Mountain Bike Mike

Dauset Trails Nature Center is a 1200 acre park located in Jackson, Georgia. Some of the amenities found at Dauset include hiking and biking trails, camping areas, pavillions for large group gatherings, a lakeside open-air chapel, gardens, and an animal farm. There is no fee to park at Dauset, but donations are always welcome.

Dauset boasts approximately 17 miles of mountain biking trails which cover a good variety of terrain ranging from gravel fire road to fast, technical, downhill runs, and even the occasional creek crossing.

For novice riders/children

We actually had a couple of beginning riders with us when we pre-rode the trails for our race, so we got a pretty good feel for how a novice might view Dauset. There are some sections close to the camping area and second pavilion which are challenging, but not impossible for novice riders. There is also the gravel road here which does climb up the mountain and can provide a good cardio workout as well. However, areas like “Huff and Puff” and some of the Pine Mountain trail were clearly too technically challenging for the beginners we rode with and we would not recommend them for riders with only a modest degree of bike handling skills.

For intermediate riders

Dauset is a perfect place for the intermediate rider to ride. The mix of terrain and elevation changes keep it interesting and challenging. One can work on climbing, descending, navigating rock gardens and rooty sections, crossing creeks and building speed on flat, hard-packed single-track all in one well-maintained place.

For advanced riders

Advanced riders should find much about Dauset to like. While it might not be the most difficult course to ride, there are definitely some technical areas that require one to be on his toes, and the trail is just a fun, fast ride.