Athens, GA Cycling

Yes, Athens IS a wonderful place for cycling with plenty of bike trails, so bring your bike!  Athens has been named a Bicycle-Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists, and one of the 10 Best Places for a Cycling Vacation in 2022 by Lonely Planet. Local Athens bike shops provide superior knowledge and service, plus organized rides and educational opportunities. Athens cycling clubs organize group rides at all skill levels- from fast-paced to beginner-friendly no-drop rides. Bike Athens hosts monthly group rides and plenty of other opportunities for cyclists looking to get more involved in improving the Athens biking environment.

Where Can I Bike in Athens?

There are a number of cycling trails in Athens, including:

  • Walker Park, for mountain biking. Formerly known as Trail Creek Park, the trails are designed and maintained to the highest standards.
     
  • Firefly Trail, for all types of non-motorized transportation, making use of a Rails-to-Trails network that will eventually span 39 miles.
     
  • North Oconee River Greenway, a shady spot for biking, as well as walking and jogging.

See the Athens cycling trail listings below for more bicycling information and resources!

 

Bike Map of Athens

Bike Athens and the UGA Community Mapping Lab have created an interactive map of preferred biking routes in Athens. In addition to suggesting the best streets for bike riders, it also marks areas with steep inclines, transit stops, and local amenities. The map rates roads in four categories: Strongly preferred, Preferred, Use with caution, and Use only when necessary. 

 

Top Cycling Events in Athens

 

Twilight Criterium Biking in Athens GA

Twilight Criterium, Every April

Athens is also home to a premier event on the professional cycling circuit, the Twilight Criterium. Held the last weekend of April for the past three decades, racers and spectators alike revel in the breakneck pace of the evening race through historic streets of downtown Athens. Bicycle races throughout the weekend offer a chance for all ages to get in on the competition!

 

Athens-to-Savannah Ride, Every October

Check out Georgia's lovely scenery as you cycle from Athens to Savannah! The annual ride raises funds for the new Hi Lo Trail, which will connect to Athens' Firefly Trail and aims to be America's longest paved multi-use trail as it extends all the way to Savannah.

Choose between the 3-day Road Ride prior participants know and love or a 4-day gravel ride option.

 

Athens Bike Trails Listings

Check out these Athens bike trails-- there are both paved and unpaved options.

Bike Repair Stations

There are more than 15 free bike repair stations available for use along the trails. These repair stations include a frame to hold the bike, many useful tools, and an air pump to help bicyclists make minor repairs to their bike in the field. 

The repair stations can be found along Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services'  paved trail system, in Boulevard Woods, Dudley, and Walker Parks, as well at Sandy Creek Nature Center.  Other sites include the University of Georgia campus..

Near the top of each bike repair station there is a QR code. It can be scanned to open quick guides to basic bike repairs.  

Athens Georgia Bike Repair Station Locations

Athens Bike Shops, Rides, and Cycling Groups

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Cycling Scenes