The best traffic-free bike rides in DeKalb County

Our guide features 5 dedicated traffic-free road cycling routes in DeKalb County, offering a range of experiences from easy to difficult. You'll find two easy routes, two moderate, and one challenging option.

Yes, DeKalb County offers two easy, traffic-free road cycling routes perfect for beginners or those seeking a relaxed ride. Consider the CCC Museum loop from Holly Spring Cemetery, which covers nearly 30 km, or the Roadbike loop from Lodge Falls, a scenic 25 km option.

The routes in DeKalb County often traverse areas with diverse natural beauty. You can expect to encounter scenic landscapes, including views around Little River Canyon National Preserve and DeSoto State Park, offering glimpses of woodlands and potentially waterfalls like DeSoto Falls.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, DeKalb County has a difficult traffic-free route: the CCC Museum – DeSoto Falls loop from Little River Canyon National Preserve. This extensive route spans over 88 km with significant elevation gain, providing a demanding and rewarding experience.

Absolutely. For a balanced ride, you can explore moderate difficulty routes like the Eberhardt Point – Wolf Creek Overlook loop from Little River Canyon National Preserve, which is about 38 km long, or the CCC Museum loop from Desoto State Park, a longer 62 km option.

The longest traffic-free road cycling route in this guide is the CCC Museum – DeSoto Falls loop from Little River Canyon National Preserve, covering approximately 88.5 km. This route is also classified as difficult due to its length and elevation changes.

Many routes offer points of interest. For example, the CCC Museum loop from Holly Spring Cemetery and the CCC Museum loop from Desoto State Park both feature the CCC Museum. Other routes provide access to areas like Little River Canyon National Preserve and DeSoto Falls, offering natural landmarks.

Elevation gains vary significantly by route. Easy routes like the Roadbike loop from Lodge Falls have around 240 meters of ascent. Moderate routes, such as the Eberhardt Point – Wolf Creek Overlook loop, can have over 560 meters. The most challenging route, the CCC Museum – DeSoto Falls loop, features nearly 930 meters of climbing.

Some of the longer routes, particularly the moderate and difficult ones, can easily fill a full day of cycling. For instance, the CCC Museum – DeSoto Falls loop is estimated to take over 5 hours, not including stops, making it an excellent option for an extended ride.

These routes are designed for road cycling, meaning they primarily feature paved surfaces. While they are traffic-free, you can expect varied terrain including some climbs and descents, especially around the natural preserves and state parks, offering a dynamic riding experience.

Yes, all the routes listed in this guide are circular loops, allowing you to start and end your ride at the same point. This makes planning your trip and parking more convenient.