Stanley Gap Trail #165

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

This trail is typical north Georgia singletrack: red clay with a smattering of roots and rocks. It's heavily forested, so you won't have any sweeping views, but on the other hand, you've got some protection from the sun.

The climb is aerobically strenuous but not too technical although there are a few root-strewn sections that you'll just have to power through or walk around. The climb is nice in that after every 50-100 ft of ascent there is a short, flat section that allows you to catch your breath a little.

The highest point on the trail is just below the summit of Rocky Mountain. There's a short descent and then one final climb before you reach a two-mile, 1000 ft descent. This descent begins at the point where the Benton MacKaye Trail breaks off to the north (unfortunately closed to bikes). The descent is filled with the same kind of roots and rocks that you encountered going up.

It's best to do this as a loop (Stanley Gap Loop) rather than an out-and-back, unless you really, really like climbing. If you haven't had enough when you near the Deep Gap parking area, consider doing the Flat Creek Loop #165B as well.