The best road cycling routes around Dahlonega
5.0
(1)
371
riders
15
rides
Road cycling routes around Dahlonega are situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering a diverse landscape for cyclists. The terrain features significant elevation changes, providing challenging climbs and scenic descents. Much of the region is covered by the Chattahoochee National Forest, which offers a backdrop of lush forests and backcountry roads. Cyclists can also encounter picturesque views of lakes like Lake Winfield Scott and Lake Zwerner.
Best road cycling routes around Dahlonega
- The most popular road cycling route is Lake Winfield Scott via Woody Gap loop from Dahlonega, a 58.2 miles (93.6 km) trail that takes 5 hours to complete. This difficult route features substantial elevation gains through mountainous terrain.
- Another top favourite among local road cyclists is Woody Lake via Woody Gap from Dahlonega, a moderate 32.2 miles (51.7 km) path. This route includes climbs to Woody Gap, offering views of the North Georgia Mountains.
- Local road cyclists also love the Dahlonega to Lake Lanier loop, a 56.9 miles (91.6 km) trail leading through varied landscapes including views of Lake Lanier, often completed in about 4 hours 14 minutes.
- Road cycling around Dahlonega is defined by the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Chattahoochee National Forest, and scenic lakes. The network offers options for different ability levels, from moderate rides to challenging routes with significant climbs.
- The routes in Dahlonega are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 5.0 stars. More than 340 road cyclists have used komoot to explore Dahlonega's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 27, 2026
5.0
(1)
221
riders
93.6km
05:02
1,690m
1,690m
Embark on a challenging road cycling adventure with the Lake Winfield Scott via Woody Gap loop, covering 58.2 miles (93.6 km) through the North Georgia mountains. You will experience significant climbing, gaining 5542 feet (1689 metres) in elevation over approximately 5 hours and 1 minute. The route winds through the Chattahoochee National Forest, presenting deep valleys and curvy mountain roads. Look forward to expansive green and blue vistas as you pass Woody Gap, and a refreshing change of scenery at Lake Winfield Scott. This difficult ride is designed for experienced cyclists seeking a demanding journey.
When planning your ride, note that the route is generally on well-paved surfaces, making it suitable for racebikes. However, be prepared for some mountain roads that may feature rumble strips. The area is popular with motorists, so you should remain aware of traffic, particularly on the curvy sections of the road. Parking is typically available at common access points, such as Woody Gap, to begin your journey.
This route offers a full immersion into the natural beauty of the North Georgia mountains. You will cycle through the Chattahoochee National Forest, an area known for its lush landscapes and varied terrain. The presence of Lake Winfield Scott provides a distinct visual element, offering a peaceful contrast to the challenging climbs. This trail stands out for its combination of demanding physical effort and scenic rewards within a protected natural environment.
4
riders
51.7km
02:41
890m
890m
Road cycling Woody Lake via Woody Gap from Dahlonega is a moderate 32.2-mile route with 2906 feet of climbing through North Georgia mountain
Sign up for free
1
riders
91.7km
04:14
880m
880m
This moderate 57.0 miles (91.7 km) road cycling loop from Dahlonega to Lake Lanier offers scenic views and 2890 feet (881 metres) of elevati
22
riders
45.1km
02:24
730m
730m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
7
riders
39.4km
02:06
580m
580m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Last summit on the official "Six Gaps" route, with a 6-mile beautiful, easy-flowing descent from here. Just don't start too close to any motor vehicle in front of you, if you want to enjoy the descent without braking much.
0
0
Lake Lanier is a sprawling reservoir of over 690 miles of shoreline renowned for its recreational opportunities.
0
0
Woody Lake in Suches captivates with its serene beauty, nestled amidst picturesque forests.
0
0
A human-made reservoir, Lake Winfield Scott is at the center of Lake Winfield Scott Recreation Area, which offers an abundance of diverse wildlife and terrain.
0
0
Lake Zwerner, otherwise known as Yahoola Creek Reservoir, is a freshwater reservoir that provides most of the City of Dahlonega’s water supply. Just north of the Hwy. 60 bridge, you will find a boat ramp and picnic facilities. As you cycle across the Yahoola Creek Bridge, the views over the lake are stunning.
