Travel along the scenic natchez trace parkway from ridgeland to natchez, a southern jewel of a town. Three friends and i did the natchez trace cycle tour with philip and it was awesome. The natchez trace parkway boasts a number of archaeological and historical sites for travelers crossing mississippi. Nov 22, 2019 three friends and i did the natchez trace cycle tour with philip and it was awesome. For more information about biking the natchez trace, click on these links. One of the biggest challenges of cycling the natchez trace turns out to be getting food and other supplies. Cars are tolerated there but arent the primary user there. Natchez trace camp cycling and triathlon training center. Apr 23, 2014 ridgelands showcase cycling event, the natchez trace century ride, will be held saturday, may 3rd. Our bicycle tour starts in the historic town of natchez mississippi which houses several historical landmarks and also the souther terminus of the natchez trace parkway.
Book a class sign up for virtual classes natchez trace camp october 1519. Skip navigation back to top cycle of life adventures. Speaking of lunch, this was supposed to be a market according to my guide book. Natchez trace bicycle tour cycling the natchez trace. Magnolia trees and mossdraped oaks add a charming flavor to quiet cycling on country roads.
During their trip, they enjoyed delicious southern treats like cheese grits, fried green tomatoes and gumbo and a strawberry birthday cake to celebrate anns 64th birthday. Apr 27, 2018 therefore, the leadership coordinators agreed that i could qualify as an adventure cycling leader, but i really need some experience on their tours first. Our bicycle tour schedule page is color coded and are easy to follow when you choose tours for your riding ability. We can create an itinerary for one way trips either north to south or south to north of part or all 442 miles of the parkway or we can create an out and back itinerary covering part of the parkway for free. Cycling the mississippi river trail bicycle touring pro. Others may want to enjoy the comfort and charm of a bed and breakfast at night and then, of course, the delicious homecooked breakfast the following morning. There is a cap of 40 riders a 2 or 4 person relay team counts as 1 as there is only one rider allowed on the road from the team at a time this year. May 17, 2018 friends marcia katz, susan baum, sara ostrofsky and ann goldfarb took a galpal trip, bike riding the natchez trace from jackson to natchez, miss. Bicycling the natchez trace parkway mississippi, alabama. This historic, 444mile scenic parkway links natchez with nashville and crosses some of the most beautiful terrain in the states of mississippi. Natchez trace parkway brochures and maps natchez compact. Looking to take a self guided bike trip on the natchez trace.
After lunch, jen had to book it home because of work. Natchez trace bicycle tour cycle of life adventures. Were heading back to the natchez trace parkway for another great early season training camp. This national scenic byway is perfectly suited for cycling and one of the finest twowheel experiences you will ever encounter. The north end has a lot more hills than the south, but none of them are very hard. Youll get a pretty good grasp of what you can expect while bicycling on the natchez trace parkway.
Mar 28, 2019 how to bike the natchez trace parkway. Post your comments here using either your facebook account or the comment form at the bottom of the page. Follow in ancient footsteps as you travel by bicycle along the natchez trace parkway from natchez, ms to nashville, tn with lizard head cycling guides. We can create an itinerary for one way trips either north to south or south to north of part or all 442 miles of the parkway or we can create an out and back itinerary covering part of the parkway for free looking for a fully supported bike trip. How to cycle tour the natchez trace parkway happiest outdoors. When the friend bowed out, i was really excited and schemed my wayread more. Natchez trace parkway, memphis, tupelo, mississippi blues trail travel guide littman, margaret on. Prices do not include evening accommodations for the evening at the conclusion of the tour natchez, new orleans, or jackson. Natchez trace bike tour classic adventures bicycling. Cycle along this recreational byway while soaking in all the natural beauty and wildlife it has to offer. Friends marcia katz, susan baum, sara ostrofsky and ann goldfarb took a galpal trip, bike riding the natchez trace from jackson to natchez, miss.
