Everything you need to know

About

RIDE LIFE

More about standing boy trails

Standing Boy Trails is more than just a collection of scenic pathways nestled in Columbus, Georgia; it’s a community hub that celebrates the natural beauty, cultural richness, and collective stewardship of our landscape.

Named after a local legend and honoring prominent figures from philosophers to musicians, our trails are designed to offer a unique hiking, running, and mountain biking experience to outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Developed and maintained by a dedicated team of volunteers, our trail network spans a range of difficulties—from beginner-friendly “Green Trails” to the advanced terrains of “Black Trails.” Each trail is a curated experience, not just a random cut through the woods, providing a narrative that educates and informs.

Our trails are a harmonious coexistence of natural splendor and human endeavor, offering a rich palette of flora and fauna, as well as seasonal variations that make every visit a fresh experience.

RUN

community-supported

Runners seeking an escape from the monotony of pavement or treadmill will find a haven in the Standing Boy Trails. With varying grades and trail difficulties, you can tailor your run to be as challenging or as relaxed as you desire.

Trails like “Lonely Hunter” and “Cyclone Gallop,” named after prominent local figures, provide a natural running track embedded in history and folklore. The wooded terrain offers a softer surface that can be more forgiving on the joints, while the rolling hills, occasional rocks, and tree roots offer a natural obstacle course that can improve your agility and coordination.

The sights and sounds of the forest are a welcome distraction, making each mile less of a chore and more of an exploration.

HIKE

START YOUR JOURNEY

The Standing Boy Trails in Columbus, Georgia, offer a rich tapestry of natural and cultural history, embedded in scenic vistas, rolling hills, and verdant woodlands. Hikers can embark on a journey across trails named after significant local figures and folklore, such as Kinard’s and Chief, adding an educational twist to their outdoor experience.

The variety of trails makes it suitable for beginners taking a leisurely walk on the “Green Trails” like “Primary Goods,” named after philosopher John Rawls, to seasoned hikers aiming for a more rugged terrain in the “Black Trails,” where you can walk through the “Gravity Zone” and honor Ma Rainey, the Mother of the Blues.

There’s also a wealth of fauna and flora, offering both novice and experienced birdwatchers, botanists, and nature enthusiasts a chance to immerse themselves in a bio-diverse environment.

BIKE

all skill levels

Standing Boy Trails offer mountain bikers an adrenaline-packed adventure laced with a blend of scenic beauty and historical significance.

Whether you’re a newbie just cutting your teeth on trails like “The Bug,” aimed to instill a love for mountain biking, or an experienced rider seeking the rush of navigating challenging terrains on the “Black Trails,” there’s something for everyone. Advanced bikers can zoom through paths like “Wildcat,” paying homage to Ma Rainey, or “Sky Shark,” a term derived from military parlance.

As you navigate through the lush forests, steep inclines, and thrilling descents, you get a sense of being part of a larger narrative, one that celebrates the rich cultural fabric of the Columbus area.

Trail Info

basic trail information

We have Hiking (foot-traffic only), Multiuse (foot traffic and biking), and Gravity (downhill, bike-only) trails. Additionally, a number of old roadbeds (“troads”) are signed and well-trafficked. A number of the troads only allow uphill bike traffic. The Multiuse and Gravity trails are designated similar to ski resorts: green is easiest, blue is moderate, and black is most difficult.
Please carefully study the Trail Map and review Trail Rules and Terms and Conditions. While the trails are well-signed and there are a handful of maps out on the trail systems, we strongly encourage the use of apps to help you navigate while you’re out on the trails.

Trailforks

MTBProject

AllTrails

Status

trail closures and status

The Multiuse and Gravity Trails are closed when they are wet enough that use would cause damage. Trail closures apply to all trail users: hikers, runners, and bikers.

Some of the trails are designated as “Finicky Trails,” and may stay closed longer after rain.

The Hiking Trails and Troads are only closed in the very wettest of conditions. But when the Multiuse trails are closed, the gate to the Biking Trailhead and Overflow Parking will be closed. We have to prioritize the protection of the substantial investment in the trails made by our donors and volunteers.

We have an awesome community of trail users and outstanding compliance with trail closures. And it’s imperative that we keep things that way. If you’re thinking of ignoring trail closures and disrespecting all of the donors and volunteers that have made the trails possible, know that doing so will force us to revoke your annual pass (if you have one) and suspend you from buying a day pass for some period of time. Please don’t make us do this.

Support

We Still Need Your Help

Even though we work tirelessly to get the trail status right, we are not infallible. Thus, we need you to help by using your judgment.

During the late spring and summer months when the trail system is generally dry and we get lots of pop-up showers, we are not going to close the trails a brief rain if we think all they need is an hour or two to dry out. So during these months, please give the trails a little time after brief rains, even if they are not closed.
If the trail status is “open” even though it should very likely be “closed” based on recent amounts of precipitation, please don’t go to the trails.
If you get out there and we jumped the gun on reopening the trails, please get off the trails and let us know. While we often do physical checks of the trail prior to reopening, it not always possible and, when it is, we obviously cannot check all of the trails.

Biking

Electronic Bikes

Currently, all class 1 e-bikes are allowed at Standing Boy. However, we highly encourage the new class of lighter-weight, moderately-powered e-bikes for our rolling, multi-use trails. And it’s possible that in future, only these types of e-bikes will be allowed.

Class 2 and 3 e-bikes are not allowed under any circumstances. Use of Class 2 or 3 e-bikes (or Class 1 e-bikes that have been modified) will result in the revocation of your annual parking pass (if you have one) and your ability to purchase a daily pass will be suspended for a period of time. Please don’t make us do this.

hunting

Quota hunts

Quota hunts are conducted on the property Friday through Sunday on the following weekends. The trails are open regular hours during archery hunting but are closed until 10:00 during the youth firearm hunts. Please be welcoming to and respectful of the hunters.

Archery hunts for deer

The first weekend in October
The first and second weekends in November
The first weekend in December

Archery hunts for turkey

The fourth and fifth weekends of the state season*

youth firearm hunts for turkey

The second and third weekends of the state season*

* For 2023, the state season for turkey is April 8th through May 15th. More information can be found at the DNR website.

RULES

Rules

thank you

much obliged

Rules can be frustrating, and one of things we like about being on the trails is the feeling of freedom from all of the constraints of modern life. But if we want to have nice things, somebody’s got to be in charge and we’ve got to have some rules.

We appreciate our user community accepting and abiding by the rules. Builders and other advocates from out of town are always impressed with how well everyone respects trail closures, stays off new trails until they’re open, doesn’t litter, and otherwise respects the trails and property.

Thank you! And please know that we’re always aiming for the minimum effective dosage of rules and try our best to avoid rules that aren’t necessary or don’t make any sense.