Ponce de Leon Loop

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Reeds Spring, MO, US

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Route Overview

Vincent Tichenor

Road

29 mi.

1,730 ft.

Rural loop that passes by springs that were once thought to have healing properties.

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Route Details

The Ponce de Leon loop is a rural loop that takes you along Ozark backroads to an area of mineral springs that were once thought to have healing power in their waters.

You'll start the loop at a commuter parking lot on Missouri Highway 13. Highway 13 is a busy road, so ride along the shoulder going south, then make a right onto Highway 248. 248 will take you down into the town of Reeds Spring. Turn right after passing under the train trestle, then soon you'll take another right onto Railey Creek Road.

Railey Creek Road follows along the Railey Creek Valley for about 5 miles as it heads toward the James River. A rail line runs in this valley as well, and there are a few crossings along the way. There is a @poi[water crossing](157605584) 6.5 miles into the ride that can have water flowing if there has been rain recently. Just past that crossing toward the end of the valley, the road will head up the first climb of the route. It is about a half mile long averaging 6%, but the last kick near the top is well over 10%.

At the top of the climb, turn right onto Highway 176. You'll continue on 176 along the ridgeline for a little over 3 miles, then turn left onto Highway V. After a long downhill, you'll encounter another 0.5 mile climb. After more ridgeline, you'll descend down into the Goff Creek Valley. Continue along the rolling valley until you come to Ponce de Leon.

Simply known as "Poncie" by the locals (pronounced "pawn-see"), its heyday was back in the 1870s, when it became rumored that the mineral springs in the area had healing properties. The town boomed and at one point had a population of around 1,000; quite large for the time. However, a series of floods and reports that the water was nothing special hurt the area and the population declined.

Once you're in Ponce, you'll take a right onto Mineral Springs Road. After a little under a mile, you'll see @poi[the springs](157605646) (after which the road is named) on the left. During times when there has been plenty of rain, there can be substantial flow from the spring. Shortly after that, you'll start the first of two climbs on Mineral Springs Rd. As you descend the other side, you'll pass by an interesting sight on the left: a camel farm. So, don't be surprised if you see camels in the field on your ride.

You'll ascend the second climb, then just as quickly descend down into the town of Abesville. A quick left and then a right will bring you onto Highway 176 once again. After passing through Abesville, you'll turn left onto Bass Hollow Road as 176 curves to the right up a hill. Turn immediately left again to stay on Bass Hollow.

Bass Hollow will slowly climb up out of its valley toward Highway 13, cross it, and then end at Old Highway 160, where you'll turn right. Stay on Old 160 for 3.7 miles until it comes to a tee at Highway 160. Turn right to head into the roundabout, then turn south onto Highway 13 to head back to the parking lot and complete the loop.

# Important Reminders

-This is a secluded loop. There are a few places where there are convenience stores/Dollar Generals within a mile or two of the loop, but there are no amenities on the loop itself. Reeds Spring and Galena have amenities, and there is a gas station just north of the roundabout near the start/end of the loop. Pack accordingly!   
-Dogs can be a problem on any rural route in the Ozarks. This loop is no exception. It is a good idea to carry pepper spray or some other form of deterrent.

Ponce de Leon Loop

Route Overview

Route Details

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Ponce de Leon Loop

Route Overview

Route Details

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