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Bear Creek Trail
Single track trail takes rider along scenic Bear Creek through forests of hemlock-cove hardwood-rhododendron. Witness the Gennett Poplar, an immense, old growth poplar standing alongside the trail. Shallow stream fords are part of the biking experience. Upper and lower trailhead parking areas. "Moderate" difficulty rating due to stream fords, narrow tread segments and steep trail sections. Caution! Be alert on this multi-use trail that is open to hikers and mountain bikers. All listed roads are open to motorized travel as well.
Loop Opportunities
Outer Loop: 6.7 miles, from the lower Bear Creek trailhead, follow the trail to its end at the junction with the Barnes Creek road. Turn right and follow this road for 3.5 miles, then turn right and follow the trail for .5 mile back to the parking area.
Lower Loop: 3 miles. For a shorter loop, take the right fork just past the Gennett Poplar, then turn right on the Barnes Creek road.
Access from Upper Trailhead: from the trailhead parking area, follow the spur trail .5 mile to its intersection with the Barnes Creek road. Turn left and go about 1.5 miles to the start of the Bear Creek Trail single track.
At a Glance
| Current Conditions: | Bear Creek campground is a walk-in camping area only. No pop-ups or RVs are accomodated. |
|---|---|
| Fees: | Free |
| Open Season: | Year round. |
| Closest Towns: | The closest towns are Chatsworth and Ellijay, Ga. These communities provide ample resources for groceries, gas, and motels. |
| Water: | None |
| Restroom: | Vault toilet at campground. |
Activities
Mountain Biking
Dispersed Camping
Primitive camping is offered nearby at the Bear Creek campground (lower trailhead). No drinking water; vault toilets.
| Fees: | Free |
|---|
Day Hiking
Bear Creek Trail connects to Pinhoti Trail. For more information on the Pinhoti Trail, including maps and trail descriptions, see the website at http://pinhoti.info/joomla/ or the Facebook Page Georgia Pinhoti Trail Association, which has the section maps.
Alerts & Warnings
- ALL TEMPORARY CLOSURE ALERTS
- Toccoa River - Sandy Bottoms Day Use on Recreation.gov
- No Water at Cooper Creek Campground
- Tallulah River Road Construction to Begin
- Before riding your UTV, Educate Yourself!
- Houston Valley Now Scan & Pay
- Track Rock Petroglyphs
- Flatlands Road (FSR 256 and FSR 637) Closed
- Road Closures on the Chattooga River Ranger District
- Coleman River Rd (FSR #54) Closure
- CAUTION Waterfall Dangers
- CALL BEFORE YOU HAUL - ATV and OHV
- Panther Creek Trail Temporary Hiker Restrictions
- Don't Move Firewood!
