Skill Level:

Beginner There are no major obstacles or hazards for mountain bikes on these roads. Riders need only to mind the weather, time of day and directions with a map in order to return safely and in time.  

Route Info:

Approximately 30 miles of flat dirt and gravel roads through the Wheeler Wildlife refuge. 

Variations:

There are three loops that can be combined for approximately 25 miles of combined dirt road and some paved road riding. Note: None of these roads are signed or marked. It is best to download the map from the Fish and Wildlife Service Web site: www.fws.gov/southeast/pubs/wlrtear.pdf

Blackwell Swamp Loop - Approximately 8 miles

• From the parking area, ride north on Jolly B. Road.
• About halfway back to County Line Road, Blackweel Run Road splits off right from Jolly B. Road.
• Follow Blackwell Run Road clockwise as it loops around the Blackwell Swamp.
• Blackwell Run Road will eventually intersect Jolly B. Road and Rockhouse Bottom Road (no road or street signs, just turn at the intersections).
• Turn right to return to the parking area.
• Left follows the river for an additional loop. (See below)

Rockhouse Bottom Road River Loop - Approximately 11 miles

• From the parking lot, ride right (south) toward the Tennessee River.
• In 1 mile, Blackwell Run Road approaches from the left (east) near the river.
• Follow the Jolly B. Road right (west) as it curves along the river and becomes Rockhouse Bottom Road.
• In about 3.9 miles, the road curves right (north) away from the river.
• Take the next right onto Refuge (JTT) Road.
• Refuge Road winds around the west branch of Goose Pond and then the north finger of Buckeye Pond back to HGH Road.
• Follow the dirt road north as it loops around the pond, back south and then left (west) back to the parking area on Jolly B. Road.

Skinner Springs Loop: It is possible to venture farther west as Rockhouse Bottom Road becomes Skinner Springs Road and zigzags along the Tennessee River for another 2 miles.

• Skinner Springs turns north one last time and then turns west (left) where the dirt portion of Henderson Road joins at the curve.
• Follow Henderson back east until it intersects Rockhouse Road in 1.15 miles.
• Turn right on Rockhouse Road for 1.15 miles.
• Left when the pavement ends onto (unpaved) Refuge (JTT) Road.
• Follow Refuge Road back to the parking area. (See above directions.)

 

Afterward:

These routes and dirt roads are close to Madison. Popular eateries are:

• Old Greenbriar Barbecue - Corner of Old Highway 20 and Greenbriar Road. (cornbread hushpuppies, catfish, BBQ chicken and pork). From the intersection of Hwy. 20 and Greenbriar Road, travel north 1/2 mile. Left onto Old Hwy. 20. Travel west 3.2 miles. Greenbriar BBQ is on the left at the corner of Greenbriar Road across from the cotton gin.
• Bandito Burrito - (Popular Thursday-night cyclist hangout) From Exit 8 from I-565 to Wall Triana Hwy., continue north on Wall Triana/Sullivan Street for 1.1 miles. Turn right on the last street before the tracks, Main Street. Bandito Burrito is on the right in the curve of the street.

 

For more info:

None

Contact any of the following for additional information:

Aaron’s Alabama Mountain Biking

Street Address:
N/A
Wetumpka, AL N/A
www.lightinside.org

Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Ardmore Welcome Center

Street Address:
28232 Upper Elkton Road
Elkmont, AL 35620
Phone#:(256) 423 - 3891

Bicycle Works Inc.

Street Address:
5000 Whitesburg Drive S #140
Huntsville, AL 35802
Phone#:(256) 650 - 6282

Bicycles Etc.

Street Address:
8100 Memorial Parkway SW #A
Huntsville, AL 35802
Phone#:(256) 881 - 6947

Huntsville/Madison County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Street Address:
500 Church Street, Suite One
Huntsville, AL 35801
www.huntsville.org

Madison Cycles

Street Address:
8760 Madison Boulevard, Suite J
Madison, AL 35758
Phone#:(256) 461 - 9963

Southern Off-Road Biking Association

Street Address:
N/A
Wetumpka, AL N/A
www.sorbahuntsville.org

Spring City Cycling Club

Street Address:
N/A
Wetumpka, AL N/A
www.springcity.org

Trailhead Inc.

Street Address:
604 Andrew Jackson Way
Huntsville, AL 35801
Phone#:(256) 534 - 1333