Route Information
- Route Name: The Flint River Loop
- Distance:
- 58 miles, 4,400 ft elevation, 20% gravel
- Parking Location:
- Ride with GPS
- Strava
Description
Challenge any preconceived notion you have that middle Georgia is flat with this exciting adventure loop that spans through 4 counties.
Starting from the Flint River Boat Ramp outside of Woodbury, this route traverses across the river into Pike county and traverses south for 20 miles into Upson county.
Prepare yourselves for the long gravel climb up Thundering Springs road, and the notoriously steep climb up Pleasant Valley Road!
At the southern end of the route, you will cross back over the Flint into Talbot county and enter Big Lazer WMA. Be sure to allow time for lunch or a snack on the beautiful grassy Big Lazer dam overlooking the 200 acre lake.
After Big Lazer, you will pass along several quiet, country roads, climb several ridges, then finally enter “The Cove” in Meriwether County. Thought to be the site of a meteorite impact millions of years ago, The Cove is a unique topographic anomaly, and this route traverses right through its heart.
What this route lacks in gravel, it makes up for in uniqueness. Be sure to take note of the wide spectrum of terrain and elevation right here in middle Georgia.
Please note: there are no food stops along the route, but potable water can be found at the Big Lazer WMA buildings around mile 28. Lastly, the first mile of this route along 18 which can be busy with cars. Take advantage of the wide shoulder and know that after the first mile, the remainder of the route offers excellent roads for cycling.
Points of Interest
Here are three points of interest to visit or look out for on The Flint River Loop gravel trail in Meriwether County, GA:
Big Lazer WMA
A 7,200 acre wildlife management area present along the route from mile 27-33.
While the route includes the main road, there are many more roads to explore that are not featured along the route.
Sprewell Bluff WMA
Similar to Big Lazer, an entrance to this WMA is located along the route at mile 46 (Mitchell Gap) and provides another opportunity to add additional gravel miles.
The 8 mile out-and-back rugged road down to the Flint will certainly spice up your ride.
Flint River
Learn more about this beautiful river, its history, and opportunities to canoe it on our Flint River Water Trail website!
The Riverside County Store
Enjoy a bite to eat and a cold beverage after your ride. Located at the start/finish area, it is the perfect place for a post-ride snack.
You can visit the Riverside County Store website here or find them on Facebook.
Gravel Travel GA 