Biking the Natchez Trace Parkway
South to North from Ridgeland, MS to the Carthage, MS area

Overview Map:

• Lodging option(s) and bicycle route(s):
  to the Parkway for the night BEFORE biking this section
• Parkway route in Red:
  bike north 36 miles on the Parkway from Ridgeland, MS (milepost 100-101) to the Carthage, MS area (milepost 136.4)
  5 of the miles are on the Multi-Use Path in the Ridgeland, MS area. Vehicle traffic is much higher in the Jackson Metro area (milepost 88 - 105) than in the rural areas. In the Ridgeland area (milepost 100 to 105 where vehicle traffic is the highest) we highly recommend biking on the Multi-Use Path that parallels the parkway in order to avoid heavy car traffic in the area. For a map and info, go to: Multi-Use Path
• Lodging option(s) and bicycle route(s):
  from the Parkway for the night AFTER biking this section
• Below the Overview Map:
  click on Points of Interest categories (food, restrooms, etc.) to add them to the map
• Click on any of the Points of Interest for more info.
• Click on any of the Routes:
  Parkway in Red, lodging routes in other colors - to view a preview and detailed route

Below the Overview Map:

• Information and Links:
  
  • Before Biking on the Parkway:
    in the morning in Ridgeland, MS
  • Biking on the Parkway:
    during the day from milepost 100 to milepost 136.4
  • After Biking on the Parkway:
    in the afternoon/evening in near Carthage, MS
• Links to complete Natchez Trace Parkway 442 Mile, South to North Itinerary Routes that this one day route is part of

Before Biking on the Parkway
(in the morning near milepost 100)

Milepost 100 - Ridgeland, MS - Lodging, Camping, Bicycle Shops and Food:

Lodging:

In the Ridgeland, MS area (milepost 100-101) there are several hotels located within 1 to 3 miles of the Parkway. The hotels located north of the Parkway are closer to and easier to bike to from the parkway/multi-use path. Hyatt Place Jackson/Ridgeland (601-898-8815) and Hampton Inn & Suites Jackson-Ridgeland (769-300-5556) are easy to bike to from the multi-use path (800 feet west of I-55 underpass, exit the walking/bike path onto Highland Colony Pkwy and bike north) and there are restaurants in walking distance. For hotel info, see www.visitridgeland.com.

Camping:

• In the Jackson/Ridgeland area there are no campgrounds that you can easily bike to from the Parkway.
• There are other (private and state park) campgrounds in the Jackson Metro area that you can drive to from the Parkway. For info, go to www.nps.gov/natr/planyourvisit/campgrounds-on-or-adjacent-to-the-parkway.htm

Bicycle Shops:

• The Bike Crossing -
  The Bike Crossing is located about 150 yards north of the Parkway at the corner of Old Town Crossing and Jackson Street in Ridgeland and is accessible from the multi-use trail that parallels the Parkway.
• Indian Cycle Fitness & Outdoor -
  Indian Cycle is located just south of the Parkway on one of the Multi-Use Path's spur routes.
• Bicycle Revolution -
  Mobile service available by appointment.
• RideSouth -
  Located south of the Parkway in Brandon, MS.

Food:

• Numerous Ridgeland/Madison, MS Markets and Restaurants

Biking on the Parkway
(during the day from milepost 100 to milepost 136.4)

Along/Near the Parkway - Restrooms, Top 30 Favorite Sites and Exits with Services Nearby:

RidewithGPS route of the Parkway from milepost 100 to milepost 136.4 that includes the following points of interest and guidance:
ridewithgps.com/routes/43574996
You can download the route to your phone!

• near Milepost 101 - Multi-Use Path / Highland Colony Parkway intersection
  Start of the Day on the Parkway - entrance onto Multi-Use Path
  To avoid heavy vehicle traffic in the Ridgeland area on the Parkway we highly recommend biking on the Multi-Use Path that parallels the Parkway for 5 miles.
• Milepost 102 - US Hwy 51 exit
  Restaurants 0.5 mile north of Parkway
• Milepost 102.4 - Parkway Information Cabin at Ridgeland
  Restroom, Picnic Area, access to Multi-Use Path, Bicycle Repair Station
• Milepost 103 - Old Canton Road exit
  Markets and Restaurant 0.4 mile south of Parkway
• Milepost 105.6 - The Multi-Use Path ends here at the parking area of the Reservoir Overlook site. Turn right onto the Parkway and bike north towards Kosciusko.
• Milepost 105.6 - Reservoir Overlook
  Top 30, Scenic Overlook, Multi-Use Path Entrance
• Milepost 122.0 - Cypress Swamp
  Top 30, Hiking Trail, Nature Area
• Milepost 122.6 - River Bend
  Top 30, Restroom, Picnic Area
• Milepost 123.8 - Ratliff Ferry Road exit
  Market/Restaurant/Campground 0.5 mile east of Parkway
• Milepost 135.5 - MS Hwy 16 exit
  Markets 1.4 miles west of Parkway
• Milepost 136.4 - Forest Grove Road
  End of the Day on the Parkway (if staying overnight at The Loft at Little Bluestem Farm) - exit onto Forest Grove Road
  Follow their "Lodging" route to your overnight stay!

After Biking on the Parkway
(in the afternoon/evening near milepost 136.4)

Milepost 136.4 - Carthage, MS area - Lodging with Bicycle Route from Parkway and Camping:

Lodging:

The Loft at Little Bluestem Farm
Vacation Rental - 1 Cottage/2 Beds/Sleeps 4 - 3.8 miles north of the Parkway. One vacation rental in the middle of a 63-acre flower farm.
Route: Bike or Drive 3.8 miles north of Parkway exit (Forest Grove Road at milepost 136.4) - RidewithGPS Route
Food: Breakfast is not included. Coffee and tea are provided. A couple different food upgrades are available. There are no markets or restaurants closeby.
More Info:
Overview Description
Accommodations and Rates
Cyclist Amenities

Camping:

• Ratliff Ferry Trading Post Campground - Located half a mile east of the parkway at milepost 123.8. The campground has both RV and tent camping. Call 769-231-9525 to make sure they are open on your arrival date.

Bubba's Pampered Pedalers
Ace the Natchez Trace Bike Tour