Flat Creek Loop

Ellijay

Old school tech flow singletrack that provides a mellower ride than nearby Stanley Gap.

Mountain Biking Difficult

Distance: 8.7 km
Ascent: 322 m
Descent: 322 m
Duration: 0-1 hrs

Low Point: 588 m
High Point: 825 m
Gradient: 6˚

Flat Creek Loop might cross a creek, but it’s not really all that flat. While granted this singletrack loop is much flatter and mellower than the nearby Stanley Gap trail, with 800 feet of climbing in roughly 5 miles it’s still a respectable, albeit short, mountain bike ride. When added to Stanley Creek, though, it becomes certifiably epic!

Description

“This short loop contains an absolutely rocking technical descent when ridden counter clockwise!” according to GregRidesTrails.com. "It is filled with rocks, more rocks, and baby heads on top of those. There are several rocky creek crossings, and some rocky rollers to launch.”

While Stanley Gap is generally considered the marquee mountain bike ride in the Aska Trail System, some riders actually prefer the more moderate character of Flat Creek. "For me this trail was much more fun than Stanley Gap – more gradual doubletrack climbing and a fast scenic singletrack descent beside a stream thick with rhododendron,” writes Jeff Barber on Singletracks.com.

While you may be tempted to skip over Flat Creek in favor of other trails in the area, do yourself a favor and check this ride out. It’s a true sleeper hit!

Sources: http://www.gregridestrails.com/2010/04/flat-creek-loop-blue-ridge-georgia.html https://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-trails/weekend-mtb-ride-at-stanley-gap-blue-ridge-ga/

Difficulty

Difficult

Mostly stable trail tread with some variability featuring larger and more unavoidable obstacles that may include, but not be limited to: bigger stones, roots, steps, and narrow curves. Compared to lower intermediate, technical difficulty is more advanced and grades of slopes are steeper. Ideal for upper intermediate riders.