Lufkin & Angelina County Bicycle Route Total Miles: 72.6 www.visitlufkin.com
Route Directions: Segment Distance Direction of Total Distance Road Traveled (miles) Turn (miles) Start Lufkin High School (309 S. Medford Drive) 0.0 1.2 0.8 22.8 5.9 14.6 17.3 0.7 East Left heading North East South South North/Northw est Left heading Southwest Lufkin Avenue/Farm-To-Market Road 325 1.2 Albritton Lane/ County Road 139 2.0 State Highway 103 24.8 Farm-To-Market Road 1277 30.7 State Highway 147 45.3 Farm-To-Market Road 2109 62.6 Farm-To-Market Road 1669 63.3 0.7 5.6 West Northwest US Highway 69 64.0 Farm-To-Market Road 1475 69.6 2.2 0.6 Veer Right heading West North Ford Chapel Road/Farm-To-Market Road 841 71.8 Loop 287/S. Medford Dr. 72.4 0.2 East Lufkin Avenue/Farm-To-Market Road 325 72.6 Finish Lufkin High School (309 S. Medford Drive) 72.6 Emergency Contact Information: Angelina County Sheriffs Office (936) 634-3331 Lufkin Police/Fire/EMS (936) 633-0356 Memorial Health System of East Texas - Lufkin Woodland Heights Medical Center - Lufkin (936) 634-8111 (936) 634-8311 Checkerboard Taxi (936) 639-4911
Route Summary: The is one of the longest and more advanced routes throughout the surrounding area. This 72.6 mile loop will take cyclist through mostly Angelina County, but will also pass through Nacogdoches and San Augustine County. The route hosts a variety of scenic features that include farm and pastureland, pine and hardwood forests, and waterfront. This route begins with rolling hills that will provide cyclist the opportunity to get warmed up for the rest of the ride. The route then travels through the Angelina National Forest where riders can experience the natural setting of the Pineywoods Region of East Texas. The route is relatively flat until you get closer to Zavalla, Texas. Then the most challenging section of the loop begins with multiple steep climbs up what the local residents refer to as Moss Hill. After this grueling climb cyclist can rest assured that they are on the downhill portion of the ride as they continue on through beautiful pine stands managed by the United States Forest Service. Cyclist will then ride through Huntington, Texas which is the last rest stop before pushing on to the final stretch. After Huntington cyclist will experience a pleasant ride through East Texas ranch country. This section is smooth and flat, and will bring riders back into Lufkin. Start/Finish: This route begins at Lufkin High School at 309 S. Medford Drive. There is plenty of parking next to the football stadium. During the months when students are not attending classes parking should not be an issue, but when students are attending classes cyclist are encouraged to contact the school s police department at (936) 630-4410 to inquire about parking accommodations. If cyclists need to use the restroom or pick up supplies before departing, it is suggested that they use the Loves Truck Stop located just south of the departure point at the corner of FM 841/Ford Chapel Road and Loop 287/Medford Drive. If you are traveling north on Loop 287/Medford Drive you will exit FM 841/Ford Chapel Road which will take you right past the Loves Truck Stop. Resources: It is advised that all cyclists obtain the appropriate food and water resources before departing. Distances between commercial resources to restock can be vast, and therefore can result in an unpleasant experience if cyclists are not prepared. There are convenience stores located throughout the route in the more populated areas, and are identified on the map. Riders should plan to utilize these resources in order to rest, refuel, and use the restroom.
Areas of Interest: Lake Sam Rayburn A crown jewel here in Angelina County is Lake Sam Rayburn Reservoir that is owned and operated by the United States Army Corp of Engineers. This lake intersects five counties and encompasses 750 miles of shoreline. The takes riders around a great portion of the lake, and provides numerous places to enjoy scenic lakeside vistas. Historical Markers There are two Texas Historical Markers along the route that detail the history of the area. One is located just before the first State Highway 103 bridge and provides insight into the Ewing Logging Town that was situated there in 1919. The other is located on FM 2109 at the intersection of FM 2801. This marker features information about Joseph Herrington who was very influential in the creation of Angelina County. Parks and Recreational Areas There are numerous parks and recreational areas that are situated on Lake Sam Rayburn that are just a short distance from the Broaddus Loop. These areas provide great views of the lake, restroom facilities, and places to rest and regroup before continuing the route. They are all owned by the Army Corp of Engineers but some are operated by other entities. For instance, Shirley Creek and Jackson Hill Marinas are privately operated, Townsend Recreational Area is operated by the United States Forest Service, Cassels Boykin is operated by Angelina County, and Hanks Creek is the only one operated by the Corp of Engineers itself. Special Considerations: Angelina County offers great opportunities for cyclist to experience the Pineywoods Region of East Texas. However, there are special considerations that need to be taken in order to ensure a pleasant and memorable ride. Such considerations include numerous water crossings, narrow roads, and agricultural activities. Water Crossings Angelina County is fortunate to have many streams, rivers, and lakes but this can cause unsafe road conditions for cyclist. The narrow bridges that cross these features often have no shoulders which can lead to close interactions between motorists and cyclists. The most notable for this particular route are the long bridges that cross Lake Sam Rayburn. Narrow Roads With the exception of Highway 103 and Highway 147, the other Farm-to Market Roads do not provide a wide shoulder for cyclist to ride on. These roads can also have narrow turns that limit visibility, and have rough surfaces. Cyclists are encouraged to ride single file when encountering these obstacles. Agricultural Activities Farming, ranching, and logging are important economic activities that occur throughout Angelina County. These industries require large trucks that haul substantial loads; especially on the narrow Farm-to Market Roads. These large trucks make it difficult to provide plenty of room for cyclist, and they can often times shed various debris. Cyclists are encouraged to ride with a mirror so they can see these obstacles coming.
Disclaimer: The Lufkin Convention and Visitors Bureau, and its affiliates, assume no responsibility to the cyclists who wish to partake in this activity. They also do not provide any guarantees regarding the accuracy of the proposed mileage and road conditions. Every cyclist is responsible for confirming the route and ensuring their own safety. The proposed route does utilize public roads that are open to motor vehicle traffic, and therefore cyclists should obey all traffic laws and ride at their own risk. It is highly recommended that all cyclists use extreme caution when riding, wear helmets, and have rear view mirrors. Despite the convenience stores located on this route, cyclist should still carry their own food and water, emergency supplies, cell phone, and some form of personal identification. Climatic conditions can also change suddenly and therefore cyclist should plan accordingly. Always let someone know where you are going and your approximate departure and arrival times. Enjoy the Ride! For any comments or updates to this ride, please contact Aaron Friar, LCVB Trails Coordinator at 936-633-0364 or afriar@cityoflufkin.com