Biking on the Natchez Trace Parkway
Biking is allowed on the Natchez Trace Parkway, but not on any of the hiking trails. There are no mountain bike trails in the park. I am not a proponent of road biking, especially on a road with no shoulder and a posted speed limit of 50 MPH, which means cars are most likely traveling at 60+ MPH. Stretches of the Parkway near large cities such as Jackson and Tupelo are used as a means to get to work, so in the morning and late afternoon there are a lot of cars. On top of all this, drivers may be talking on the phone, text messaging, eating meals, changing radio stations, looking at GPS, and even watching TV or reading books while driving. If your life is not worth more than a bike ride, by all means, take a ride on the Natchez Trace Parkway. You won’t be the only one. For me, until somebody designs a bike that comes out on top in a bike – automobile collision, I’ll stick to biking trails, dirt roads, and the occasional side road.
A 50 MPH speed limit and no shoulder lane on the Natchez Trace Parkway
If you are planning an overnight bike trip, there are three National Park Service campgrounds on the Natchez Trace Parkway that are open to everyone and five that are open to bikers only. Campsites range anywhere from 22 to 100 miles apart. See the Campgrounds web page here on National Park Planner for details. If you plan to leave your car at one of the Parkway stops, be sure to fill out the Extended Parking Form and fax, email, or drop off a copy at the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center. The fax is (662) 680-4049 and the email is natr_dispatch_staff@nps.gov. If you have any questions, call (800) 305-7417.
There is a paved trail open to hikers, bikers, and skaters—the Natchez Trace Multi-Use Trail—that starts at the Ross Barnett Reservoir overlook (MP 105.6) near Jackson. The trail follows the Natchez Trace Parkway south from the reservoir and abruptly ends a few miles north of the Osburn Stand pullout (MP 93.1). In addition to the Reservoir overlook, the trail can be accessed at the Choctaw Agency pullout (MP 100.7) and the Parkway Information Cabin (MP 102.4).
Natchez Trace Multi-Use Trail
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Last updated on November 28, 2021
