Natchez Trace Parkway
Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities

The Natchez Trace is popular among bicyclists -- both for distance touring and for local riders out for a day of fresh air. The entire length of the byway is designated as a bicycle tour route and is signed as such. However, no additional paved width is provided for bicycle use. Currently, bridge structures do not provide extra deck width to accommodate separate bicycle lanes either. Still, the road is safe and has a good surface, and the terrain is relatively flat with rolling hills. Commercial vehicles are prohibited, and the speed limit is 50 mph, unless otherwise posted.

The Adventure Cycling Association shows the Natchez Trace Route on their Great Rivers South route. For more information please contact the Adventure Cycling Association at www.adventurecycling.org.

To encourage safety and an enjoyable trip, bicyclists are encouraged to avoid two main areas during heavy traffic periods:

• Ridgeland, Mississippi: I-55 North to milepost 103, from 7-9 am and from 4-6 pm
• Tupelo, Mississippi: milepost 258-268, from 7-8:30 am and from 3-5 pm on weekdays

Portions of the byway in Alabama and Tennessee, plus the section south of Jackson, Mississippi, usually have less traffic, although caution is still essential. Cyclists are to ride single file, and bright colored clothing is recommended.

There are five "Bicycle Only" campgrounds located along the length of the byway at mileposts 408, 327, 266, 234, and 159. If you are planning an organized or group ride, a special use permit is required. Contact the Chief Ranger's Office (662-680-4014) to obtain a permit and special information. Information on bicycling the byway, such as campground information, bicycle service locations, bypass routes through heavily trafficked areas, drinking water availability, and accommodations located within close proximity can be obtained by contacting the National Park Service, Natchez Trace Parkway (2680 Natchez Trace Parkway, Tupelo, MS, 38801). Additional information is available at www.nps.gov.

The Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail provides four separate trails totaling 65 miles which are open to hiking. Sections of these trails are also open to horseback riding. More information, including trail maps, can be found at www.nps.gov. Trailhead facilities in the form of vehicular parking, interpretive and orientation signs, and visitor comfort facilities are provided as well. Numerous other nature trails that range from five to twenty minutes of walking time are found along the byway.

One trail, the Donivan Slough, goes through an area where occasional flooding influences the variety of plants. Another trail, the Dogwood Valley, leads through a large stand of dogwood trees. Cole Creek and Cypress Swamp trails pass tupelo/bald cypress swamps, and the Sunken Trace follows a deeply eroded section of the original trace. Also, at the Rocky Springs Village Site, interpretive trails that pass through the townsite and on to the spring, as well as a hiking trail on the old trace, are still available. Additionally, horse access trails are available at the Witch Dance picnic area. More information on horse trails along the Parkway is available at www.nps.gov.

The Meriwether Lewis Monument is located at milepost 385.9. The grave of Meriwether Lewis, of Lewis and Clark fame, is here. There is also a campground, picnic area, restroom, and hiking trail. South of here is the Dogwood Mudhole and Glenrock Branch picnic areas. A stream bank nature trail passes through the woods and connects these two areas. Further south is the Sweetwater Branch nature trail, a 20-minute walk along a clear, fast-flowing stream bordered by brilliant wildflowers.