February 22, 2022
Rabbit Ridge Mountain Bike Trail for Hikers
near Hiawassee, GA
We had a cloudy and warm winter day with temperatures between 55 and 60 degrees. This trail is a combination of the Jackrabbit Mountain Hiking and Jackrabbit Ridge Bike Trails, the latter is not mapped on AllTrails. The two trails are separate trails which required us to cross over from one trail to the other twice when the two trails were in close proximity. Waypoints are added to this map to show these crossover points for others using this map. The trails are in good condition with the Jackrabbit Mtn Hiking Trail on mostly pine straw covered trail beds. The Jackrabbit Ridge Bike Trail is a fairly hard clay path, but was slightly muddy from the previous night's rain. Only the hiking section of this trail provided any views of Lake Chatuge. The trails today are mostly easy to occasionally moderate reflecting the slopes encountered. No-fee parking with restrooms is available near the trailhead. The lake level was low today and there were no wildflowers.
The route
5.8 mi · 682 ft climbing · 3h 17m out, 2h 49m walking · 2.1 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
2 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (15)
Panoramic view of Lake Chatuge from the trail. Todays Hikers (L-R): Vic, Angela, Tim, Christine, Gerald, Jenny, Don, Renee, Mike, Bob, Mary Lu, Dave, Gary & Ray. Getting ready in the parking area. It's just a short walk up the park road to the hiking trailhead. Nice signs and map at the hiking trailhead, but few beyond there. The hiking trail bed is quite nice, except for a few surprise roots . . . right Bob? This trail information sign was a bit puzzling, so we are providing an example just in case you are not sure. . . . really? A less than great view from the top of Jackrabbit Mountain. Some nice signage at the beginning of the mountain bike trail. Good thing the trail police were not there to catch those wrong-way hikers! No one else on the trail today. Typical bike trail condition and banked turn. We had to slow Vic down on that curve! Is this a mountain bike or senior hiker warning? Blind turn at the peak of a hill. One of the few views of the lake from the hiking trail toward the end of the hike. Low water! One of those gnarly trees with character. The always attractive ground cedar was a pleasant sight. Not a great picture, but this tree seemed to have its top or major branches broken off a long time ago. It now has three or more major branches now growing from the old wounds.