Blankets Creek Park

I went hiking here and loved it. The trails are primarily for mountain biking, so just have to be cautious. There’s a cool training course for anyone interested in mountain biking.

How did this place even happen?!! And it just keeps getting better. As someone who began mountain biking in the ‘90s, I can’t believe there is such a thing as a trailhead with pavement, bathrooms, and a bike wash station. Amazing.
And the trails. The Van Michael Trail is the single best trail I’ve ever ridden, with incredible flow, banked turns, ample opportunities for air and just enough technicality to keep it interesting. I’m glad I live 45 minutes away or I’d wear it out.
And even if those trail wizards at SORBA hadn’t dreamed up Van Michael in an inspired fit of knobby-​tired inspiration, the Dwelling Loop would be well worth a visit, climbing and swooping near the shores of Lake Allatoona.
Pay the donation, because they obviously use it well.

As far as my mountain bike skills go, I would consider myself a solid average rider!
Since beginning my «mountain biking career» a few years back, I’ve ridden about a dozen different mountain bike trails around Georgia. Blankets Creek is by far, hands-​down THE best mountain bike trail around.
I have to give two big thumbs up to SORBA Woodstock who do an amazing job keeping the trail maintained. There is a sign at the entrance of the trail system asking for a $ 1 donation… PAY IT! Heck, pay them $ 2. Because you know the money is well-​spent once you ride the trails.
My problem with most mountain bike trails has typically been that I get lost. You will definitely NOT get lost on Blankets Creek. It is extremely well marked and very well laid out.
There are four trails in total at Blankets Creek. There are maps but since everything is well marked, you don’t really need them:
1) Mosquito Flats = beginner’s trail. This one is good for kids. It’s relatively flat with some ups and downs to make it interesting and maybe one or two little hills to get your heartrate up. Do this trail if you’re unsure of your mountain biking skill level
2) Dwelling Loop = intermediate trail. This is my go-​to trail until I can improve my skills enough to try one of the advanced trails. This one is lots of fun and has a few pretty challenging sections to keep it interesting. My goal for 2013 is to be able to ride two laps on Dwelling without having to get off the bike and push.
3) Van Michael trail (aka Area 51) = advanced trail. I rode this trail only once. I fell about 30 seconds in and was bleeding from my knee. I pushed my bike up the hill for most of it. The downhill was a lot of fun. The difficult thing to me are all the little switchbacks (i.e. 180 degree turns going steep up-​hill). Still working on those skills.
4) South Loop = advanced trail. I have never been on this one, so I can’t really review it. It supposedly has a lot of roots and rocky areas, which make it very difficult. Some say it’s more difficult than Area 51.
Parking was an issue in the past, because their tiny parking lot couldn’t accommodate all the fans of Blankets Creek. However, they’ve extended their parking lot.
My advice: if you’ve never been mountain biking, try the Mosquito Flats. If you’ve been a few times, start with the Dwelling Loop and if that one bores you, try one of the more advanced trails.
And be sure to wear a helmet!

I love the bike trails here. It’s great for beginners and advanced. There are several trails to choose from.
My advice: Don’t take kids under age 8, as the trees and narrow bridges will make you nervous for kids that young. They are tough to steer around for kids that young.
Also, don’t go after a rain. There are so many trees there, that the sun can’t dry it all up in one day. It’s very shaded.
The rocky trails are GREAT and you will love them!

Great trail system. Trails are well maintained thanks to the volunteers at SORBA Woodstock. I feel very fortunate to live only 15 minutes from here and am able to come and ride these trails every weekend. There are trails here for everyone, from beginners to experts. Lot’s of variation to keep in interesting!!!

You have to love a place that has a sign at the entrance «This is a MT Bike Park, Bikes have the right of way» Yea that’s right move over cause we are going 1000 mph with our hair on fire. There are more trails than you can ride in a day and some that even I was hesitant to go on. It is one of those places that you have to go up if you want to get down. Now there are flat trails that the kids can ride on, even with training wheels. Well kept up trails, a great crowd and great scenery. Its pretty awesome. Rad if I might say so.

As a part of my New Year’s resolutions for 2012, I decided to make a progressively healthy change. I purchased a bike so that I could ride to (one of) my job (s), get more exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and clear my head.
I was taken to Blankets Creek this past Saturday to ride for the second time since getting my bike, and my FIRST TIME EVER, on a mountain trail. Considering I was being accompanied by a total badass mountain biker duathlon rock hopper, I knew I was going to struggle. But I’m stronger than I look.
When we arrived, the place was packed. Tons of people were chilling in the parking lot, drinking beers, chatting. Families were taking their kids riding, so I knew I wasn’t just a lamb in a sea of wolves.
All that was going on in my head was, «They’re all gonna laugh at you!»
I was a little worried I would end up bloodied in a ditch somewhere, having scribbled a note on his car saying, «Gone to Grady. Talk to you never.»
We obviously parted ways, I wasn’t going to have him babysit and watch me run into trees and pep-​talk myself while crossing narrow bridges. (F**KING TERRIFYING.)
I rode the beginners trails, and had so much fun. You live and you learn from your mistakes. Take it from me, I hugged more trees than curves that afternoon, but it was totally worth it. I can’t wait to go again.

its awesome… go there… shut up and ride!!!

Fantasic, well maintained, easily navigated mountain bike trail system. If you like to ride, then look no further. Here you will get your fill and fix.