Are you searching for exhilarating Mtb Bike Parks Near Me? Look no further! Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner eager to hit the trails, the Southeast, and particularly areas around Atlanta, are brimming with incredible mountain biking destinations. This guide will take you through one standout location that’s quickly becoming an international hotspot for mountain bike enthusiasts: Jarrod’s Place Bike Park.
Nestled in the rugged woodlands between Summerville and Rome, Georgia, Jarrod’s Place offers a unique, adrenaline-pumping experience unlike any other. Imagine a snowless ski slope, but designed exclusively for mountain bikes. That’s precisely what awaits you. My first experience there was a thrilling baptism by fire. Barely five seconds into my ride, navigating a red-clay mountainside trail on a gravel bike, I knew I was in over my head – in the best possible way. It was a chaotic dance with gravity, dodging pines and boulders, feeling every bit like a cowboy wrestling a wild bull.
This adventure started with a tip from a friend named Frank and a YouTube rabbit hole. As a “green” mountain biker with a recently acquired carbon Trek, I was researching riding techniques when the algorithm led me to videos of a “shuttle-service bike park” near Atlanta. The footage was captivating: downhill runs, no pedaling needed, just pure speed, twists, dips, and breathtaking airtime, all set against a backdrop of stunning, raw nature.
The picturesque setting of Jarrod's Place Bike Park, showcasing its natural beauty and terrain.
Is this really in Georgia? I wondered, captivated by the screen. And so close to Atlanta? Intrigued, I knew I had to explore this gem.
What Makes Jarrod’s Place a Top MTB Bike Park Destination?
Jarrod’s Place Bike Park isn’t just another trail system; it’s a vision brought to life by two passionate individuals. Celebrating its anniversary in May, this park has rapidly gained recognition as an international destination, a standout in the growing world of mountain biking, and a significant economic driver for rural Georgia.
Driven by curiosity and the need for an escape after a demanding work week, I ventured north to conquer this mountain, learn the story behind its creation, and uncover the enigma of “Jarrod” himself.
The Story Behind the Park: From BMX Dreams to Mountain Bike Reality
Before Jarrod’s Place, Jarrod Harris was a kid from Powder Springs with a passion for bikes and a knack for finding trouble. BMX racing became his escape, and even during periods of homelessness, he found solace and shelter at a local BMX track.
“We used to just ride and get in trouble,” Jarrod recalls.
Mentorship from BMX legend John Kovachi propelled Jarrod into national competitions from the age of 13. Later, his talent for track design shone through when he won a national contest by the National Bicycle League in the early 90s. Jarrod foresaw the rise of large-scale bike parks, a concept that began to materialize in the early 2000s, often at ski resorts seeking summer attractions.
Jarrod’s journey took an unexpected turn into stand-up comedy, where his wit and laid-back style resonated. Encouraged by fellow comedian Stephen Colbert, Jarrod moved to Los Angeles in 2009, connecting with comedy heavyweights like Bill Burr. He even appeared on George Lopez’s show and created the viral web series Action Figure Therapy. Despite facing setbacks in Hollywood, he met his wife, comedian Lace Larrabee, a Georgia native.
In 2015, disillusioned with the entertainment industry, Jarrod returned to Georgia, purchased land in Jasper, and channeled his energy into building bike trails in his backyard. “I just stayed in the woods,” he says, finding peace in riding again.
Word of mouth spread, and soon riders were flocking to “Jarrod’s place.” He welcomed skilled riders, initially in exchange for donations or trail work, using hilarious “video waivers” to manage liability.
Among these visitors was Josh Cohan, a fellow Cobb County native with a background in business management. Josh envisioned opening a bike shop, but recognizing Atlanta’s saturated market, he saw an opportunity to combine his vision with Jarrod’s trails. Together, they conceived a plan for a full-fledged, paid bike park with a shuttle service – a first for Georgia – and a bike shop. Josh, with his corporate experience, complemented Jarrod’s creative vision perfectly.
Pooling their resources and foregoing investors, Jarrod and Josh sought the ideal location. In 2020, during the pandemic, they discovered a 230-acre former tree farm in Summerville. “Okay, this is the place,” they agreed, instantly recognizing its potential.
A scenic view overlooking the valley from Jarrod's Place Bike Park, highlighting the expansive landscape.