Instead, i ate trailmix and an apple while sitting here. They would ride a 500 mile route up the natchez trace from natchez to nashville. Rolling hills, fantastic scenery, and no commercial vehicles are staples of the natchez. A local rider, scott, was leading the aca natchez trace tour in the april of 2018. All bicyclists agree, pedaling out to cycle the scenic natchez trace parkway offers an easygoing, easytolove experience. The natchez trace tour offers the best of the antebellum south traditional hospitality, early american history and distinctive architecture. March 30april 8as usual, our little vacation became kind of epic. Want to get out on a fantastic bike tour but have a limited budget. Natchez trace century ride ridgeland, ms 2016 active.
Many famous americans have traveled the trace including john james audubon, meriweather lewis, and andrew jackson. This week long camp features the finest in road riding, french cuisine, and provencal wine. Designed for cyclists, pedestrians, and others not in motorized vehicles, this paved recreational trail parallels the parkway, offering a safe way to enjoy the scenery without being in. Classic adventures enjoys the distinction of being the original. For questions regarding bicycling the natchez trace parkway call the parkway visitor center at 8003057417. Im ride on cycling tours, a professional guide since 2000, and im consistently doing research and exploring new possibilities in order to keep my tours fresh, interesting, and relevant. Cycling down the trace, through the trees zach cycling past a cotton field logistics. The wind will be harder from the south as the summer comes on. Natchez trace multiuse trail mississippi, milepost 105100 yet another unexpected gem along the natchez trace parkway is the natchez trace multiuse trail. Biking the natchez trace is a cyclists dream come true. How the natchez trace hitandrun is rallying cyclists to the roads. However, there are no shoulders or designated bike lanes. Contact us for additional information or to book the natchez trace tour for your team or group.
See more cycling the natchez trace photos click here. The natchez trace parkway runs 444 miles between nashville and natchez, miss. Tips for biking the natchez trace parkway the natchez trace. Natchez trace bike tour lizard head cycling guides. Biking the natchez trace is a cyclists dream come true, and why we do it four times a year. The arrival of the steamboat era in the early 1800s heralded a new age of travel and the use of the trace soon declined. We have several hallmark tours, including our natchez trace bike tour, our greece bike tour, and our crete bike tour. The distances are modest and although there are a few days where the mileage may seem overwhelming, the support van is always there to provide a lift. Classic adventures offers north american and european bike and walking tours. The natchez trace bike tour vbt bicycling vacations. Oct 15, 2016 cycling down the trace, through the trees zach cycling past a cotton field logistics.
At home, she uses the tablet as an ebook reader, having finally given up mostly reading paperbased books, but this is the first trip shes tried. At the southern terminus, we just drove through natchez too bad, i would have liked to see more of the. And want to pack this book and take it with you when you ride. Registration for the 2019 natchez trace 444 is now full. National park service designates the entire parkway as a bike route. Cyclists say they arent afraid after video showed motorist striking rider down on the natchez trace parkway.
That means weve been riding this route for 34 years. This started out to be a cycling trip becky was going to take with a friend. Report all incidents involving cyclists to the natchez trace parkway at 800 3057417. Used books may not include companion materials, may have some shelf wear, may contain highlightingnotes. We spent two days driving the natchez trace parkway, first picking up the parkway near corinth and then driving to jackson. Cycling vacations in fantastic locations natchez trace.
Small town authentic charm and hospitality, stretches of national scenic byway with a splash of new urbanism gears you up to get your ride on for the jumpstart of cycling season rides. This book provides a detailed description of the trace and offers valuable helpful hints for bicycling the trace. It was super nice having a sag wagon and scout car. This is the time when cyclists start planning their tours for the coming year. The roads are in fabulous condition and only the northern end has any hills to speak of.
