Lake Rabun Gravel

The Nacoochee-to-Mathis Gravel Gauntlet: A Hilarious Pedal from Lake Rabun to Mathis Dam Get ready to sling some gravel on a wild ride from Nacoochee Dam, nestled snugly between Lake Rabun and Lake Seed, to Mathis Dam via Bear Gap Rd, Brandon Mill Rd, and Shady Ln. This ~20-mile gravel grind through Georgia’s Chattahoochee National Forest is a cocktail of crunchy trails, sneaky climbs, and enough local lore to make you the hero of the local diner’s gossip hour. You’ll dodge cheeky chipmunks, gawk at Minniehaha Falls, and maybe question why you didn’t just stay home with a smoothie. Let’s hit the dirt! Route Overview Distance: ~20 miles (or more if you get lost daydreaming about post-ride tacos). Terrain: Gravel with a splash of pavement, featuring washboard sections that’ll jiggle your soul and smooth bits that feel like stealing a nap. Difficulty: Moderate, with climbs that’ll have you whispering sweet nothings to your bike’s lowest gear. Vibe: Think Forrest Gump meets a gravel grinder—equal parts epic, absurd, and “why am I doing this again?” The Route: A Chuckle-Packed Breakdown Start: Nacoochee Dam (The Dam Between the Lakes) Launch your adventure at Nacoochee Dam, a humble concrete hero perched between the shimmering waters of Lake Rabun and Lake Seed near Lakemont, GA. This dam, part of the Tallulah River’s hydropower legacy, keeps the lakes in check while offering killer views of forested hills. Snap a quick pic with the dam’s retro vibe—built in the 1920s, it’s basically the granddaddy of renewable energy. Pro tip: Hydrate now, because the gravel gods don’t care about your thirst later. Local Trivia: The Nacoochee Dam is part of the Georgia Power system that turned the Tallulah River into a chain of lakes, including Rabun and Seed. Nearby, the Nacoochee Valley (a bit to the south) is tied to a Cherokee-Chickasaw love story where Sautee and Nacoochee supposedly leapt from Yonah Mountain. Spoiler: Stick to cycling, not star-crossed leaping. Leg 1: Bear Gap Rd (Where Squirrels Are the Real Critics) From Nacoochee Dam, crank onto Bear Gap Rd, a gravel path that snakes through the Chattahoochee National Forest like a tipsy rattlesnake. Expect rolling hills, loose pebbles, and a forest canopy that’s equal parts shady and sassy. The road’s name suggests bears, but you’re more likely to see a squirrel giving you side-eye for your questionable gear choices. The gravel here is just unpredictable enough to keep you honest—too much confidence, and you’ll be eating dirt. Pro Tip: Keep tire pressure around 35 psi to glide over the gravel without feeling like you’re riding a jackhammer. And watch for ruts—they’re sneakier than a raccoon at a campsite. Local Trivia: Bear Gap Rd is near the Appalachian Trail, so you might spot hikers trudging along, dreaming of a cold beer while you zip by on two wheels. The trail’s proximity makes this area a magnet for outdoor nuts, so wave politely—you’re all in this wilderness sufferfest together. Detour: Minniehaha Falls (Your Mid-Ride Therapy Session) About midway through Bear Gap Rd, take a quick detour to Minniehaha Falls, a 100-foot waterfall that’s prettier than your best Strava segment. Tucked off a short trail near Lake Rabun, this cascade is the perfect spot to catch your breath, munch a granola bar, and pretend you’re in a nature documentary. Named after the character from Longfellow’s The Song of Hiawatha, it’s pronounced “Minnie-HA-ha” by locals who’ll correct you faster than you can say “gravel rash.” Fun Fact: Minniehaha Falls is a favorite for locals and kayakers who paddle Lake Rabun. The falls flow stronger after rain, so if it’s been wet, expect a misty show. Just don’t try to “taste the rainbow” by drinking the water—stick to your bottle. Leg 2: Brandon Mill Rd (The Climb That Cackles at You) Next, hop onto Brandon Mill Rd, where the gravel gets chunkier and the hills get downright rude. This stretch dishes out climbs that’ll have you bargaining with your bike: “I’ll never skip leg day again, I swear!” The forest thins out, revealing glimpses of the Appalachian foothills that are almost worth the pain. Historically a logging route, this road feels like it was designed to humble even the cockiest gravel grinder. Local Trivia: You’re not far from Tallulah Gorge, a 1,000-foot-deep chasm that’s one of Georgia’s Seven Natural Wonders. Back in 1970, a daredevil named Karl Wallenda tightrope-walked across it, proving that humans will do anything for bragging rights. Your mission? Just survive the hills without tightrope-level drama. Leg 3: Shady Ln (Spoiler: It’s Only Half-Shady) Finally, coast onto Shady Ln, a gravel-pavement mix that’s less shady than its name promises but mercifully gentler on the legs. This stretch skirts the edges of Lake Rabun, leading you to Mathis Dam, a stoic 1920s structure holding back the lake like a bouncer at a fancy club. Roll up to the dam, high-five your handlebars, and bask in the glory of conquering this route. The lake’s calm waters and occasional bald eagle flyby are your reward—savor it. Local Trivia: Mathis Dam, also part of the Tallulah River system, powers the grid and keeps Lake Rabun stocked with fish that locals swear are “this close” to outsmarting them. The dam’s low-key vibe makes it a great spot for a post-ride picnic, assuming you didn’t eat all your snacks on Brandon Mill Rd’s climbs. Why This Ride Is a Hoot This route is a gravel cyclist’s fever dream: crunchy trails, heart-pounding climbs, and views that’ll make you forgive every bruise. You’ll cackle at the absurdity of gravel vibrating your eyeballs, grumble at hills that feel like personal vendettas, and swoon at Minniehaha Falls’ misty magic. Plus, you’ll have enough trivia to dominate the next brewery chat—did you know Lake Rabun was once a summer retreat for Atlanta’s elite? Now it’s your playground. Parting Wisdom: Pack extra snacks (those climbs burn calories like nobody’s business) and a sense of humor. If you hear banjo tunes, it’s probably just a local practicing for the Lakemont Folk Festival—keep pedaling, champ! Happy grinding, you legend!