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 Natchez Trace cycling adventure on what many call America’s most pristine biking route. If you love cranking out miles on a stunning national parkway steeped in beauty and history, look no further. This is the ride for you!
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 American Indians, 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.
Building on what we learned from our 2025 rides, the 2026 Natchez Trace Parkway bike tour features a refined itinerary that balances daily mileage and shorter shuttle transfers at the end of each riding day. You'll enjoy charming Southern communities, rich regional culture, and, as everyone knows, some serious Southern cooking, y’all!
The ride assembles in Franklin (Nashville), Tennessee on Sunday afternoon for the pre-check-in. Early Monday we shuttle to the iconic Double Arch Bridge at Birdsong Hollow, marking the start of your five-day cycling journey to Jackson\Ridgeland, MS. After your final ride on Friday, enjoy an overnight stay in Tupelo, MS before we shuttle back to Franklin, TN on Saturday morning.
6 nights lodging
Breakfasts and Dinners
At end of the tour riders and bikes will be shuttled back to the start point
Daily SAGS offering refreshments and snacks
Free Long-Term Parking at the host hotel
Starting from mile marker 440 we’ll cycle over the Double Arch Bridge at Birdsong Hollow embarking on a scenic 62 mile journey to Jack’s Branch. After a short shuttle to Lawrenceburg, TN we’ll settle into the new Best Western Plus for the night.
From Jack’s Branch, the journey continues with a picturesque 70-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 to Cave Spring. The night will be spent at a Bed and Breakfast in Belmont, MS. Established in 1977, the Sparks Drive Inn Restaurant is a longstanding community anchor, and the food is to die for, hence we’ll enjoy two meals there!
The longest cycling day, pedal 75 miles from Cave Spring to Witch Dance. Explore pre-Columbian history with stops at Bear Creek Mound and Pharr Mounds, featuring ancient earthworks dating 1,800 to 2,000 years. We will also SAG you at the Parkway Visitor Center where you can take in the history of the Natchez Trace. Shuttle for no more than 10 minutes into Houston, MS for the night. We have a special treat for you on Thursday morning - the most amazing donuts we've ever tasted - to kick-start your day of riding.
Our second longest riding day spans 74 miles from Witch Dance to Kosciusko. Your efforts will be rewarded with tasty cinnamon buns upon arrival in French Camp. After indulging, pedal directly to your hotel room in Kosciusko to relax before dinner.
On the final day of riding, saddle up at the hotel and embark on a relaxed 37-mile stretch to conclude this epic journey. We’ll finish at River Bend on the Pearl River, just a stone’s throw from Cypress Swamp – a must visit after your week of cycling. Once the ride is complete, we’ll pack you and your bikes and shuttle back north along the Natchez Trace Parkway to Tupelo, MS, the hometown of Elvis, for our final overnight stay and dinner.
On Saturday morning, after the night in Elvis' hometown of Tupelo, MS we drive back to our host hotel in Franklin, TN. Though we'll bid a fond farewell in person, our shared online photo album will allow us to rekindle memories long after our journey ends.