1
0
This point is where the Appalachian Trail crosses in the Blue Ridge District, offering absolutely stunning panoramic views of the North Georgia Mountains. There's a restroom facility and multiple areas for picnicking, making it a must-see spot on your ride.
0
0
The local's just refer to it as "Seth's". It is basically a country store that has gas, food, snacks, and some bicycling supplies (gels, tubes, patches, etc.). Parking in the area is scarce, but Seth has a back lot that he allows cyclists to use free of charge; consider giving him a little bit of business if you are going to park in his lot.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on road cycling routes around Dahlonega?
Road cycling routes around Dahlonega are primarily situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This means you can expect a diverse landscape with significant elevation changes, offering both challenging climbs and scenic descents. Much of the region is covered by the Chattahoochee National Forest, providing a backdrop of lush forests and backcountry roads.
Are there routes suitable for experienced road cyclists looking for a challenge?
Yes, Dahlonega is known for its challenging terrain. Routes like the Lake Winfield Scott via Woody Gap loop from Dahlonega are classified as difficult, featuring substantial elevation gains of over 1,600 meters through mountainous landscapes. The region even hosts events like the Six Gap Century, known for its significant vertical climbing.
Can I find moderate road cycling routes in the area?
Absolutely. The majority of routes around Dahlonega are moderate, offering a good balance of challenge and enjoyment. An example is the Woody Lake via Woody Gap from Dahlonega, which includes climbs to Woody Gap and offers views of the North Georgia Mountains over a distance of about 51.7 km.
Are there any loop routes that offer scenic views of lakes?
Yes, several routes provide picturesque views of the region's lakes. The Dahlonega to Lake Lanier loop is a popular option, leading through varied landscapes and offering views of Lake Lanier. Another route, the Lake Winfield Scott via Woody Gap loop from Dahlonega, passes by Lake Winfield Scott, a human-made reservoir known for its diverse wildlife.
What are some notable natural attractions or landmarks I might see while cycling?
The region is rich in natural beauty. Cyclists can encounter breathtaking panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, especially around Woody Gap. The Chattahoochee National Forest provides lush forest scenery. You might also spot Lake Winfield Scott and Lake Zwerner. For those interested in waterfalls, the area boasts nearly 30, including Amicalola Falls (Georgia's tallest) and Raven Cliffs Falls, which can be scenic detours.
What do other road cyclists say about the routes in Dahlonega?
The road cycling routes in Dahlonega are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Over 340 road cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the challenging climbs, scenic descents, and the beautiful natural backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Chattahoochee National Forest.
Are there any shorter or less demanding loop options for road cycling?
For a moderate loop that's shorter than some of the longer routes, consider the Roadbike loop from Access 1. It covers approximately 39.4 km with around 580 meters of elevation gain, making it a good option for a less demanding ride while still enjoying the region's characteristics.
Where can I find routes that feature significant climbs like Woody Gap?
Woody Gap is a prominent feature in many routes for its challenging climbs and scenic views. The Woody Lake via Woody Gap from Dahlonega route specifically includes climbs to Woody Gap, offering rewarding vistas of the North Georgia Mountains.
Are there routes that explore the area around Stone Pile Gap Road?
Yes, the Stone Pile Gap Road loop from Dahlonega is a moderate route covering about 49.1 km with an elevation gain of around 800 meters. It provides another opportunity to experience the varied landscapes of the Dahlonega region.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in Dahlonega?
Dahlonega's location in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains generally offers pleasant cycling conditions during spring and fall, with cooler temperatures and vibrant foliage. Summer can be warm, but early mornings are often ideal. Winter can bring colder temperatures and occasional icy conditions at higher elevations, so checking local weather is always recommended.
Are there any specific parks or green spaces that cyclists might pass through or near?
While many routes traverse the Chattahoochee National Forest, local parks like Hancock Park and Conner Park offer peaceful green spaces within Dahlonega itself. Yahoola Creek Park, with its walking trail and recreational facilities, is also a notable spot alongside the beautiful Yahoola Creek, which cyclists might encounter on routes in the vicinity.
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Road cycling routes in other regions.
