Cycle through history, nature, and Southern charm along the Natchez Trace Parkway

     Spring blooms, comfortable temperatures, and gentle humidity set the stage for an unparalleled cycling adventure on what many call America’s most pristine biking route. There’s nothing quite like cranking out miles on a stunning national parkway steeped in beauty and history. The Natchez Trace has been drawing travelers for centuries. Now it’s your turn.           

     The Natchez Trace Parkway winds through three states and more than 10,000 years of history. It follows the route of the Old Natchez Trace, a historic travel corridor once used by Native Americans, early settlers, traders, and even future presidents. Linking the Cumberland, Tennessee, and Mississippi Rivers, the Parkway offers a captivating blend of natural splendor and historical depth.

     The 2027 Natchez Trace Parkway bike tour is carefully designed to balance daily mileage with comfortable shuttle transfers to and from overnight accommodations. You’ll enjoy charming Southern towns, rich regional culture, and some serious Southern cooking, y’all!

     The ride assembles in Franklin (Nashville), TN, on arrival afternoon for pre-check-in. On Day 1 we shuttle to the iconic Double Arch Bridge at Birdsong Hollow, marking the start of your cycling journey to Natchez, Mississippi. After Day 7 we’ll overnight in Natchez before the return shuttle drives north back to Franklin, TN.

Starting from mile marker 440 we’ll cycle over the Double Arch Bridge at Birdsong Hollow embarking on a scenic 54 mile journey to the Meriwether Lewis Monument. After a short shuttle to Lawrenceburg, TN we’ll settle into the new Best Western Plus for the night.

From Meriwether Lewis, the journey continues with a picturesque 59-mile ride into Alabama. En route you’ll cross the impressive John Coffee Memorial Bridge, the parkway’s longest, enjoy stunning views as you pedal into Colbert Ferry. From here we shuttle to Florence and Muscle Shoals, where the Hampton Inn Downtown Florence offers a comfortable base for the night in one of the South’s most musically storied regions.

At over 75 miles, this is the longest riding day of the tour. Crossing into Mississippi, you’ll pass Bear Creek Mound and the remarkable Pharr Mounds, ancient earthworks built 1,800 to 2,000 years ago. A SAG stop at the Parkway Visitor Center gives you a chance to take in the story of the Natchez Trace before pushing on to the Black Belt Overlook. The day closes with a shuttle to Tupelo, MS, childhood home of Elvis Presley, for a well-earned overnight rest.

Another big day in the saddle, but a sweet reward awaits. The ride from Black Belt Overlook to French Camp treats you to a brand new section of freshly paved parkway, smooth as butter and a pleasure to ride. French Camp is a charming historic community worth a quick exploration, and the cinnamon buns upon arrival have become legend among BPP riders. With the section from French Camp to Kosciusko anticipated to be under construction in April 2027, we’ll shuttle to Kosciusko for the night.

The week’s second longest riding day rolls south from Kosciusko through some of Mississippi’s most scenic countryside. After eight miles of beautiful lakeside riding, you’ll exit the Parkway at Reservoir Overlook to the Chisha Foka Trail, a dedicated cycling path that safely bypasses Ridgeland’s parkway traffic. The trail carries you through the next ten miles before the final stretch into Clinton, MS for the night.

The penultimate riding day offers a lighter load by design. 33 miles of gently rolling hills set a relaxed pace, because the real draw today is what’s at the end. Our overnight location, The Hampton Inn Vicksburg, sits literally across the street from the entrance to Vicksburg National Military Park, a significant Civil War battlefield. Check in and go explore. The park deserves every minute you can give it.

The finish line is within reach. 55 miles carry you to the southern terminus of the Natchez Trace Parkway and the end of an epic week in the saddle. The Natchez Bluffs offer a sweeping panorama of the mighty Mississippi, perfect for a post-ride sunset. Drop your bike, raise a glass, and soak it all in. You’ve earned it.

After an early morning breakfast, we’ll shuttle north back to the host hotel in Franklin, TN. The journey, with breaks, will take approximately nine hours, so settle in, load up your podcasts and enjoy some well-earned rest along the way.