Mountain Biking the Southeastern U.S.
Where to Ride Bike Trails in the Deep South

Growing up in South Mississippi, finding mountain bike trails to ride was always a problem. Nowadays, there are trails everywhere, you just have to know where to ride.

Mountain biking in the Southeastern United States is now more popular than the tractor pull at the state fair. So, I've compiled a list of my top trails in the deep south for your enjoyment.

You'll also find links here to trail maps, freeride and downhill venues and maybe even some bootleg trails. These are trails that I have personally ridden over the years and you'll hear my personal take on what the trail is like.

Hopefully you'll be motivated to go ride your bike after you take a look at some of these fun mountain bike trails. I'll be updating the list as often as I have a chance to travel.

If you have comments, suggestions or trails that I've missed, contact me and let me know. ed

When you first arrive, the looks are decieving - white sand, so you think it will be sandy. Actually the trail is hard pack with very few roots and of course no rocks. The first time you ride there you will think you're lost as the trail weaves and curls along the river and in between swamp pits, but the trail is well marked and is only 5 miles for a loop on the race course. You can make multiple lines though and ride all day.

The trail is loaded with switchbacks, berms, drops and jumps. You wouldn't expect hills here, but there are quite a few steep drops and short climbs. Overall, the track is fast and fun.

Click to watch a video of the BRB race

Click to watch 12 Seconds in the Swamp
 

Nestled at the top of Green River Forest is the trailhead. You have several choices, but we rode Laurel Ridge and Airstrip. Lots of long climbs and butter smooth singletrack. Plenty of views including the airstrip and slickrock waterfall.

You'll enjoy the ride at Dupont and Mt Pisgah. The trails are all well marked and in excellent condition. Whatever you do, make a point to ride Mt Pisgah. More trail rides from this area, including Sleep Gap and Bent Creek, are to follow. more ed

We'll focus on the trail and the track. First, the trail is smooth, packed, mainly singletrack that winds through the ridges. There are rocks, roots and your typical mountain area wooded obstacles. The turns are fun and fast with berms in spots. The ridges are fun and at times can be technical. Several fast downhills will have you in the big gear while most of the climbing can be had in the middle ring.

After you've completed the 17 mile ride you can head on over to the bmx track which is new and improved. The track has moved from near the damn and marina to Tranquility Road. The starting hill is first rate, but the first speed bump is a little odd. After that a tabletop into a tabletop step-up into the first turn. Out of the first turn you are greeted with 2 sets of triples that can be hit in a number of ways. Into the 2nd turn and out into a long rhythm with a step-up, doubles, whoops and a table which sends you into the third turn and what you will probably wish was the last straight with more jumps and another turn before you head down the last straight to the finish.

This track is fast and smooth except for a few rocks from the mountain. Big wheels are welcome here and you won't notice the rocks at all. A $2 fee per person gets you in the park.  ed

On the park side you can ride the Indian Loop, Beach Loop and Cemetary Loop. Here you will find some quick climbs and drops with lots of roots and washouts. On the East side of I-65 you'll find most of the newer trails and some more challenging climbs. Here you can ride the Coaster, Black Forest, Dead Man's, 265 and Sand Pit trails.

Park admission is $1 and the trail is located conveniently off I-65 near the University of Mobile. Just follow the signs from Saraland.
>click for map ed

This trail system winds through the hills and around the lakes giving plenty of options to all levels of mountain bikers. New trails have recently been added and you can find yourself riding for hours on end. >click for Trail Map

The trails saw major damage from Hurricane Katrina (3 hrs north of beach), but have bounced back with the hard work of local riders. You'll see plenty of downed and uprooted trees along the way, but that shouldn't interfere with your ride.

This trail is one of my favorites in Mississippi, along with Clear Springs. Short, steep climbs with fast descents and plenty of singletrack. >click here for pictures  ed

Along with technical climbs there are gnarly descents. This time of year and right after heavy rainfalls the trail is made even more treacherous by exposed roots. There are a couple of routes here including an 11 mile loop and a 7 mile loop.

Whatever you do, you may not want to get lost or left out here by yourself. Rumor has it that this area also plays hosts to the nation's largest rattlesnake population.

You may want to eat some Wheaties and bring along an extra Powerbar too. You will definitely have fun and you will feel like you have accomplished something when you finish the trail. They've also got a neat bike wash for you to clean your bike from the creek crossings when your done. >click for more ed
 

While there are several trails to choose from, most of them are shorter and easy enough for beginners. During hunting season the trail is also shared by hunters, so you can only ride on Sundays. There are virtually no hills, but the trail can wear you out. You will encounter sand, roots and leaves in the fall and winter. The trail is primarily singletrack that was carved by motorcycles and atv's with some open forestry roads that are grass covered. The only 2 hills are washed out and can provide for some fun and danger.

The biggest drawback to this trail is the brush and trees that are often in the trail causing danger to derailleurs and body parts. You are supposed to fill out a usage card, but they are most often out. The trail is free to ride. >click for map  ed

Briarpatch Badlands Battle XC Race Video
>wmv (win)
>mpg4 (mac)

Waterfalls, drops, rockgardens and balls out descents will keep you going back for more, however there are no lifts; So, make sure you either have a granny gear or someone to shuttle you back to the top. >click for more ed
 

Lock 4 Challenge Video
> wmv 13.2 m
> mpg4 55.9 m

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