Another perspective of the valley from the drop point, midway up the mountain, showcasing the elevation.
Exploring Jarrod’s Place: What to Expect
Located roughly 80 miles from Atlanta, Jarrod’s Place boasts a dramatic 900 feet of elevation change within its nearly Chastain Park-sized expanse. Building the park from scratch was a 14-month endeavor, involving clearing dense brush and navigating challenging terrain. Wildlife, including rattlesnakes, wild boars, and even bears, initially posed a challenge, but the park’s activity has since encouraged them to relocate.
At the park’s base, “Headquarters” houses a pro bike shop, bike wash, 24-hour facilities, and even a dog park. Forty campsites are nestled along the mile-long road ascending the mountain, welcoming riders year-round. Unlike many bike parks linked to ski resorts, Jarrod’s Place thrives throughout Georgia’s mild winters. This year-round accessibility, combined with unique red-clay terrain and well-designed trails, has made it a popular winter destination for riders from across the country and even internationally. Visitors hail from as far as California, Canada, and Europe, with a significant number from Florida, drawn to the closest true mountainside park. Race weekends attract up to 600 riders and spectators.
“Sometimes it’s a little weird,” Jarrod jokes, observing the abundance of out-of-state license plates.
Currently, Jarrod is developing the park’s 20th trail, with beginner-friendly options planned. Trails range from green-level kid zones to double-black-diamond challenges. (A word of advice: leave the old, dusty bike at home. Invest in strong brakes and consider a dropper-post for a smoother ride.) Shuttle trucks ensure quick uplifts, minimizing wait times. Josh estimates that only about an eighth of the park’s land has been developed, hinting at significant future expansion. Investments to date range between $1.5 and $2 million.
The "Headquarters" building, featuring the pro bike shop and amenities for riders at Jarrod's Place Bike Park.
The staging area for the efficient shuttle service at the bike park, ready to transport riders uphill.
The trail map of Jarrod's Place Bike Park, outlining the various trails and difficulty levels.
Riders loading their bikes onto the carrier behind the shuttle for an uphill ride.
A view along the scenic ascent within Jarrod's Place Bike Park, showcasing the natural surroundings.
Riders disembarking the shuttle at the drop-off point, ready to start their downhill runs.
Day memberships at Jarrod’s Place start at $50, offering up to eight hours of shuttle service on weekends. Six-month passes are available for $450. When asked about the park’s success, Jarrod humbly admits, “There’s no pamphlet to follow for this—it’s just a giant experiment.” Yet, its first year has been a resounding success, with steady growth each month.
Community Impact and Why You Should Visit
An unexpected benefit of Jarrod’s Place is its positive economic impact on Chattooga County. Local residents are now offering Airbnb rentals, and Summerville is experiencing increased revenue from park visitors supporting local businesses.
“Our town, Summerville, is getting tons of revenue from this traffic of people going to the restaurants, the gas stations. It’s really cool to see,” Josh shares.
My Personal Takeaway: Embrace the Green Trails First!
Remember Frank, the friendly recruiter? He steered me towards a blue trail for my first run – a bit ambitious for a novice at a downhill bike park. My advice? Heed the park’s guidance and start with the green trails.
I spent the next two hours on the Armuchee Express, the easiest green route, and even that was a wild, exhilarating ride. Once Frank helped lower my seat, the experience became pure fun.
Midway up the mountain, heading towards the green beginner trail at Jarrod's Place Bike Park.
As I gained confidence over several runs, pushing myself harder and embracing the adrenaline rush, the city stresses melted away. Riding alongside a diverse group of people – teenagers, pros, seasoned riders, men, women, and fellow adventurers from different backgrounds – created a sense of camaraderie. Each shuttle ride up was filled with excited chatter and shared experiences.
“Overall, I think we hit a home run, because we’re not far from Atlanta and we’ve got this little slice of heaven,” Jarrod reflects. “Our next goal is to be ambassadors for the sport and really get people into it. Because honestly, riding bikes, it saved my life.”
If you’re searching for mtb bike parks near me, especially near Atlanta, Jarrod’s Place Bike Park is a must-visit. It’s more than just a bike park; it’s a community, an adventure, and a testament to the power of passion and vision. Get ready to experience the thrill of downhill mountain biking in a truly unique setting.
