If you’ve ever biked the rugged, breathtaking ridges of the North Georgia mountains, you know how special the Pinhoti Trail is. It offers a kind of backcountry, point-to-point single-track experience that is incredibly rare in the Southeastern United States.
Now, we have a historic opportunity to protect, promote, and elevate this iconic trail—and we need your voice to make it happen.
What is the BOLT Act?
As part of the landmark EXPLORE Act passed in 2024, the Biking on Long-Distance Trails (BOLT) Act was signed into law. This legislation directs federal land management agencies (under the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Forest Service) to identify 10 existing and 10 potential long-distance biking trails across the country to receive dedicated recognition and support.
SORBA worked alongside partners like the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), Bikepacking Roots, and the Outdoor Alliance to help push the BOLT Act across the finish line. Now, it’s time to put that legislation to work right here in our backyard.
Through the BOLT Act Coalition, SORBA has officially nominated the 128-mile Georgia section of the Pinhoti Trail to be considered for this prestigious designation.
Why the Georgia Pinhoti?
The Georgia section of the Pinhoti is a crown jewel of Southern mountain biking. Stretching across the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest, this segment:
Offers a Rare Experience: Truly long-distance, backcountry single-track is hard to come by in the Southeast. The Pinhoti provides a premier point-to-point journey.
Is Globally Recognized: It is the backbone of the legendary annual Trans North Georgia (TNGA) bikepacking race and a bucket-list route for riders nationwide.
Fuels Local Communities: From Dalton and Chatsworth to Ellijay and Blue Ridge, visiting bikepackers and trail riders pour vital tourism dollars directly into local economies, supporting small businesses, restaurants, and lodging.
How You Can Help (It Takes 2 Minutes!)
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service need to hear from the community. Public comments are open, and your input will show federal decision-makers just how much this trail means to riders and local economies.
- Use the link below to add a comment to the BLM website
- Download and include either the full BOLT Report produced by the BOLT Coalition and/or the Pinhoti Map
- Example text of a comment:
- As a SORBA member, I am writing to express my strong support for the nomination of the 128-mile Georgia portion of the Pinhoti Trail under the Biking on Long-Distance Trails (BOLT) Act.
While the full Pinhoti Trail is a legendary 335-mile long-distance route stretching across the foothills of the Southern Appalachian Mountains, the nominated 128-mile section across the North Georgia mountains provides a uniquely spectacular and rugged experience.
High-quality, continuous, point-to-point backcountry single-track experiences are incredibly hard to come by in the Southeastern United States, where most mountain biking is concentrated in smaller, closed-loop trail systems. The Georgia Pinhoti offers a rare opportunity for true long-distance backcountry riding and exploration that cannot easily be found elsewhere in the region.
Because of this unique character, the trail is a highly celebrated, well-known, and beloved route within the national bikepacking community. It serves as a core, iconic segment of the annual Trans North Georgia (TNGA) bikepacking route, drawing riders from all over the country to experience its challenging terrain.
This steady stream of recreational tourism provides a vital economic lifeline to multiple rural “trail towns” and local economies along the corridor—including Dalton, Chatsworth, Ellijay, and Blue Ridge. Bikepackers and trail users consistently support local businesses by purchasing food, gear, supplies, and lodging during their journeys.
Formally identifying and supporting the Georgia Pinhoti Trail under the BOLT Act will ensure this invaluable recreational resource is preserved, maintained, and enjoyed for generations to come. Thank you for your time and for considering this outstanding trail for BOLT designation.
- As a SORBA member, I am writing to express my strong support for the nomination of the 128-mile Georgia portion of the Pinhoti Trail under the Biking on Long-Distance Trails (BOLT) Act.