COHUTTA INFORMATION
BIG FROG 65 Mile Race
The Big Frog 65 is a shorter, challenging version of the 100
Big Frog Course Directions Course Map pdf | Course Elevation pdf
BIG FROG COURSE DESCRIPTION
The start is on the highway for nearly 3 miles. Good climb to spread it out. First trail section is Brush Creek which is the only true beginner trail in area. Flat, fast and fun. Small climb to Boyd Gap. Here is a nice view of the valley with the Ocoee river and a look at what is to come on the other side of the valley. Exit the overlook down a fairly technical down hill to a small stretch of pavement to Old Copper Road. Old Copper Road is a flat wide trail next to the river that is punctuated with some technical sections from washout (see photo above). Back to the WWC.
Crossing the bridge over the river starts a nice climb up Bear Paw. Next trail is River View. Fast and fun, roller coaster like. Exiting River View, the trail opens up and climbs to the FS road section and aid station 1. From here begins a key-hole loop mostly on FS 221. The Forest Service roads on this section are in fairly good condition and fast but very hilly. Many blind turns. The Big Frog climb is reasonably long but there is a nice descent once at the top. The Big Fog loop has a rougher, trail-like road up to the top, then smoother on the way down.
Re-entering FS221 is a false flat of about 3 miles that is tough on the mind but does give you a chance to eat and drink before the climbing starts again.
Just before Sylco campground, the climbing starts again, getting back up to the northern ridge of Big Frog Wilderness. You will ride by aid station #2 again on 221. Continuing east takes you back to the WWC and a fast down hill to the West fork trail head and the last aid station.
West fork is a long gradual climb back up to the ridge where you will do the Quartz loop and Bypass trails. Some of these sections are fast and fun with a few technical areas to keep you awake. Out of Bypass to Chestnut.
This is a great trail with some technical sections. Not too hilly. Chestnut leads into the perhaps the most fun trail of the WWC, the aptly named Thunder Rock Express, (as in express down).
Last 5k's or so are fast and somewhat technical. Technical in the sense that there are several hard turns that have long drop offs on the outside. Miss the turn and we may find you by next year's race. Exiting the trail, will take you by the power house and onto the last 1+ miles is on flat pavement next to the highway.
In general, the WWC trails are not overly technical but are good solid mountain bike trails that are just plain fun. The course is very ridable and a expert level rider should be able to do the whole course without using the small (22) ring. One should be able to get into a good rhythm and some sections are quite fast and fun. Enjoy!
