Dugger Mountain / Skyway Motorway AL500

Dogs Unknown

E-Bikes Unknown

There's not much out here. Bring everything you need to survive.

Start at the Heflin ranger station just off 78 and head onto FR500. As soon as you make the first turn, you're greeted with a steep 12% incline; it's a rude awakening but also "Welcome to the trail" as it sets the tone for the ride.

Routing is super simple, as FR500 is very clearly marked and you only need to make a handful of actual turns. Be prepared for lots of 10-12% climbs (and drops) all day long. There is a horse camp about halfway through that has clean water to top off, and just past that is a wonderful lake to stop at for lunch. There are no facilities or resupply points otherwise, so plan accordingly and bring food.

There were two spots that almost broke us: the last half mile up to Grantley (AL55) was a grueling hike-a-bike for us, and the 1.4-mile very steep set of climbs at mile 22 (The Spike). Where it turns pavement at the top, stop and check your brakes ahead of the two-mile, 700' drop into civilization and an easy cruise to the Chief Ladiga Trail.