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Biking through small towns is one of the best ways to soak up the charm of Mississippi! Known for its southern hospitality and scenic beauty, the state boasts some of the most bike-friendly towns in the country. Take a leisurely ride through Oxford鈥檚 parks or enjoy the wide roads that make sharing the path with bikers a breeze. Plus, don鈥檛 miss out on the fantastic trails, like the famous Longleaf Trace in Hattiesburg. Let鈥檚 dive into seven of Mississippi鈥檚 most bike-friendly towns, where adventure and quaint stops await!

Oxford

Oxford is a small university town with bike-friendly streets and several parks. Avent Park and Lamar Park are two great cycling destinations in town. There are also many great biking trails in town including The South Campus Rail Trail and Clear Creek Trail. Biking around the streets in Oxford, which in 2012 the town finished making most of their roads bike-friendly, is particularly charming with all the historic buildings designed in the Greek revival style. Some of these historic buildings are worth stopping at and exploring, including Cedar Oaks, L.Q.C Lamar House, and Rowan Oak. Other places to check out to learn more about the town's history include the University Museum, Blues Archives, and the Living Blues Magazine Blues Trail Marker.

Ridgeland

In Ridgeland, you can enjoy cycling on the historic . This scenic transportation route is one of the oldest in North America, dating back 10,000 years. Every year the town also hosts the Natchez Trace Century Ride, in May. Participants can choose to cycle 8, 25, 50, 62, or 100 miles. Another great cycling ride to check out in Ridgeland is the Chisha Foka trail. At the trail enterance, you will find the beautiful Ridglane Wildflower fields. Ridgeland is such a bike-friendly town that it even has a bikeshare program. This is a program where you download an app and can rent a bike for the day. After a day of cycling, check out the local museums, galleries and eateries. Enjoy contemporary fine art at the Fischer Galleries and Jackson Street Art Gallery. Stop at Fusion Coffeehouse for a refreshing beverage and snack.

Hattiesburg

One of the most bikeable towns in Mississippi is Hattiesburg. The town has friendly neighborhoods including Audobon and Carterville, all accessible by bike. Hattiesburg also has a beautiful 44-mile-long biking trail called the Longleaf Trace. The trail is nationally recognized and makes for a great adventure. Enjoy the local history and art community around town. Check out the 1964 Summer Freedom Trail that commemorates and honors those who participated in the Civil Rights Movement in Hattiesburg. Art enthusiasts will love the vast collection of works at William Carey University.

Clarksdale

Another great town to bike in is Clarksdale. Enjoy views of the Mississippi River on the Sunflower River Trail. Bike down Slate Street, with dedicated bike lanes and easy access to scenic routes, Clarksdale is perfect for cyclists looking to explore its historic downtown and the beautiful landscapes surrounding the town.

For a peaceful adventure off your bike, head to the Quapaw Canoe Company to rent a canoe to paddle down the river in. A destination for music lovers is the Delta Blues Museum. Nearly every night in Clarksdale there is live music, from blues to rock. The Reds Lounge is a great spot to stop at to enjoy some blues music.

Greenville

Greenville boasts an extensive network of bike paths, local parks, and wide residential streets that make it easy and enjoyable to explore. Main Street and Broadway Street are particularly renowned for their bike-friendly design, with dedicated bike lanes that allow you to navigate the town safely and soaking in the surroundings.

As you ride through Greenville, don鈥檛 miss the chance to visit the nearby Indian Mounds. This National Historic Landmark features 12 mounds that showcase the history of the indigenous peoples who once thrived in the area. It's a significant stop for history buffs and adds an enriching layer to your biking adventure.

Make a stop at the River Road Welcome Centre and the Museum of the Delta, where you can discover fascinating exhibits about local history. After a day of pedaling through scenic routes and immersing yourself in culture, refuel at local favorites like Doe's Eat Place or Downtown Grille.

Pascagoula

Pascagoula is a laid-back town on the Gulf Coast. It's the perfect destination for cycling on wide open roads and through scenic streets near the beach. Cycle to Beach Park and enjoy a 14-acre outdoor recreational paradise. A great trail to bike or hike down in Pascagoula is the River Blueway trail. The trail is around 10 miles long and follows the Pascagoula River. Here there is a good chance of seeing wildlife.

Pascagoula is also home to some interesting historic structures, including La Pointe, Kreb's Museum. This is an Old Spanish Fort that happens to be the oldest standing structure in Mississippi. Another building to visit to learn about the town's history is the Scranton Museum. Here you can learn about the life of a shrimper and see a veteran shrimp boat.

Ocean Springs

Ocean Springs offers numerous fantastic spots for cyclists. With several parks, including Fort Maurepas Park and the Gulf Islands National Seashore Park, cyclists can enjoy scenic rides while taking in the beauty of the landscape and spotting local wildlife. Additionally, the town features a dedicated bicycle route known as the Live Oak Bicycle Route, making it easy to navigate. Be sure to follow the Walter Anderson directional signs along the trail for a smooth ride.

Beyond biking, Ocean Springs has several art galleries to explore. Admire some coastal art at the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, which showcases the work of a beloved local artist. Pick up some local pottery at the Shearwater Pottery store. The family-owned business goes back three generations and has almost been open for one century.

Overall, Mississippi is a great destination for cyclists. The state's small towns have amazing natural scenery to enjoy while riding and are full of bike-friendly neighborhoods. Whether you want to bike on trails and through the countryside or enjoy a leisurely ride in town, these seven small towns make the perfect destination for a cycling adventure.