Cycling the Natchez Trace

I have biked most of it over the years and can't count the miles I have put on it driving.

Here is a Link With some information. It's not my site.

crazyguyonabike.com is another great source of information with journals of past trips. Natchez Trace

The Parkway has some bike only campgrounds that aren't well known. They have information about them on their website or you can call the visitor center. Many people just use Airbnb for the entire trip and there are also a few commercial tour groups that do trips every year (If you are an avid cyclist and comfortable with your abilities, I would skip this option).

The Parkway is mostly 11 foot lanes and even though the speed limit is 50 mph, except for the northern end, people are often driving much faster. I would make sure I had lights on the front/rear of my bike. I would try to miss the peak hours around Tupelo and would use the multiuse trail in Jackson. I also made sure I had a mirror so I could see people coming from behind (if you don't use a mirror currently, play around to see what works for you. For me it was one that attached to my sunglasses).

It can be hot and humid. I am not sure where you are coming from but this is a trip you want to do in the spring/fall. You also want to make sure you have plenty of water.

You are going to hear horror stories from people here I expect, but I never had any issues with drivers.

I guess the last thing I would say is that most accidents that have happened on the Parkway happened in rural/low traffic areas. Just because you are in a wide open area with plenty line of sight, don't put your guard down.

Thanks to all the responses so far. I definitely need to do research.
Think I may take a couple of weekend practice rides to get used to the area before going for the entire thing.

I don't plan on doing it until at least the Fall or even next Spring, so I have awhile.

I rode the entire Trace a few years ago. North to south. Took 5 days. Traffic wasn’t too bad with the exception of about 10 miles through Jackson and about 5 through Tupelo. I stayed in campgrounds. It’s pretty flat until you get into Tennessee. Went in early September so it was pretty warm but getting water was not much of a problem. Luckily I didn’t have any flats but I did bring 2 or 3 extra tubes and an extra tire. The only disappointment during the trip was wanting beer one afternoon somewhere south of Tupelo and the damn county was dry.

I don't know what type of bike you have but I put a rear rack that bolted to the frame and Ortleib paniers. also had bag that hooked to the underside of frame. I only had 2 water bottles and would stop and fill up about every 20 miles or so.

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The Parkway is mostly 11 foot lanes and even though the speed limit is 50 mph, except for the northern end, people are often driving much faster. I would make sure I had lights on the front/rear of my bike. I would try to miss the peak hours around Tupelo and would use the multiuse trail in Jackson. I also made sure I had a mirror so I could see people coming from behind (if you don't use a mirror currently, play around to see what works for you. For me it was one that attached to my sunglasses)

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I’ve spent lots of time and miles on the trace. Had a friend get hit and killed by a car.

Rear view mirror is mandatory on the trace. It’s a great ride but, as always, be careful.

Still planning on doing this? Any updates?

Tom's Wall I wanted to share a link to Mr. Hendrix wall. It's just off the trace but it is something you do not want to miss.

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Still planning on doing this? Any updates?

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Whoops, gave TD up for Lent and completely forgot I started this thread.

But yep, still planning on doing it. Most likely in the fall at some point. At this point I'm just trying to get my fitness levels up.
Actually about to order some bikepacking bags this weekend if anyone has any input.
The bike I currently have probably isn't the best for bikepacking, but I enjoy riding it, so oh well. If I end up really liking multi-day cycling trips then I'll upgrade in the near future.

Bought my bags this morning. I'm financially invested now, so no backing out at this point.

I'll post pics once they get delivered.

Seat Bag: Oveja Negra Gearjammer (10L)

Frame Bag: Oveja Negra 1/2 Pack Frame Bag (3L)

Top Tube Bag: Oveja Negra Snack Pack (1.3L)

Handlebar Bag: Apidura Expedition Handlebar Pack (9L) with an Apidura Expedition Accessory Pocket (4.5L)


I would've liked to order everything from Oveja Negra (they're a US based company), but the handlebar options were not great. Also I probably could've done this for much cheaper, but I think these products will be worth it. Hopefully.

Sounds fun. My 1st reaction seeing the bags attached “man that looks heavy.” I get it though.

I think it’d be cool if you posted updates during the ride.