It roughly follows the old natchez trace a historic travel corridor used by american indians, kaintucks, european settlers, slave traders, soldiers, and future presidents. Here are some tips for bicycling on the natchez trace parkway. Another day, we made the drive from jackson down to natchez. Cycling the natchez trace part 1 jennifer and zachs. The natchez parkway stretches 450 miles from the hills of nashville, tennessee, to the rich farmland natchez, mississippi. My first real bike tour and a great learning experience 480 miles 772 km over 7 days from april 18, 2003 to april 24, 2003. Bicycling the natchez trace days 12 bikesbytesbites. Email us and specify bike packet or call 6626804027.
Apr 10, 20 did you know that our tour of mississippis natchez trace is one of our hallmark tours. The goal is to make a visit to the park a safe and enjoyable experience for motorists, cyclists, hikers, and every other visitor. Natchez trace cycling works with the national park service and adventure cycling association to study and improve safety conditions on the parkway. Enjoy true southern hospitality from the people of mississippi on.
Cycle along this recreational byway while soaking in all the natural beauty and wildlife it. The natchez trace century ride, starting and ending in ridgeland, provides an experience for riders of all ages and abilities. More driving the adventure cycling van made the trip from nashville to natchez. Featuring almost 25 miles on the natchez trace parkway, this tour is the shining example of what makes road riding in our area so special. Bicycle services are available in communities neighboring. Magnolia trees and mossdraped oaks add a charming flavor to quiet country roads. Tour diaries, equipment lists, 36 days, first tour.
Since 2011, weve spent the 1st week of may with the velo roussillon cycling camp. We invite you to share your experience with other cyclists who are considering biking the trace. How the natchez trace hitandrun is rallying cyclists to. When in memphis, taking this tour to elvis childhood home is a must for fans of the king.
May 02, 2016 rode my bike down the natchez trace parkway from nashville,tn to natchez, ms. Its safe to say that no other cycling tour company in the united states knows this classic route better than classic adventures. Numerous signs instruct cars to share the road with bicycles. Youll delve into the old south and antebellum past as you tour storied civil war battlefields with a local historian and set your own pace on a pilgrimage through historic homes and gardens. There are no services markets, campgrounds, motels visible along the trace although there are many nearby. Some will be looking to depart on an extended crosscountry adventure, while others search for an exciting multiday. Natchez trace bicycle tours in mississippi in 2020 sojourn. Top 10 reasons to bicycle the natchez trace parkway. In glen wanners book, bicycling the natchez trace youll find the best locations along the trace for food, water and lodging, plus lots of practical advice to make your bike ride even more enjoyable. Click on merediths picture to watch her brief video as she cycles along the historic natchez trace parkway, part of americas history creating memories of her own to last a lifetime. Natchez tracewe ended up on here late at night with no other cars around.
Report all incidents involving cyclists to the natchez trace parkway at 800 305 7417. See more ideas about natchez trace, mississippi and tours. Cycling the natchez trace parkway nps photo some are individualists who want to travel light, and alone, and prefer to camp under the stars. Jan 21, 2016 bicycle tour of the natchez trace day 1. Bicycling the natchez trace by glen wanner, hardcover. Touring the natchez trace by bicycle day 1 youtube. There are no traffic lights or billboards its beautiful. Natchez to rocky springs this is just a little video highlighting points on our bike trip june 20 27 2015. The national park service has designated the entire 444 miles as a bicycle route, where bicyclists can relax and enjoy an exceptionally scenic roadway, unspoiled by commercial signage or development, and offering up gorgeous vistas at every turn. Our natchez trace tour offers the best of the antebellum south traditional hospitality, early american history, and distinctive architecture. Philip is a great person that took care of all aspects of the tour.
Enhance your travels or explore new experiences locally with a oneofakind eco tour guide. The natchez trace parkway is a national park bicycle route that espn calls one of the ten best biking roads in america. Follow in ancient footsteps as you travel by bicycle along the natchez trace parkway from natchez, ms to. Natchez trace parkway tupelo 2020 all you need to know. The natchez trace parkway attractions visit ridgeland.
