Gravel. It’s hot right now.
Gravel Routes
The scenic Holly Springs National Forest is packed with gravel options. The area of the forest near Oxford is split into two halves by Hwy 30, creating a North Core and South Core. Those are listed below, as well as a few routes that show you how to tie them together. It’s all a must see and rewards those with an adventurous spirit. See a spur? Take it, see where it goes, you’ll be fine.
North Core
Get your feet wet with the northern section of the Holly Sprints National Forest. This is a bare minimum route that takes you around Bagley Bottoms and has some stunning scenery. At the easternmost point of the route, as you come back onto CR 202, take note of CR 246 on your left (south). Taking that turn leads to lots more fun grav grav.
South Core
South of Hwy 30 actually has a bit more grav grav than the northern part, and it definitely is stacked with hills. You’d be oft mistaken for thinking you are in the Smoky Mountains out here. Roads 2083 and 2085 make for great adaptations if you want to shorten or lengthen a ride. This is night ride heaven, by the way.
https://www.strava.com/routes/24853756 - CW or CCW
OMG Route
The MS Gravel Cup used this route for their 2020 edition. People loved it. If you want to maximize your juice-to-squeeze ratio in terms of amounts of grav grav - and you want to climb your face off - this is the route. Can’t recommend it highly enough.
https://www.strava.com/routes/22933714 - CW or CCW
Raspet’s Delight
Rich Raspet is the godfather of gravel in the area. Huge hills, great mix of pavement and gravel and a tolerable distance.
Bond 007
If you are coming from out of town and you really want some bang for your buck, this is your huckleberry. At about 45 miles, you’re clocking some K’s, but you’re not going to be out there 5 hours either. This is really a best of the best of the Holly Springs National Forest.
Big Slog
Buck up and bring at least 3 bottles or a hydration pack, and a lot of food. This route comes at you with all the right feels at just the right cadence. You’ll traverse from fast to hard to hard and fast to oh sniggity snap as you make your way through the day. From the moment you clip in and every second after that, it never gets easier. Like cycling. Like life. Learn it, live it, love it.
The W Lost Dog
This route runs through the south side of the town, totally 47 miles, 25% is gravel. On the way back to Oxford, there is a good stop at the Lost Dog coffee in Taylor. After that it goes through the South Campus Rail Trail (a.k.a. Whirlpool trail) where you will see some mountain bikers, joggers, etc.
This route loops through one of the highest points of Lafayette county, Terrapin mountain (541 ft). Don’t expect a spectacular scenic view, just enjoy some good gravel riding instead.