Explore the Epic Routes of the 2025 Major Taylor Mountain Summit
Join us in Helen, Georgia, for an unforgettable cycling adventure through the majestic landscapes of the Georgia mountain. Discover the thrill of conquering the renowned Six Gap climbs and more.
Welcome to the 2025 Summit
A Premier Cycling Experience in Helen, Georgia
The 2025 Major Taylor Mountain Summit invites cyclists from across the nation to experience the thrill of Georgia’s most challenging and picturesque routes. Set in the charming town of Helen, this event promises a unique blend of demanding climbs and breathtaking vistas, making it a must-attend for cycling enthusiasts.
The Sky Lake Welcome Loop
Wednesday, April 16th, 6 PM – 18 miles, 1,000 feet of climbing
This short little loop will give you a flavor of what the roads in the area are like. The biggest climb on the ride is in the first few miles, as we do a clockwise loop up to Unicoi State Park, past Sky Lake, through the Sautee Nacoochee community, and back into Helen from its east side.
The Woody Pen Gap Loop
Thurday, April 17th, 10 AM – 62miles, 6,440 feet of climbing
This ride is the real deal for 2025. Hopgen Gap is the 3 rd hardest climb in the state, at nearly 6.5 miles, 6.1%, and multiple sections of double-digit grades. It’s so hard there will be a rest stop halfway up the climb! The downhill on the other side is very steep though, and requires extreme caution. Wolfpen is also difficult, at 3 miles and 6%, while Woody is a relative bump in the road compared. After the three long climbs is the best downhill in Georgia, followed by some tough rollers all the way back to Helen. The non-Gaps option heads the other way, going northeast of Helen towards the Soquee River. Quiet, big rolling hills, and one waterfall. There is a one-mile climb that will get your attention. Enjoy.
Hard Option: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/43085485
Less-Hard Option: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45141549
Paradise Lost
Friday, April 18, 10 AM – 50 miles, 4,600 feet of climbing
This is recovery ride. Of sorts. It’s still hard, even without any multi-mile climbs, but its profile looks like the teeth of a shark. Thursday’s ride did a straight line across the Paradise Valley area on its way to the barn in Helen, but today we will investigate a lot closer, doing the short climbs on Paradise Valley Road, Porter Springs, Cavender Creek, and Grindle Bridge. The short option will follow the same route, but cut out the roads south of Damascus Church Road.
Long Option: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/50230474
Short Option: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49731721
The Lakes Loop
Saturday, April 19, 10 AM – 63 miles, 4,500 feet of climbing
This is a really beautiful ride. For the long option, there are 3 hard climbs. Burton Dam Road is short and steep both ways, while Glassy Mountain is more robust at 2.5 miles and 5.5%. But it’s Seed Lake/Lake Rabun Road that is the highlight of this route. For nearly 10 miles, it snakes along two beautiful lakes, hugging the water and traversing stunning mountain homes and million-dollar boat houses. And there is hardly a 100 yard stretch of straight road. Rabun Lake was Georgia’s first dam-controlled lake, going all the way back to the early 20 th century. If you have a heartbeat you will enjoy this road. The 47 mile option is the same as the long route until the dam for Seed Lake, then you will turn around and head back towards Helen. The 29 mile is a lollipop route on some of the same roads, but with the bonus of Sky Lake Road.
63 mile Option: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45141295
48 mile Option: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49735914
30 mile Option: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49872725
Tour Of Georgia Gran Fondo
Saturday, April 19th, 10 AM – 90 miles, 9,000 feet of climbing
Special Offer for MTMS Riders: Tour of Georgia Gran Fondo As an MTMS rider, you’ll receive an exclusive registration rate of just $100 for the Gran Fondo. After you register for the Summit, you’ll be provided with a special coupon to redeem this offer. If you’d like to take advantage of this opportunity, simply visit our Contact page and include the word “Fondo” in your message. Don’t miss out on this exciting event!
Gran Route 90 Mile https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35470963
Medio Route 66 Mile https://ridewithgps.com/routes/32697531
Poccolo Route 25 Miles https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49872725
Just Can't Get Enough Ride
Sunday, April 20th – 30 miles, 3,000 feet of climbing
For those who have loved the roads of the MTMS, and want just one more ride before heading home on Sunday….here is the Just Can’t Get Enough ride. From Helen, it’s an out and back that climbs Unicoi Gap both directions, and the east side of Jacks Gap. Those wanting less climbing/distance can turn around at any point before Jacks Gap. It’s ~20 miles to the top of Unicoi Gap and back to Helen.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/49758465
Scenic Rides Showcase
Discover the Beauty of Helen's Roads
