I would like to recommend readers of this website take advantage of one of the premier recreational trails in Mississippi and the Southeast United States—the Tanglefoot Trail that covers a distance of 44 miles from Houston to New Albany–a paved path devoted exclusively to walkers, runners, and cyclists.
Dr. Jimmy G. Dobbs
Most of us in Calhoun County live a short distance from the trail and have easy, quick access to the trail at several spots. Houston has parking near the trail. Houlka and Algoma have “Whistle Stops” that offer well-lit parking, restrooms, picnic tables, and water. I can leave my house in Calhoun City and be riding on Tanglefoot in 30 minutes.
The mostly flat trail offers something for all ages, regardless of experience and expertise. Whether it’s an 88 mile all-day-trek or a Sunday afternoon stroll, the 10 foot wide trail offers room for everyone.
Most importantly, it’s safe. Four of the nine times I have ridden on the trail, I have encountered a deputy sheriff or the trail manager patrolling the trail in their golf carts. Last Saturday (August 23rd) I made an early morning ride from New Albany to the Ecru Whistle Stop. About 5 miles out I came upon a Union County deputy sheriff and stopped to chat with him. I asked him how long he had been patrolling the trail. He said since December of last year.
I asked him how many vandals had been on the trail. He said, “Zero.”
I asked if he had encountered any damage done to the trail during this time. He said, “None.”
I asked him how many riders rode weekly. He said, “A bunch.”
I decided that was all I was going to get from him, so I rode on.
During that hour ride to Ecru, I made mental notes of the people I met on the trail. I counted 25 cyclists and 13 runners/walkers, all scattered along the 11 mile stretch between New Albany and Ecru. Of the 25 cyclists, 18 were women, mostly in the 20-40 years old range. They tended to ride in groups of 2-5. The 7 men tended to ride alone unless they were riding with a single female. There were 4 or 5 senior adults like myself.
As I observed the new bikes they rode and the new clothing they wore, I wondered how much economic impact the trail would make on North Mississippi. (You have time to think about those things when you are riding the trail.) Since the trail has opened, I estimate my friends, relatives, and I have eaten over 35 meals in restaurants near the trail. We have bought snacks and supplies along the way at convenience stores and grocery stores. I have visited local bike shops more than once. And we have logged in one night in a hotel.
By the way, my wife Lynn did not ride with me. She stayed in New Albany and shopped. In one dress shop downtown the owner commented on how surprised she was at the amount of foot traffic her store received from Tanglefoot Trail visitors. And yes, my wife bought a dress from this nice lady.
The bottom line? Tanglefoot Trail is a jewel. We in North Mississippi are fortunate to have such an asset so near us. I would be delighted to meet you on the Tanglefoot Trail one day.