Imagine yourself speeding down a mountainside, wind rushing past as you navigate twists, dips, and exhilarating jumps on two wheels. For mountain biking enthusiasts and thrill-seekers, the search for the perfect riding spot is always on. If you’re typing “Bike Park Near Me” into your search bar, you’re likely craving that adrenaline rush and the unique experience that only a dedicated bike park can offer. Look no further than Jarrod’s Place Bike Park, a hidden gem nestled in the rugged woodlands of Northwest Georgia, rapidly gaining recognition as a premier mountain biking destination. My recent Friday afternoon there was a baptism by fire – a thrilling, slightly terrifying, and ultimately awesome introduction to downhill mountain biking that left me hooked.
Jarrod's Place Bike Park Entrance
My initiation into the world of downhill bike parks began, perhaps misguidedly, on a blue-rated trail at Jarrod’s Place. As a “green” mountain biker, my all-carbon Trek, usually at home on gentler gravel roads, was suddenly facing a red-clay mountainside. Gravity was winning, Georgia pines and boulders were rushing by, and I was desperately trying to maintain control. It was exhilarating, chaotic, and a far cry from my usual weekend rides. This adventure stemmed from a YouTube rabbit hole sparked by my bike research, leading me to videos showcasing a “shuttle-service bike park” near Atlanta. These videos painted a picture of a snowless ski slope for mountain bikes: pure downhill thrills, minimal pedaling, and a focus on gravity-fueled fun. The landscape was breathtaking – endless green ridges and rich red clay, promising an unforgettable experience.
Could this be in Georgia? The thought struck me. And so close?
Scenic Valley View from Jarrod's Place Bike Park
Mid-Mountain Valley Vista at Bike Park
Indeed, it was. Jarrod’s Place Bike Park, the brainchild of two visionaries, Jarrod Harris and Josh Cohan, had just celebrated its first anniversary. In a short time, it has become an unexpected international draw and a significant boost to a rural Georgia county. Intrigued, I ventured north to explore this mountain biking haven, understand its origins, and uncover the story behind “Jarrod’s Place.”
The Genesis of a Bike Park Dream
Before Jarrod’s Place became a reality, Jarrod Harris was carving a different path, navigating life from humble beginnings in Powder Springs. Bike riding was his escape and passion. He found himself drawn to BMX racing, even finding refuge in the announcer’s tower of a local track during periods of homelessness.
“We used to just ride and get in trouble,” Jarrod, now 47, recalls with a smile.
A turning point came with John Kovachi, a respected figure in the BMX world, who mentored Jarrod and propelled him into national competitions. By 13, Jarrod was competing nationally. Later, he discovered a talent for track design, winning a national contest in the early 90s. He foresaw the rise of large-scale bike parks, a concept that was just beginning to emerge, primarily at Western ski resorts seeking summer revenue.
Jarrod’s personality – laidback, witty, with a unique sense of humor – also led him down another path: stand-up comedy. Encouraged by fellow comedian Stephen Colbert, Jarrod pursued comedy, eventually moving to Los Angeles in 2009. He honed his skills alongside comedians like Bill Burr, appeared on George Lopez’s talk show in 2011, and created the viral web series Action Figure Therapy. Despite the near-success of an FX show, a legal setback led him to step back from comedy in 2015. However, this period also brought a positive change – he met and married comedian Lace Larrabee, a Georgia native known for her comedy courses and America’s Got Talent success.
Feeling disillusioned with the entertainment industry, Jarrod returned to Georgia, purchasing land in Jasper and building his own bike trails with massive jumps. He started a power-washing business to sustain himself, finding solace once again in riding. “I just stayed in the woods,” he says, “kind of bitter and angry.”
Word of Jarrod’s trails spread, and riders from across the Southeast began requesting to ride at “Jarrod’s place.” He initially welcomed skilled riders in exchange for donations or trail work, implementing humorous “video waivers.” Among these visitors was Josh Cohan, also from Cobb County.
Josh, with a background in motocross and business management, dreamt of opening a bike shop. Recognizing the saturated Atlanta market, he and Jarrod discussed merging their visions: a premier bike park with a shuttle service – a first for Georgia – combined with a full-service bike shop. Josh’s corporate experience was the perfect complement to Jarrod’s trail-building expertise.
