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Taking advantage of the beautiful
views and terrains present on the Reinhardt College campus, the
College has created a mountain biking and hiking trail system on
the Waleska Main Campus. The five mile system of inter-connected
trails can be used year-round for bikers, hikers and runners,
and the system is open to all students, faculty, staff and the
community.
“The
addition of the trail system provides Reinhardt students, as
well as, the community at large with an
exciting new avenue for adventure, recreational
sport/athletics activities,”
said Walter May, director of student activities.
For bikers, the trails are
intended for experienced riders. They are short but strenuous
climbs, plus rocky sections and water crossing, so riders should
be ready to ride for at least an hour. While
“The Reinhardt trails are a
great option for riders. They are close enough to ride after
work, but challenging enough to prepare riders for weekends in
the mountains. There are tough climbs, fast downhills, and
technical sections that force riders to use all their gears,
challenge their skills, and make for a very fun ride,” said Dr.
Steve Powers, assistant professor of biology. Powers assisted in
the creation of the trails and regularly rides them.
The trailhead is located on Grady
Street near the James & Sis Brown Athletic Center, and parking
is available in the Athletic Center parking lot. All users of
the trail system will be required to complete and submit a
waiver & release form before using the trails. The forms and
maps of the trails are located at the trailhead kiosk.
“Safety is a major part of
enjoying the ride. We want riders to plan ahead - know their
equipment and ability along with always wearing a helmet and
riding with a friend. For anyone interested in more information
on mountain biking, I would encourage them to contact biking
organizations such as SORBA (Southern Off-Road Bicycle
Association) or the IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling
Association),” said Dr. Roger Lee, vice president of student
affairs and an avid mountain biker.
The trails will be day-use only
and hours are sunrise to sunset. The trails were created by
Powers and student activities staff, and the system itself will
be maintained continuously throughout the year.
“This is an on-going project for
our campus, and we want the trails to be a community resource,
not only for the campus but for residents in Cherokee, Pickens
and other areas,” said Walter May, director of student
activities.
For more information on the
Reinhardt Biking & Hiking Trails, please call 770-720-5540 or
WPM@reinhardt.edu.
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