JaRow

I'm going to be doing Jack's, Unicoi, and Hogpen on Saturday morning. It is going to hurt a lot. Where can one legally park and hit up these climbs?

Thank you much.


edit: the title should say "back"

FlashUNC

I've generally parked in Helen, either in one of the public lots for the parks they've got. Never gotten any problems from it, and its just a few miles from start of Hogpen.

And yeah, it'll hurt a lot. Don't get too excited and go too hard those first two miles of Hogpen.

JaRow

Thank you. And ya, I expect it to be brutal. Yay.

gapowermike

I also would park in Helen. There is a large, free parking lot over by the tubing spot/Mexican restaurant. It gives you just enough time to warm up the legs before you get to Hogpen.

When you're feeling absolutely miserable, just remember cycling in the mountains is fun!

Michael

FlashUNC

We generally eat at that Mexican spot afterwards. After a few hours in the saddle climbing those Gaps, best Mexican you can find.

gapowermike

You ain't joking. That's been the post ride meal for the Brasstown Bald Buster a couple of times.

It's just what the doctor ordered after a hard ride.

Michael

saratoga

I can't exactly remember the roads, but we've always parked in the dirt lot at the intersection of the road that heads to Jack's/Brasstwon. I want to say it's the intersection of 19 and 180. Coming off of Hogpen, you follow it straight out to 180, make a left and end up back at the parking area.

JaRow

Thanks again for the parking info. I ended up parking near the top of Wolfpen because I was getting tired of driving through the mountains and wanted to ride already. There were so other cars parked so I assumed it was legal/safe to park there.

This ride was brutal. I descended Wolfpen, did Jack's (steep but easy), Unicoi (easy), Hogpen (wow. That was insane. The decent was awesome. There was a guy at the top that told me to "pucker up" right as I went over the edge. Pretty epic.) Then I climbed Wolfpen to get back to the car.

I fully intend on doing this whenever I am in the area.

gapowermike

That's a great ride, but saving Hogpen for the end is tough, tough, tough....You are a glutton for punishment.

erichkopp

This thread has inspired me to go ride in North Georgia this weekend. I plan on doing the first 3 gaps one day, and the last 3 the next. Anyone ever stayed at Hiker Hostel before?

JaRow

Nope, but I've heard it's quite nice. Pretty cheap too. I think it's on the route as well. The trifecta.

gapowermike

Post a ride report with pictures. Maybe the rain will cool the temps for you.

Michael

erichkopp

Hiker Hostel was more like a B&B, minus private rooms, than a hostel. I'd highly recommend it to anyone visiting the area. The area in and around Dahlonega has some amazing riding, and the gaps were a ton of fun. I'll be going back again soon.

RPolk

I live in Dahlonga and have known Josh and Leah for a few years. They've put a lot of work into the Hiker Hostel and really do cater to cyclist.

Pedal Wench

The new general store at Turner's Corner is trying to develop as a stop for cyclists - last time I was up there, they were building a parking lot specifically for us to use while riding. I parked there, went over Neel's and did the back 3 gaps - made for a nice 5-gap loop.

erichkopp

I saw that. They had a few "Cyclist Friendly" signs out front. I can't wait to go back up there. I liked it so much that I'm considering the possibility of moving there after I'm done with school.