Together, they pooled their resources, bypassed investors, and began the search for the ideal location. After a couple of near misses, they stumbled upon a 230-acre former tree farm in Summerville in 2020. “Okay, this is the place,” they both agreed instantly.
Building a Bike Park from the Ground Up
Jarrod’s Place Bike Park, located roughly 80 miles from Atlanta, is comparable in size to Chastain Park but boasts a dramatic 900-foot elevation change. Constructing the initial phase took 14 months of intense labor by Jarrod, Josh, and a small team. They battled dense undergrowth, marshland, boulders, and wildlife, including rattlesnakes, copperheads, wild boar, and even a bear. The park’s activity has since encouraged much of the wildlife to relocate.
Jarrod's Place "Headquarters" and Bike Shop
Shuttle Service Staging Area
Jarrod's Place Bike Park Trail Map
At the base of the mountain sits “Headquarters,” a 1,500-square-foot building housing a pro bike shop, a dog park, bike wash, and 24-hour facilities. Nearby, forty campsites cater to riders, many of whom are touring bike parks across the Southeast. Unlike many bike parks that operate seasonally at ski resorts, Jarrod’s Place is open year-round thanks to Georgia’s mild winters. This, combined with its unique red-clay terrain and well-designed trails, has made it a popular winter destination, drawing visitors from across the US and even internationally. Race weekends attract up to 600 participants and spectators.
“Sometimes it’s a little weird,” Jarrod notes, “because you’re like, There are more out-of-state plates here than Georgia plates.”
Jarrod is currently developing the park’s 20th trail and plans to add more beginner-friendly options soon. Trails range from green-level kid zones to challenging double-black-diamond runs. (A word of advice for newcomers: this park is not for casual bikes. Invest in strong brakes and consider a dropper-post for your seat. Lowering your seat beforehand is crucial!). Efficient shuttle trucks ensure minimal wait times at the bottom of the trails. Josh estimates that only about an eighth of the park’s acreage has been developed so far, leaving significant room for future expansion. The investment to date is estimated between $1.5 and $2 million.
Bike Shuttle Loading Zone at Jarrod's Place
Scenic Ascent on the Shuttle Road
Shuttle Drop-off Point at the Trailhead
Day passes at Jarrod’s Place start at $50 for unlimited shuttle access, with six-month passes available for $450. When asked about the park’s success, Jarrod explains, “There’s no manual for this – it’s a giant experiment. I avoid setting specific targets, but our first year has been very positive, and we’re seeing steady growth as more people discover us.”
An unexpected benefit has been the economic revitalization of Chattooga County, a region with a per capita income of around $19,500.
“Our neighbors are starting Airbnbs and generating income,” Josh shares. “Summerville is benefiting from the influx of visitors at local restaurants and gas stations. It’s amazing to witness. Now, in town, everyone recognizes us because of the mountain bikes, which were unheard of before. People initially thought we were crazy for wanting to ride down the mountain!”
Finding My Flow at the Bike Park
Returning to my own experience, after my initial overzealous trail choice, I wisely switched to the green-rated Armuchee Express. A helpful rider named Frank lent me a multitool to lower my seat, and suddenly, the experience transformed.
Beginner Trail at Jarrod's Place Bike Park
Over the next two hours, I completed several runs on Armuchee Express, gaining confidence and experiencing the thrill of downhill riding. I navigated bridges over streams, muddy banks, and dense woods, feeling that euphoric adrenaline rush. The Friday afternoon crowd was diverse – teenagers, seasoned pros, older riders, men and women, and people from various backgrounds. Each shuttle ride to the top fostered a sense of community and shared adventure, filled with excited chatter about the runs and near wipeouts. The stresses of city life faded away.
“Overall, I think we hit a home run. We’re close to Atlanta and offer this incredible escape,” Jarrod reflects. “Our goal now is to promote the sport and welcome more people into mountain biking. Honestly, riding bikes saved my life.”
Muddy Bike Ready for a WashIf you’re searching for “bike park near me,” Jarrod’s Place Bike Park is more than just a location; it’s an experience. It’s a place to challenge yourself, connect with nature, and discover the thrill of downhill mountain biking. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a curious beginner, Jarrod’s Place offers trails for every skill level and an unforgettable adventure. Plan your visit and discover why this Georgia bike park is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for riders everywhere.
