Highland Park’s MXGP Track
Highland Park’s MXGP Track can be an appealing stop for Georgia riders who want motocross-style laps rather than a day spent only on wooded trails. The tricky part is knowing whether the track is open, what machines it suits, and how its rules differ from the rest of the park. This guide explains what to check before you load up and head to Cedartown.
What to know about Highland Park’s MXGP Track
A motocross-style ride within a larger off-road destination
Highland Park Off-Road Resort is in Cedartown, in northwest Georgia. The property is known for a broader off-road riding experience, not just one track. That distinction matters when you plan your day: riding a motocross-style course can feel very different from following forested routes, even when both are part of the same visit.
The MXGP Track is the named motocross feature at the resort. The name alone does not tell you its current layout, surface condition, open hours, or which machines are allowed on it. Those practical details can change, and a track may have separate access or operating rules from the park’s trail network. Check directly with the resort before you travel, especially if the track is the main reason for your trip.
If your group wants a mix of riding, look into the wider property as well. Highland Park’s trail system has one-way routes and different levels of difficulty, so riders may be able to plan a day around more than the MXGP Track. For a wider look at what the resort offers, see Highland Park Off-Road Resort in Georgia and Highland Park’s 40 One-Way Trails.
It also helps to keep expectations grounded. A track named “MXGP” should not be assumed to be an official professional racing venue or a replica of a particular racecourse. Treat it as the name of Highland Park’s motocross-style riding feature, then ask the park about the actual design and who it is intended for.
How the MXGP Track differs from wooded trails
On a motocross-style track, riders generally encounter a more concentrated course with repeated turns and track features, rather than a longer route through changing terrain. That can make it easier to focus on cornering, line choice, and maintaining control through a sequence of turns. It can also make the ride physically demanding, particularly for someone who is not used to repeated laps.
Trail riding asks for a different kind of attention. A route may include changing ground, uneven surfaces, and turns with less warning than a groomed or purpose-built course. At Highland Park, the trails and the MXGP Track should be treated as separate riding experiences, with the park’s current guidance determining which areas are open and appropriate for your machine.
If you are visiting with a mixed group, talk through the plan before unloading. One rider might want to practice on a track while another prefers a slower trail loop. Confirm whether the group can split up safely, where riders should meet again, and whether there are restrictions on moving between areas. The resort’s Highland Park’s Five Difficulty Levels can help frame a broader discussion about choosing routes that fit each rider, but do not assume a trail difficulty label also describes the MXGP Track.
Plan your visit before you leave home
Confirm access, rules, and machine suitability
The most useful call or message to the park is a specific one. Ask whether the MXGP Track is open on your planned visit, whether access is included with the park’s general admission or handled separately, and whether there are scheduled events, maintenance closures, or other restrictions. Confirm which types and sizes of machines are permitted, and whether there are rules about tires, noise, protective equipment, or rider age.
Avoid relying on an old social post, a map pin, or a friend’s memory as proof that the track will be open. A track can be closed for maintenance or an event even while other areas remain available. If you are traveling from outside Polk County, a quick confirmation can save a long drive with a trailer full of machines you cannot use on the feature you came to ride.
Use this checklist when contacting Highland Park:
| What to confirm | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Whether the MXGP Track is open on your visit date | A closure may affect the whole purpose of your trip |
| Which machines may use the track | Eligibility may differ by machine type or size |
| Whether track access has separate rules or fees | Park access and track access may not be identical |
| Rider age and supervision requirements | Rules may differ for younger riders |
| Required protective gear | Helps you arrive prepared rather than borrowing or turning back |
| Event or maintenance schedule | A race, practice session, or repair work can change access |
| Current trail and weather conditions | Rain and surface work can affect ride quality and safety |
Georgia’s private off-road parks can set their own operating requirements, so be sure to review the resort’s current instructions before signing in. If you have questions about paperwork, conduct, or safety expectations, Georgia Private Park Waivers and Rules offers useful context for the kinds of rules riders may encounter at private facilities.
Choose a machine and riding plan that fit the day
A track is not automatically suitable for every ATV or UTV. The right choice depends on the track’s width, turns, surface, and the facility’s rules—not only on whether your machine is legally usable on other parts of the property. Ask the park whether your machine is allowed on the MXGP Track specifically. If you are riding a side-by-side, make that clear when you ask; do not assume that trail access means track access.
For a UTV rider, the practical question is whether the track is designed for the machine’s dimensions and turning radius. A narrow course or tight corner may be uncomfortable or unsuitable even if the machine meets the park’s general entry requirements. Riders on ATVs should also confirm whether the track is open to their type of machine and whether any restrictions apply.
If the track is not a fit, you may still have other riding options, depending on the day’s access rules and your machine. Compare the available routes and choose a plan that does not push a newer rider into terrain beyond their comfort. The guide to Georgia ATV Trails That Allow Side-by-Sides can help you think through machine compatibility when you are considering alternatives around the state.
Before leaving, check your machine as well as the park schedule. Inspect tires, brakes, throttle response, steering, and any protective equipment you rely on. A track session can expose a loose component or worn tire quickly because the same features and turns come around again and again. Bring water, basic tools, and a way to secure your machine during transport. If you use a navigation app such as onX Offroad to organize a trip, treat it as a planning aid—not a substitute for the resort’s access instructions or on-site signs.
Ride the track with a thoughtful approach
Start conservatively and build confidence
If you have not ridden this particular track before, take a few minutes to observe it before starting. Look for changes in the surface, traffic direction, blind spots, and places where riders may slow down or regroup. Ask staff where beginners should start and whether the track has a designated direction of travel. Do not rely on another rider’s line as proof that it is safe for your machine or skill level.
Begin at a pace that leaves you room to react. The first lap is for learning the layout, not proving how fast you can go. Leave space between yourself and the rider ahead, especially if visibility is limited around turns or track features. If you feel tired, tense, or uncertain, pull off only where the park’s rules allow and take a break safely.
Parents and group leaders should be especially clear with younger or less experienced riders. Set a meeting point, agree on how riders will communicate, and make sure everyone knows what to do if someone stops or needs help. A busy track is not a place to assume the group will automatically stay together.
Safety planning is useful even when the facility is private. Wear the protective equipment the resort requires, and consider whether your own gear is appropriate for the conditions and your riding style. Avoid riding when tired or impaired, and do not pressure a friend to continue after they have said they are uncomfortable.
Check conditions and plan for changes
Weather can change the feel of a track. Rain may make the surface slick or uneven, while dry conditions can bring dust and reduce visibility. Ask the park what conditions are like before you leave and follow any closures or instructions when you arrive. If recent rain has affected the property, a planned track session may be less enjoyable—or may not be permitted at all.
The same caution applies to the trail network. If your group plans to ride beyond the MXGP Track, check current access and condition information rather than assuming every route is open. Georgia Trail Conditions Before You Drive is a useful reminder to make conditions part of the trip plan, while Georgia Trailhead Restrooms and Water can help you think ahead about basic facilities for a full day out.
Use onX Offroad or another mapping tool, if helpful, to keep your broader trip organized, but verify the park’s boundaries, permitted areas, and current directions with the resort. A map can help you plan where you hope to ride; it cannot confirm a track closure, temporary restriction, or rule announced at check-in. Follow posted signs and staff directions over any saved route.
Finally, leave room in the schedule for the unexpected. A group may need extra time to check in, adjust gear, or wait for conditions to improve. If the MXGP Track is unavailable, ask what alternatives are open rather than trying to access a closed area. That small conversation can turn a frustrating change of plan into a safer day on another part of the property.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
