bikes onto non-roadbed trails. This has to go through Congress because of regulations under which the CRNRA was established. So, you want to know how your membership dollars to IMBA help? Well, their work in DC is what's gonna help this one along. The local park leadership can only do so much and believe me, they are all on board with this plan -- from the Superintendent to the Maintenance Supervisor.
Let's help the NPS and leadership of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area help us and let's put Sope Creek on the map as a primo urban trail system!
HOW YOU CAN HELP!!
We decided to get involved as a fundraiser for IMBA because we've been inspired by the great work they do building and protecting trails, creating community, and advocating for a cause we care about. Our efforts will help ensure that trails at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) / Sope Creek will be protected, upgraded, and maintained.
The Sope Creek trails do not just benefit mountain bikers, but hikers, runners, wildlife watchers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. We are asking for your help to help protect OUR national park! Please donate to our team today!
10 Responsible Riding Tips (taken from www.imba.com/resources)
1. Be Prepared
Know your equipment, your ability, the weather, and the area you are riding and prepare accordingly. A well-planned ride will go smoothly for you and your companions.
2. Don't Ride On Closed Trails
Whether it is to protect the environment or for rider safety, a closed trail is off limits for a reason. Riding closed trails is not only illegal; it gives mountain bikers a bad reputation.
3. Say No To Mud
Riding a muddy trail can cause unnecessary trail widening and erosion that may lead to long-lasting damage.
4. Respect the Trail, Wildlife and Environment
Be sensitive to the trail and its surroundings by riding softly and never skidding. Do not litter and never scare animals.
5. Stay On the Trail
Do not intentionally ride off trail. Riding off trail can damage the ecosystem. Never cut switchbacks.
6. Ride Slowly On Crowded Trails
Just like a busy highway, when trails are crowded you must move slowly to ensure safety for all trail users.
7. Pass With Courtesy and Care
Slow down when approaching other trail users and respectfully make others aware you are approaching. Pass with care and be prepared to stop if necessary.
8. Share the Trail With Other Trail Users
Mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians must share multi-use trails. Remember: mountain bikers should yield to hikers and equestrians.
9. Don't Do Unauthorized Trailwork
Unauthorized or illegal trailwork may lead to environmental damage, injury or even potential trail closure.
10. Get Involved
If you want to make a difference in your mountain biking community get involved with a local club, Visit: imba.com to find a club in your area. (or just ask me-- there's lots of ways I need your help at Sope Creek / CRNRA!)
Great news: The Sope Creek trail system is getting a complete makeover! 10 miles total trail with 7 miles of mtn bike accessible trail at Sope Creek to be built and finished in 2010! NPS needs your comments in support of the plan so please go to
http://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?parkID=364&projectId=28627
review the documents, and provide your feedback. Please be sure to include comments about how the trails need to be directional, closed when wet, etc. The NPS is already planning to do these things and we need to support them. On the lower left of this page is a copy of the map that's available -- bear in mind this is not including the southern portion of the Cochran Shoals unit and there is presently trail there that needs to be replaced as well. I believe we can get another 2-3 miles in there. Furthermore, there is space to the west of the Main Street trail on the north end before you reach the pond. Many users (mostly non-bikers) have advised me they'd like to see mountain bike specific trails and in the future (2011 or so) I'd like to see a new trail added in this open space that is open to bikes.
This is a great new progression for the Sope Creek trail system where 1.5 million visitors play annually. What you'll see on the map is how the trail system will look when finished -- all of it. The other existing trails will be closed and reclaimed. And before you start bashing me for closing or sanitizing trails, please remember this is not SORBA's plan, it is not my plan -- this project is being led by the National Park Service and we are just one of the user groups they are trying to appease. We are simply strengthening our relationship with NPS by leading the volunteer effort.
Also important to remember: once the trails are built and finished -- they are not automatically opened to whomever. A special regulation has to be passed in order to allow bikes onto non-roadbed trails. This has to go through Congress because of regulations under which the CRNRA was established. So, you want to know how your membership dollars to IMBA help? Well, their work in DC is what's gonna help this one along. The local park leadership can only do so much and believe me, they are all on board with this plan -- from the Superintendent to the Maintenance Supervisor.
Let's help the NPS and leadership of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area help us and let's put Sope Creek on the map as a primo urban trail system!
THE NEXT BIG THING:
Please stay tuned for our next work party announcement.
HOW YOU CAN HELP!!
