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Franklin State Forest
12 reviews
4.42 of 5
The main trail that I know of runs along the bluff line and offers outstanding views of the valley below. From the trail that leaves from the forest office you will come to an intersection and you can ride either left or right. Either direction is an out and back singletrack. The trail to the left has the better singletrack but deadends after about 2 miles. The trail to the right is approximately 6 miles but contains some very technical sections. This section also crosses onto some doubletrack sections that can be included in your ride as well. If you stay above the bluff line your never that far from the hwy so explore a little.
I-24 to Monteagle, hwy 64 west to hwy 156, go south on 156 for approximately 5-6 miles to forestry office. Park in pull off in front of office, trail straight across hwy. Alternative trailhead is 2-3 miles down 156 at parking area on left (unmarked to my knowledge).
Summary: I rode up here on July 12,2009. There are quite a few trees down I suppose. It is a tough trail, I don't consider myself an expert or novice but I had a tough time on a lot of the sections. If you don't mind walking your bike occasionally, its worth the drive. Very pretty area. Could not find a trail map. Looked online, didn't find it. I think there is a ranger there sometimes who hands them out, but he wasn't there when I went. I really wish I had a trail map though. If I can ever find one, I'll go back.
Recommended Route: I parked at the only official looking parking area I saw and crossed the road. I think I rode trails "A" Through "C".
Other recommended trails in the same area: Similar to slickrock at the Ocoee as far as technicality goes.
Summary: I rode this trail in March of 2009 for the first time, and I plan on taking at least 1 trip a month up there. More like adventure riding than typical mountain biking. It was a slow pace because of the terrain, but super fun. Seems pretty expsed out there and the natural features are very challenging. It was as challenging of a trail as you can get without being so technical that you need to be a trials rider.... but not so technical that you didn't enjoy it. It had the perfect amount of challenge vs fun. I rearely had to walk a section, but it was a commitment and skill... and some luck to make it through several sections. It kinda kicked my butt. Well worth the drive from Chattanooga or Nashville.
Recommended Route: Park at Log cabin (ranger house) ride across the street and follow posted letters from A-K. at letter K you end up back on the highway. that was 8 miles, but all I had time for, I will go back an dexplore the other trail(s) soon.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Raccoon Mtn, Booker T,
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Summary: The trail directions are not correct, they should be "I-24 to Monteagle, hwy 41-A west to hwy 156". I also want to let every one know that we have built a new trail that runs from the south end trail head parking lot, around the west side of the forest and ties back into the Tom Pack Falls Trail to make a 19.5 mile loop when combined with the West Rim Trail. The first 4 miles of the new trail were built in 2004-2005, the last 6 miles were built 2006-2007 and some of this section needs weathering in. The 6 miles built this year is blazed with 2"x 6" plastic blazes. I have a new trail map that I hand out ot visitors when I am at the forest.
Recommended Route: Start at the Ranger's Station, (cabin), ride across the hwy, onto the Fern Trail, follow the faint white blazes, to Fern Creek, onto the double track, onto the single track at .6 miles, begine the West Rim trail, south to the trail head parking lot at 8 miles. Cross over hwy 156 and onto the Weast Side trail, follow the blazes.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Perimeter Trail at Sewanee, AEDC Trail near Tullahoma, Saint-Andrews-Sewanee race course at SAS School.
Summary: This trail just kicks ass,period.What a gorgeous place to ride with most of it being just a few feet from the ridgeline(west rim).I just rode it once but I definitely want to go back.I love the fact that not many people know about it.Watch out for the horses.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Signal Mountain
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Summary: These were the coolest trails I've been on. The West Rim Trail is so freakin pretty. A lot of this trail follows within a few feet from a ridge line, and has a couple of nice vantage points to stop at. When you eventually get to a fireroad, go to your left(I left my bike), about 50ft there is a cool chill spot under the rock face looking out over a waterfall. There were a couple of tough climbs for me, but most were doable. There is some fun technical stuff too, which made me glad I just bought a new helmet. This trail is a must, and I'm glad I made a detour to swing by.
Recommended Route: After entering at the trailhead keep hanging left, you'll come to a tight little section following a stream. To your left will be a bridge. I decided to skip this turn and keep going straight, eventually you'll come to some signs. Follow The west rim trail. That is what i did and it was the coolest trail I've rode on, there are plenty of other trails there, but I didn't have a map so I just went. I suggest you do the same.
Other recommended trails in the same area: Don't know. Stopped at the chickasaw trace on my way back through on I-65. It's not as cool as Franklin.
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