Winding Stair Loop
Mountain Biking Trail
Moderate
19.85 mi
2,923 ft
One of the most popular gravel rides in the North Georgia mountains.
Winding Stair Loop is easily one of the most popular gravel road routes in North Georgia. This almost exactly 20-mile loop climbs from the three-way road junction in the center of the Bull Mountain trail system to Cooper Gap, traverses the top of the ridge, and then descends Winding Stair Gap, from whence the loop gets its name.
The trailhead noted here is the easiest and quickest trailhead to access from the nearby town of Dahlonega. While this trailhead is located below the steepest portion of the climb, it’s still not at the low point of the route. If you wish to begin at the absolute lowest point, head out toward Jake Mountain and access the network from there. If you pedal from the [Jake Mountain trailhead]( that option will add additional mileage to reach the primary loop.
However you choose to slice and dice this ride, this backcountry gravel epic is a truly rewarding pedal! The climb grinds steeply up the mountainside on superb Georgia backroads. In the beginning, you’ll cross bridges over rushing creeks and roll through dense Georgia rainforest. But as you climb, the trees will begin to thin, and you’ll be greeted by incredible views of the nearby mountains.
At the top of Cooper Gap, you’ll cross the Appalachian Trail, turn left, and traverse along the top of the ridge. But the climbing isn’t done just yet—the road undulates up and down as it traverses the ridge, with short, steep climbs and descents keeping you honest.
At the top of Winding Stair Gap, all of the work is over, and it’s time to descend! The descent down Winding Stair is fast and furious. This steep dirt road plummets straight down the mountainside, and in places, the road tread can be quite rough. Expect washboards, protruding rocks, roots, and possible oncoming traffic.
If you’re riding a dedicated gravel bike, the descent down Winding Stair could be hairy indeed! Many locals opt to ride hardtail mountain bikes on this route, due in part to the chunky descent. However, if you take care not to pinch flat, you should be fine on a standard gravel bike.
Alternatively, if you reach the top of Winding Stair Gap and aren’t ready for your time in the woods to be at an end, consider extending your ride with the [Noontootla Loop]( Written by Greg Heil
Winding Stair Loop is easily one of the most popular gravel road routes in North Georgia. This almost exactly 20-mile loop climbs from the three-way road junction in the center of the Bull Mountain trail system to Cooper Gap, traverses the top of the ridge, and then descends Winding Stair Gap, from whence the loop gets its name.
The trailhead noted here is the easiest and quickest trailhead to access from the nearby town of Dahlonega. While this trailhead is located below the steepest portion of the climb, it’s still not at the low point of the route. If you wish to begin at the absolute lowest point, head out toward Jake Mountain and access the network from there. If you pedal from the [Jake Mountain trailhead]( that option will add additional mileage to reach the primary loop.
However you choose to slice and dice this ride, this backcountry gravel epic is a truly rewarding pedal! The climb grinds steeply up the mountainside on superb Georgia backroads. In the beginning, you’ll cross bridges over rushing creeks and roll through dense Georgia rainforest. But as you climb, the trees will begin to thin, and you’ll be greeted by incredible views of the nearby mountains.
At the top of Cooper Gap, you’ll cross the Appalachian Trail, turn left, and traverse along the top of the ridge. But the climbing isn’t done just yet—the road undulates up and down as it traverses the ridge, with short, steep climbs and descents keeping you honest.
At the top of Winding Stair Gap, all of the work is over, and it’s time to descend! The descent down Winding Stair is fast and furious. This steep dirt road plummets straight down the mountainside, and in places, the road tread can be quite rough. Expect washboards, protruding rocks, roots, and possible oncoming traffic.
If you’re riding a dedicated gravel bike, the descent down Winding Stair could be hairy indeed! Many locals opt to ride hardtail mountain bikes on this route, due in part to the chunky descent. However, if you take care not to pinch flat, you should be fine on a standard gravel bike.
Alternatively, if you reach the top of Winding Stair Gap and aren’t ready for your time in the woods to be at an end, consider extending your ride with the [Noontootla Loop]( Written by Greg Heil
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cooper Gap 20 minute TT | 2.38 mi | 751 ft | 5.7% |
| Ranger Camp to Coopers Gap Rd. | 2.82 mi | 1,001 ft | 6.7% |
| Ranger Camp > Turkey | 5.95 mi | 1,181 ft | 3.8% |
| Coopers Gap Rd Climb | 0.84 mi | 413 ft | 9.3% |
| Coopers to rock wall | 0.46 mi | 33 ft | 1.3% |
| Appalachian Hwy CCW DH#1 | 0.74 mi | -259 ft | -6.5% |
| Appalachian Blue Ridge Rd Climb | 0.93 mi | 325 ft | 6.5% |
| Maudlin Gap to Winding Stair Gap | 3.63 mi | 440 ft | 1.7% |
| Hightower Gap Rd Climb | 1.48 mi | 361 ft | 4.6% |
| Winding Stair - Down - FS77 | 2.68 mi | -1,171 ft | -8.3% |
| Aero tuck on gravel | 2.41 mi | -1,109 ft | -8.6% |
| Silver Dollar > Turner Creek | 1.65 mi | -728 ft | -8.3% |
| FS-77 (Jones Cr turnoff to the top of Jones Creek Ridge) | 0.52 mi | 125 ft | 4.2% |
| Nemesis on 28-1 | 0.20 mi | 118 ft | 10.7% |
| Nemesis to 28-1/High Tower Intersection | 0.78 mi | -161 ft | -3.9% |
| Black Branch to Wahsega gravel rd DH | 1.81 mi | -236 ft | -2.2% |
| Casino Boogie FS28 | 1.16 mi | -233 ft | -3.6% |
| 4H to Camp | 1.25 mi | 289 ft | 4.4% |
| Hightower Church Rd Climb | 0.71 mi | 269 ft | 7.1% |
| Climb to Ranger Camp | 1.02 mi | 276 ft | 5.1% |