We decided to get involved as a fundraiser for IMBA because we've been inspired by the great work they do building and protecting trails, creating community, and advocating for a cause we care about. Our efforts will help ensure that trails at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) / Sope Creek will be protected, upgraded, and maintained.
The Sope Creek trails do not just benefit mountain bikers, but hikers, runners, wildlife watchers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. We are asking for your help to help protect OUR national park! Please donate to our team today!
If we met at Sope Creek talking about the trail project, I appreciate your time and interest. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.
Bike Patrol
If you are interested in becoming a part of the NPS / IMBA National Mountain Bike Patrol at Sope Creek, please contact me. We need patrollers to assist and educate trail users as ambassodors for the sport of mountain biking but also for the park. You will also help us inform the CRNRA leadership of visitor concerns, trail work needed, etc.
If you are interested in becoming a part of the NPS / IMBA National Mountain Bike Patrol at Sope Creek, please contact me. We need patrollers to assist and educate trail users as ambassodors for the sport of mountain biking but also for the park. You will also help us inform the CRNRA leadership of visitor concerns, trail work needed, etc.
Trail Rules and Ettiquette
1. Be Prepared
Know your equipment, your ability, the weather, and the area you are riding and prepare accordingly. A well-planned ride will go smoothly for you and your companions.
2. Don't Ride On Closed Trails
Whether it is to protect the environment or for rider safety, a closed trail is off limits for a reason. Riding closed trails is not only illegal; it gives mountain bikers a bad reputation.
3. Say No To Mud
Riding a muddy trail can cause unnecessary trail widening and erosion that may lead to long-lasting damage.
4. Respect the Trail, Wildlife and Environment
Be sensitive to the trail and its surroundings by riding softly and never skidding. Do not litter and never scare animals.
5. Stay On the Trail
Do not intentionally ride off trail. Riding off trail can damage the ecosystem. Never cut switchbacks.
6. Ride Slowly On Crowded Trails
Just like a busy highway, when trails are crowded you must move slowly to ensure safety for all trail users.
7. Pass With Courtesy and Care
Slow down when approaching other trail users and respectfully make others aware you are approaching. Pass with care and be prepared to stop if necessary.
8. Share the Trail With Other Trail Users
Mountain bikers, hikers and equestrians must share multi-use trails. Remember: mountain bikers should yield to hikers and equestrians.
9. Don't Do Unauthorized Trailwork
Unauthorized or illegal trailwork may lead to environmental damage, injury or even potential trail closure.
10. Get Involved
If you want to make a difference in your mountain biking community get involved with a local club, Visit: imba.com to find a club in your area. (or just ask me-- there's lots of ways I need your help at Sope Creek / CRNRA!)
Trail Etiquette
1. Always yield to pedestrians, slow down and verbally notify that you are approaching and which side you are passing.
2. Climbing cyclists and pedestrians have the right of way.
3. Always be courteous to other trail users
Thank you for your support!
Charles Myrick | charles@atlantaoutfitters.com
SORBA Atlanta | President
Atlanta Outfitters | Owner, Chief Cook & Bottle Washer
1. Always yield to pedestrians, slow down and verbally notify that you are approaching and which side you are passing.
2. Climbing cyclists and pedestrians have the right of way.
3. Always be courteous to other trail users
4. The Main Street Trail at Sope Creek is 2-way traffic at all times so please watchyour speed
5. Yield to others; pedestrians and climbers ALWAYS have the right of way
8. All dogs / pets are to be on a leash no more than (6) feet long
9. Cyclists are NOT allowed in Johnson Ferry, Vickery Creek, Hyde Farm, Gold Branch, Palisades (except for the Bob Callan paved trail) or other units of the CRNRA unless clearly posted that bikes are allowed. For more information on where cycling is allowed in the CRNRA, please consult with the CRNRA leadership at 678.538.1244
10. The park is closed from sunset to sunrise.
5. Yield to others; pedestrians and climbers ALWAYS have the right of way
8. All dogs / pets are to be on a leash no more than (6) feet long
9. Cyclists are NOT allowed in Johnson Ferry, Vickery Creek, Hyde Farm, Gold Branch, Palisades (except for the Bob Callan paved trail) or other units of the CRNRA unless clearly posted that bikes are allowed. For more information on where cycling is allowed in the CRNRA, please consult with the CRNRA leadership at 678.538.1244
10. The park is closed from sunset to sunrise.
Thank you for your support!
Charles Myrick | charles@atlantaoutfitters.com
SORBA Atlanta | President
Atlanta Outfitters | Owner, Chief Cook & Bottle Washer
