USM CYCLING CLUB/HUB CITY CYCLISTS
SOME SUGGESTIONS FOR BICYCLE ROUTES
IN THE HATTIESBURG AREA (Map)
On the enclosed map are a number of routes that have become more or less traditional rides among the Hattiesburg area cycling community. Routes of varying length have been included. While the routes are in more or less rural areas surrounding Hattiesburg, these are public roads mainly used by motorists. As all cyclists do, you ride at your own risk. Obey the law, ride single file in traffic on the right side of the road, and ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET. Since gas stations and mini-marts are few and far between, it’s a good idea always to carry water, as well as an extra inner tube and pump in case you flat. There’s safety in numbers, so if you can ride with a friend. Traffic in town makes access to routes via bike difficult these days, even for experienced riders. Rides south of town can be accessed via S. 34th Avenue, which is not too bad except during rush hour. Riding out 4th Street from campus should be left up to the experienced or insane. Included in the route descriptions are good places to park! |
Longleaf Rails to Trails Completed in 2000, it follows an old railroad line from Varnado (west of Hattiesburg city limits) to Prentice, about 41 miles northwest. Parking is available at Jackson Road or at the Southern Miss Gateway Trailhead. It’s nearly flat the whole way, so it’s great for beginners or recreational riders. To get to Jackson Station from USM, go out 4th Street about 4 miles, go right on Jackson Road ¼ mile, and park next to trail. For mountain and leisure bike riders, a great ride is off the paved trail on the horse trail. The horse trail runs from Epley to Carson, and plans are to extend it even further. It was much improved in 2007 and for the most part is rideable even in wet weather |
Rawls Springs Loop For a short country loop, drive out Highway 49 N and turn at the Rawls Spring turnoff about 3 miles north of town. Park at Rawls Springs School. Take Rawls Springs Road west to Pitts Road. Follow around until it finally tees out on Old Rawls Springs Road. Turn right (south) and ride until you reach the school. About 8 miles. Increase the mileage by beginning at Van Hook Golf Course on West Hills Drive. Follow road around the golf course by going west from parking lot (away from 4th St). Turn left on Country Club Road, then at driving range turn right onto Beverly Hills Rd. Go until it tees out, then turn left on Rawls Spring Loop, follow until 4 way stop, then turn left on Rawls Springs Rd, and follow directions above. About 16 miles. |
Glendale-Eatonville Loop Starting at Rawls Springs School, go north about ½ mile, then turn right and cross Highway 49 and follow Peps Point towards Peps Point. Turn Right on River Road (towards Mack’s Fish Camp) and follow to Eatonville Road (about 4 miles). Turn right, go to Glendale. In downtown Glendale, turn hard left (north) onto Monroe Road (if you see gravel quarry you’ve gone too far. Go north about 3 miles, then left on McPhail Road. Follow to Eatonville (you’ll see North Forrest Schools). Turn right on Eatonville Road, go about 2 miles and then turn left on Lynn Boyce Hill Road (or maybe its Mini-farm Road). This will take you back to Pep’s Point Road. About 15 miles.
Bon Hommie/Sullivan Kilraine Road Loop You can park at the Winn Dixie/Jitney Jungle at 28th and Lincoln, or pick up the route from campus by riding south on S 34th, then turning left on Lincoln. From Jitney, head south on 28th, veering left on S 28th extension. Cross Richburg Hill Road, the RR tracks, and Highway 11. Take next right, which is Bonhomie Road (your key to all south of Hattiesburg rides and the mother of all local hills—just riding to the end of Bonhomie and turning back is a great workout). At end of Bonhomie, turn right on Ira Hudson Road. At about ½ mile, road will fork- bear to your left, which will take you under the interstate. Immediately past interstate, turn right onto Sullivan-Kilraine Road. Cross Highway 11, then tracks. At stop sign turn right onto Richburg Hill Road. Stay on road until you cross interstate again, then turn left on S 40th Avenue. At stop sign turn right onto Lincoln Road, continue to Jitney (or turn left toward campus on S 34th.) 12 miles from Jitney, 16 miles from campus. |
Elks Lake Loop Follow directions above to end of Bonhomie Road. Turn left on Ira Hudson. Then Right on Elks Lake Road. Stay on Elks Lake (this road can have fairly constant traffic so be careful) until it finally tees out on Brown’s Bridge Road. Turn right, and stay on road until Bonhomie Road (doesn’t connect with the big hill Bonhomie any more) and turn left and follow around until you hit Elks Lake Road. If you miss Bonhomie, don’t worry because Brown Bridge will tee out at Elks Lake—just turn left and you’re headed home. Left on Ira Hudson, right on Bonhomie, left at the end of Bonhomie to 28th extension, which will get you back to the Jitney. 28-30 miles from Jitney. For a shorter ride, drive out to Dixie School on Elks Lake Road, park and do the loop—turn right at end of Browns Bridge to return to the school. About 10 miles.
Dixie Short Loop If you’re starting at Winn Dixie/Jitney and going to the end of Bonhomie and turning back isn’t enough, but the Elks Lake Loop is too much, try taking your first left after you cross Hwy 98 on Elks Lake Road. Follow until it hits Ryan Road and turn right. Ride to stop sign and turn right on Rogers Road. Rogers runs into Elks Lake Rd—Turn right, pass the school, and head back to town. |