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Print Friendly MapA rugged trek through the North Georgia mountains, this 9-mile trail is ideally suited to hikers and mountain bikers. Despite its quiet, dense forest setting, the Simms Mountain Trail does pass several houses, so keep an eye out for local dogs guarding their property.
From Huffaker Road, the trail traverses a wooden bridge over a pristine brook broken by waterfalls. Within a quarter-mile you'll cross Big Texas Valley Road, though traffic is sparse in this rural area. Here the trail merges with the Georgia Pinhoti Trail, the state's longest footpath.
Over the next mile you'll find evidence of the region's active logging industry on the south side of the trail. Keep trekking west to more remote and scenic sections, where pine forests and dense foliage stretch south to distant mountains, presenting a gorgeous prospect.
While this trail ends in Rome along Holland-Chattoogaville Rd, if you're feeling adventurous and have the energy, the Georgia Pinhoti Trail (hiking only) continues another 95 miles north.
There are two parking options available along this trail, first at the southern Trailhead along 3534 Huffaker Rd NW and also a quarter-mile down the road where the trail crosses Big Texas Valley Rd.
See TrailLink Map for more detailed information.
We didn't complete the trail but it was perfect for the kids (10 and 7). It was dirt and gravel with some hills but not too challenging.
This is a comfortable trail in beautiful surroundings. It will give you a good workout without requiring any technical experience. Don't do what I did! Beginning a Huffaker Road trail head I began a steady uphill climb, mile after mile with no let up. Since it was uphill all the way I kept going to Holland at 9.3 miles thinking that the return trip would be FREE - downhill all the way. Not so. The trail is pretty flat and what I thought was an uphill grade was more of an optical illusion. I am just out of shape and the return ride required just as much peddling as going up. Off the Beaten Track, Jim Parham, makes the Simms Mountain trail a 12.8 mile run as he includes the section from Highway 100 to Pinhote South Trail Head. I just did the section to Holland (9.3 miles) on a hot day - had lots of water and used it all. The trail has plenty of shade but also many sections are open, sunny and hot.
"This one is good for Mt bike or hybrid. Stunningly beautiful countryside. The Shanendoah Valley of Georgia. I started at Lyerly and proceeded past Holland. Starts as Simms Mt trail and then picks up as the Pinhoti Trail. Pinhoti is actually the longest trail in GA. Saw a dozen turkey, deer and wild dogs. The old rail bed is intact and a good trestle crossing near Lyerly. I found some history of this rail line, looks like it was finally abandoned in 1981? Found an old newspaper rail schedule from the 1920's online. Train would run thru to Chattanooga daily. This trail is in the wilderness, did not see another biker or hiker all day."
"This is a beautiful trail that offers something for almost everyone. However, I wouldn't call it appropriate for wheelchairs! Sims Trail is gravel on an old railroad bed and makes good traveling for bikes. It meets the Pinhoti trail head and from there it's bike pushing time uphill to High Point.
Along Taylor ridge to Mack White Gap (Hwy 27) it is once again great for bikes. Beautiful trees, some wonderful vistas and very quiet. "
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