The natchez trace is a an unforgettable road that stretches 444 miles from the mississippi river in natchez through the shoals area in alabama across tennessees cumberland plateau and on to nashville. I was pondering which tour to take when a message appeared on one of my many bikerelated lists. Lizard head cycling guides now offers a new service on select bike tours where we will move your gear from one point to another while you enjoy riding on a semi selfguided bike tour between those points. Youll visit historic sites, enjoy scenic backroad riding, and get a taste of the deep south.
Without his book, a huge amount of time and energy would have been wasted trying to find out where the services along the route are. The natchez trace parkway now has requirements that when a large group of cyclists gets a permit to cycle the trace, the permit requires cyclists to wear helmets and high visibility clothing and have lights on their bikes. A guide to the natchez trace parkway and nearby scenic routes glen wanner on. Natchez trace bike tour classic adventures bicycling vacations.
On other trips weve taken, weve passed through plenty of small towns, and most of them have at least a small store. Well also enjoy trips off the trace to nearby vicksburg, one of the most historic and pivotal locations of the civil war, and stopovers adjacent to the trace in natchez and jackson. Prices do include the nashville night stay the evening before the first day of riding. This book was very helpful in giving additional information about the various stops along the parkway and their significance. The natchez trace was a path of least resistance back to nashville after floating barges down to natchez from the north. This is the guide that you need for biking the trace. There is lots of signage alerting drivers to the presence of cyclists and they give bikes lots of room when passing. The natchez trace parkway is a 444mile recreational road and scenic drive through three states. The natchez trace has been designated as one of the top 10 u. In fact, the entire length of the natchez trace parkway is designated as a bicycle tour route. He is very knowledgeable about the trace and road riding.
Bicycling the natchez trace preface bikesbytesbites. One problem the gary holdiness cycling fund wants to address is visibility. Seems to have burned down since the guidebook was last updated. To determine if a permit is required for a planned trip please see the special use permit page. This is a video of some of the footage i took along the way with a point and shoot. As one of americas national scenic byways, the natchez trace parkway is a designated bike route lined with forests, farmland. A driving tour of natchez, from native americans to the. Be sure to click on the free itinerary planner link below to get started. When it comes to cycling, the natchez trace parkway is your ticket to ride. I was trying to click my brain into the zone to log the miles but the damned hills kept getting in the way. A guide to the natchez trace parkway and nearby scenic routes. Contact us for additional information, pricing options, or to book your spot on a future provencal cycling camp. Enjoy a comfortable, narrated coach ride to the town of tupelo, mississippi, and then tour the elvis presley birthplace childhood home and church, plus the elvis presley museum, tupelo fairgrounds, and tupelo hardware companyall important sites in his childhood and musical.
Originally an indian path, the natchez trace became the road that opened the forested wilderness of the deep south to settlers, soldiers, boatment and outlaws. Special note book arriving flight to nashville, tn and returning flights from jackson, ms. The entire 444 miles of the natchez trace parkway is designated as a bicycle route, allowing bikers to safely enjoy the scenic roadway and gorgeous vistas. Cycling the natchez trace part 1 jennifer and zachs adventures. When planning your natchez trace trip, having brochures on hand will help guide and enhance your journey that much more. Cyclists are by law allowed to take the whole lane. Glen wanners book, bicycling the natchez trace was an extremely valuable resource for this trip. Natchez trace parkway, memphis, tupelo, mississippi blues trail travel guide. Sep 10, 2015 the natchez trace parkway runs 444 miles between nashville and natchez, miss. Ten things you need to know about bicycling the parkway. Meredith fitzpatrick cycled the natchez trace parkway this summer with the fuller center for housing raising funds for decent affordable housing for those in need.
Six days on the natchez trace parkway, by paul nace. We drove down the interstates until just past jackson ms, when we got onto the trace. The natchez trace compelling history and scenic cycling merge seamlessly on this laidback reel through the natchez trace trail. Cars need to respect the fact that this nation tolerates their presence on the trace.