Dirty Sheets Gravel Loop

The Dirty Sheets Gravel Loop is one of the closest big gravel rides there is to Atlanta! Starting at Cochran Mill Park, this 20 mile gravel loop is only 30 minutes away. There’s tons of nature throughout the trail that won’t feel like 30 minutes from Atlanta!

The Dirty Sheets Gravel Loop takes you through country side looking houses as well as farms. Beware of cow/horse poop during the farm area.

What’s the Riding Surface like on the Dirty Sheets Gravel Loop?

The loop is quite rolling with repetitive up and downs. However, none of these hills are big enough to be a significant effort. Majority of the loop is on gravel. However, there are parts that are on clean pavement. The loop is around 90% gravel and 10% paved. But the paved parts come and go so you wouldn’t stay on pavement for long.

There’s some single track on the Dirty Sheets Gravel Loop…

There is a rougher single track section to the loop. The single track is located near Cochran Mill Park. If you do the loop clockwise, the single track will be at the very end and vice versa. In my opinion, the single track does get a little chunky at times, but nothing undoable on a normal gravel bike.

Be extra careful if it rained recently since the single track becomes quite slick.

Are there cars on the Dirty Sheets Gravel Loop?

There are two “danger” points in my opinion. These are both when you have to cross South Fulton Parkway. They’re stop controlled, so you really have to make sure on you’re own that there’s no cars incoming. Cars are travelling very quickly so take your time at the two intersections.

There’s other parts of the Dirty Sheets Gravel Loop where there’s cars, but you’d be driving on pavement so you’d know there’s cars. But in my experience, there’s barely any cars in the other parts.

Check out my YouTube video below after visiting!

My personal favorite is doing the loop clockwise. There’s definitely bigger descents going clockwise while the uphill’s are shorter.

Does the Dirty Sheets cost money?

Parking does cost $5 to park at Cochran Mill. Every time went here, rangers/officers were checking cars so make sure to pay for parking! There’s bathrooms and picnic tables where you can rest before and after the ride!

What are places to visit near the Dirty Sheets Gravel Loop?

If you have time and are up for it, there is a small town called Serenbe down south. This is a small town that’s being developed at the moment with cowboy looking buildings. There’s also a bike shop here, Pro Bike Repair (9222 Selborne Ln, Palmetto, GA 30268) which may help you if you need something. I definitely recommend going through this town if it’s your first time visiting the gravel loop!