FATMAP by Strava

Windy Gap Shuttle

Ellijay

An epic descent on a gnarly moto trail.

Mountain Biking Severe

Distance
6.3 km
Ascent
50 m
Descent
626 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
398 m
High Point
987 m
Gradient
Windy Gap Shuttle Map

The Windy Gap Trail is a motorized route that’s split into two halves: 50% technical singletrack and 50% flowy doubletrack.

Description

"The first half of the trail dropping down off of Windy Gap is a continuous technical assault on your senses and your bike's suspension,” according to GregRidesTrails.com. "You will be bombarded by rock-after-boulder-after-rock.” As the trail continues to drop, "it slowly transitions from narrow singletrack rock gardens to a steep section of rocky doubletrack switchbacks.”

While you might be disappointed to hear that the lower section is wider doubletrack, that wide doubletrack is paired with incredible flow! Thanks to a never-ending stream of water bars, the lower section essentially functions as a smooth jump run until the trail ends at the lower Windy Gap trailhead.

To keep the flow up, the motos have burned in some natural berms “of about 8-10 feet in height that were perfect for railing at high speeds!”

While shuttling this trail is the best way to have maximum fun for minimal pain, it’s a long drive around on dirt roads to make a shuttle happen. Consequently, many people choose to ride it as a pedal-driven loop… but that’s almost just as long and even more painful. Thanks to the seclusion, you will probably only encounter motorized users on this trail… if you see anybody at all.

Sources: http://www.gregridestrails.com/2010/12/windy-gap-cycle-trail-ellijay-georgia.html

Difficulty

Severe

Widely variable, narrow trail tread with steeper grades and unavoidable obstacles of 15in/38cm tall or less. Obstacles may include unavoidable bridges 24in/61cm wide or less, large rocks, gravel, difficult root sections, and more. Ideal for advanced-level riders.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between February and November

Features

  • Flow
  • Technical
  • Shuttle-run
  • Tabletops
  • Rock Slabs
  • Rock Gardens

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area