Reviewed by: ScubaCruz , from Canton, GA

Summary:
What a difference a year or so of steady riding makes! A little over a year ago and 20lbs more than today, road this ride, Cool Springs + Gold Mine, with friends, 12 miles. The climb up Cool Springs kick by butt. Stopped every 50 yrds to breath, rest and try again to get up the hill. Yesterday, riding it with my wife (her first time), I actually road up ahead of her, then back down past her and up the tough sections a second time! She doesn't mind this, as she feels guilty "making" me ride slow rides with her. So, if I can get in the extra stuff, she's happy for me! She did great for her first time up Cool Springs, stopping when necessary, but always continuing forward with no complaints. Can't wait to see her back on this trail in year! What a great feeling to see improvement! The ride hasn't changed but the ability to enjoy it has. From the the bike parking lot, 302 is a fast downhill run to a road crossing, then some climbing back to the road again. At this road crossing, take a minute to walk 100 ft to the overlook. Great bowl view of mountains. Leaving the overlook/road the steep mile of switchbacks begins. Stay ON the brakes and IN control as the rain has loosened tons of babyhead rocks, which will roll with you if you get them started! When you reach a "T" section at a gravel road, you have another 1/2 mile lightly graveled run down to your right. Watch for the "->" right turn sign before you come along side the creek, well marked turn. At the start of the creek (Cool Springs), the elevation is 1300ft. 2 1/2 miles later, it will be 2190ft. Enjoy the uphill climb. This year, I dabbed twice before the unrideable switchbacks, 1/2 mile point. Second run up that 1/2 mile, only one dab! Funny thing about women, they see the world differently than men. Well, maybe it shouldn't be a "women vs men," comparison, just a "people vs people" observation. Oh well, at the first wooden bridge, 2 1/2 miles up from bottom of creek, during a Powerbar break, my wife tells me of all the flowers in bloom, the big centipedes, the many spiders and the big snails, all she observed on her ride up. Me, I didn't see any of those things. Though, I could tell you of the 2 three inch rocks and the 4 roots in row I road over twice. Different views, different enjoyments of the same ride! Back to the trail, from the wooden bridge, the trail continues at a steep grade for another mile. It then begins to level out. At about 5 miles, from the parking lot start, watch for a left turn marked as 301 & 303 (East West and Gold Mine). Take this left to add the Gold Mine (303) to make the 12 mile combined loop. Steep little climb to a road crossing, followed by fast downhills for then next 3 miles. A few short ups and turns and two really steep turn downs, which are marked with double down arrows. When trail comes to paved road, follow 303 signs to the right, down the road. FYI - The trail that continues across the road is 301, the difficult East West trail. Use caution going down the paved road; watch for cars, hikers and rangers! When you reach the picnic and camping area, watch for trail 303 entrance on the left. It's where the two campground roads cross the main road. From there, you have about a mile to go with over 400ft of elevation to gain! Again, last year, this was a tough climb. Yesterday, it was a blast to ride up, down and back up it again! Do yourself the favor and ride 3 loops around the parking area to allow for cool down for 10 to 15 minute, then stretch your calves, quads and hamstrings! You're muscles will thank you tomorrow! Enjoy the lake afterwards! Come back again to see how much you've improved by just riding and riding and riding some more! Note: All of the trail is double track. Reason is, the park service travels the road with ATVs for safety to you and others! But, it rides like wide singletrack. If not for this, I would give all of the Ft Mtn trails a whopping 5 stars! ScubaCruz

Recommended Route:
Well marked. Follow the signs. (301 - East West - difficult 14 miles, 302 - Cool Springs - advanced 7 miles, 303 - Gold Mine - beginner 6 miles) Combine Cool Springs and Gold Mine for good 12 mile ride.

Reviewed by: Carl Jackson , from Alpharetta

Summary:
What a ride! Make sure you are well hydrated. The begining is almost all downhill, with a lot of switchbacks and large rocks. Like everyone else said check your brakes. They will get a heck of a workout. The hill at the end is pretty tough, probably the toughest I have been on. The creek view that skirts the hill is very neat with large boulders, and falls. Have fun!

Recommended Route:
Any

Other recommended trails in the same area:
Bull mtn, Jake mtn, Blankets creek

Reviewed by: chad , from calhoun

Summary:
killer down hill real rocky with sharp switch backs, good front brake required. pretty good size rocks, make sure you trust your self to be clipped in on this one. the up hill is a killer, but managable--would have been better if drier. the water fall is really nice.

Other recommended trails in the same area:
chestnut mtn at the ocoee white water center.

Reviewed by: Darren , from Evansville, IN, USA

Summary:
There are 4 trails at the park. I just rode the Cool Springs Loop. It was a blast. Great Downhill and the uphill about killed me. Put your bug spray on and make sure you have good brakes. Seriously check your brakes before you go. Great time. Took about 1.5 hrs to ride this trail. Great views. Take plenty of water. Place was deserted during the week. I can't say enough about the downhill and the switchbacks.

Recommended Route:
Park at the trailhead and ride across to starting point.