The Rise and Fall of Douglasville's Tributary Bike Trail: A Cyclist's Take

Overview

Nestled within Douglasville, Georgia, the Tributary Bike Trail has a reputation for being a formidable challenge even for the most experienced of mountain bikers. A technical course featuring rocks, roots, and steep climbs, it's not for the faint-hearted. However, recent developments have significantly affected the trail's accessibility and condition.

Technical Specifics

• Distance: 7 miles
• Level: Very Easy (misleading, better suited for advanced intermediate to expert riders)
• Route Type: Network

What To Expect

• Technical Climb and Descents: Precarious climbs followed by exhilarating drops.
• Wooden Features: Artisan-built wooden elements add an extra layer of challenge.
• Switchbacks: Tight and often altered due to local running events.
• Loose Rocks: A consistent challenge underfoot or under tire, making for an unstable ride.

Access & Parking

To get there, drive south on Fairburn Road from Douglasville and make a left onto Riverside Parkway. Continue for 1.3 miles and then make another left onto Ashton Rd Old. At the end of Ashton Rd Old, where the road bends 90 degrees to the left, there's a gravel road. About half a mile down this road, a small clearing on your right serves as the parking area. The trailhead is across the road. GPS coordinates for parking are 33.719003, -84.636022.

Current State: Overgrown & Inaccessible

Recent purchases of land by Tyler Perry have rendered the trail largely inaccessible. Fences have been erected that block the previous dirt road that led to Sweetwater Creek and these trails. Moreover, the trail has fallen into a state of disrepair. It's now overgrown and laden with litter near the starting point. Many have reported difficulty even finding a parking spot.

Who's It For?

Originally not a beginner's trail by any means, Tributary was a ground for advanced intermediate to expert riders. However, due to the current overgrown and inaccessible state, it's no longer suited for mountain biking. It might offer a space for adventurous hikers looking for a 'scavenger hunt' experience, albeit with a warning about the local critter population, including snakes and spiders.

Final Thoughts

The Tributary Bike Trail had potential for high-octane, technical mountain biking, especially given its technical ascents and challenging wooden features. It also had the makings of a biking trail network if managed and defined properly. However, with its current condition and legal restrictions, it serves as a lesson on the importance of land access and trail maintenance for sustaining mountain biking communities.Ride at your own risk and keep an eye out for future developments that might revive this once-thrilling biking trail.