You're sore from swinging a cane cutter on local trails. You need a fun weekend away. Homochitto is what the doctor ordered. You know all about why (did we mention that Outside magazine ranked it the best ride in the state?), now we're going to give you the how for a weekend trip.
How to get there from the Coast: Go west on I-10 nearly to Slidell. Take I-12 to Hammond. Go north on I-55 to and through McComb. Go west on US 98 to Bude. This T's at Bude; take a left, go over US 84, then back down onto 84/98 west. Go west about 5 miles, look for the "Homochitto N.F., Clear Springs" sign on the left. If you miss the sign, therešs an oil well at the turn -- you won't miss it. Follow the road in, youšll come to the trailhead and fee gate after about 3 miles. Travel time is about 3.5 hours from Gulfport.
Facilities: The improved camping areas have central shower and bathrooms. Each campsite has a table, fire grate, 3-prong 110 electrical outlet, and a faucet. $14 a night, 2 tents max. Bring or be prepared to scratch for firewood, because it's scarce around these sites. The unimproved Richardson Creek area is about 1/4 mile before you get to the trailhead, on the right as you come in. The price is right (free!) and there is some firewood around, but the facilities consist of a road and a single garbage can. There is a small fee for daily trail use, but there is also a really nice bike wash at the trailhead.
What to bring: In a word, everything. There is a small grocery store at the left turn in Bude, but it's pretty limited and a 15 minute backtrack away. The nearest bike shop is 2 hours away in Baton Rouge -- if noone from the next tent can help, you're on your own.
The Trails: Amazing. The main Tallys Creek loop is 12 miles, while the newer Mills Branch loop is 5 more. Serious climbing: make sure your granny gear is in good shape, and leave the racing slicks at home. Enjoy the downhills, because they're over all too soon.
Show me the singletrack!