by Mike Stanley

Created on: June 24, 2009   Last Updated: July 05, 2009

Having moved to the northern part of Georgia where the fall colors decorate the rolling blue ridge mountains a few years ago, I have had the chance to explore a couple ATV trails. I have loved running off road since I was young, and often went mud riding in truck and on ATVs growing up. All a part of growing up southern for most of us. My favorite trails here in the mountains are Davenport Mountain, and Beasley Knob.

Davenport is a moderate trail that most riders will be able to tackle fairly easily, so it makes a good family riding spot. The trails are mostly rocky and sandy climbs with a few 90 degree bends that will give the riders a mild workout, but once you get on top the view of Lake Nottely is worth it. There are also good views across the lake from lower points on the trail. There are about 5 miles of trail here winding through the mountain side, with one trail marked as easy. The other two trails are marked more difficult and most difficult, but compared to other trails I have been on, neither was a major challenge for my Arctic Cat 400 4x4. The trails cross a road in two places, so be careful and watch for traffic at those points, and if it's been dry for a while, the sandy clay hills will be quite dusty. For those looking to check out this nice trail, you can follow these directions: Take US 19 and 129 north from Blairsville for 2 miles. Turn left on Pat Colwell Road (turns into Hwy 325) and go 8 miles. Turn right on Forest Service Road 143 and go 0.75 mile to a trailhead parking area on the left. There is a parking fee I believe was $5 at the time I was there.

Beasley Knob is a much more strenuous trail system. For those that require more challenge, and adventure, then Beasley Knob will be the place for you. This trail offers a good bit of hill climbing, switchbacks and rock climbing. If you're looking for a workout for both you and your machine, you will find it here. The steep climbs on the harder trails were quite a challenge and tested the power and traction of my 4 wheeler, and my bodies endurance. My advice, take a friend and another machine, and a good winch wouldn't hurt either. There were points on this trail where I had to get off, and let my lighter nephew drive up the super steep and muddy incline as I pulled on a rope attached to the front end to keep the front end from flipping over the top. If you have ever watched a rock climbing contest on TV, and thought it would bee cool to try, then this is the place to try it. Although not impossible, this trail is very much a challenge. For this reason, I wouldn't recommend it for beginners or younger riders. There are almost 11 miles of trails here, and range from difficult to very difficult. You can follow these directions to get there: Take U.S. 76 / Appalachian Development Highway (APD) 515 east from Blairsville for 4 miles. Turn right on Forest Service Road 745. Follow this road 1.1 miles to the parking lot. You can stop by the Brasstown Ranger District office for more information, and I strongly advise people to do so. There is also a parking fee I believe was $5 at the time I was there as well.

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