Natchez Trace Mississippi
Reserve Now!
2010 Sold Out
2011
Due to potential lodging constraints in Port Gibson the next trip is planned for March 2012.
2012
Natchez Trace: 7 days, (March 2012) $1199
"Natchez Trace Parkway is one of the Top 10, U.S.Road Bicycling Routes"
- ESPN
Day 1, Monday
Check into the Cabot Lodge in Ridgeland, Mississippi a suburb of Jackson. The city of Jackson began as a trading post and is the capitol of Mississippi. Jackson has a population of more than 425,000 supporting various museums, several sites that pertain to the Civil War era, as well as natural history, fine arts and antebellum sites and institutions.
Lodging: Cabot Lodge Hotel
Jackson/Ridgeland, Mississippi
(Swimming Pool)
(Cabot Lodge's two hour complimentary wine and beer reception)
- Small Filet Maison
- Fresh Fish of the Day
- Plus Baked Potato and Fresh Vegetable of the Day
- Plus Chocolate Chess Pie or Lemon Ice Box Pie
Day 2, Tuesday
36 miles
Begin your journey on the Natchez Trace. You will first find yourself on the beautiful bike path to the 33,000 acre Ross Barnett Reservoir Overlook (Mile Marker 105.6) on the Pearl River. In addition to the Reservoir you will pass the Mississippi Crafts Center (MM 102.4). Continue into Clinton, the smallest city ever to host a Fortunate 500 headquarters.
Breakfast: Coffee and continental breakfast provided by Cabot Lodge Hotel.
Lodging: Holiday Inn Express
Clinton, Mississippi
(Swimming Pool & Hot Tub)
Dinner: On your own
Day 3, Wednesday
45 miles
Leave Clinton for the journey to Port Gibson. Clinton, founded in 1823 was originally known as 'Mount Salus'. In 1828, the name was changed from Mount Salus to Clinton in honor of Dewitt Clinton, the former governor of New York. Deans Stand (73.5) is in Choctaws land and a featured picnic area. You will also see the Choctaw Boundary (MM 61.0) where a crucial agreement between the U.S. government and the Native Americans lessening the Choctaw boundary significantly and increasing frontier settlements.
Breakfast: Coffee and continental breakfast provided by Holiday Inn Express.
Lodging: Oak Square Plantation & Tuscan Columns
Port Gibson, Mississippi
Day 4, Thursday
42 miles
Continue your ride south, leaving Port Gibson on your way to Natchez, Mississippi and the trail head. Port Gibson, the town that General Ulysses S. Grant said was "too beautiful to burn." It is Mississippi's third oldest settlement, initially occupied in 1729, and was the site of several clashes during the American Civil War. The antebellum houses and the deep south community will give a feel for the area. On the way, note the original location of the Elizabeth Female Academy (MM 4.3). It is a distinguished school, operating from 1818 to 1845. It was the first institution of higher learning for women chartered by the state of Mississippi.
Breakfast: Coffee and continental breakfast supplied by Tuscan Columns and Oak Square Plantation.
Lodging: Natchez Grand Hotel
Natchez, Mississippi
(Swimming Pool)
(Natchez Grand Hotel's two hour complimentary wine reception)
Dinner: On your own
Day 5, Friday
42 miles
Depart Natchez for the ride back to Port Gibson. There is a sign noting the start of Natchez Trace as you leave town...a great photo opportunity. Along your way you will notice things you didn’t see previously. Emerald Mound (MM 10.3) is the nation’s second-largest structure in Mississippi. Emerald covers nearly eight acres and measures 770 feet by 435 feet at its base, roughly 2.5 by 1.5 football fields, and is approximately 35 feet high. Ancestors of the Natchez built and used this ceremonial mound from AD1250 to 1600. Sunken Trace (MM 41.5) is the compelling section of the Trace. Animals first wore down this path, then people. You are looking at the effects of time, hooves and feet.
Breakfast: Coffee and continental breakfast provided by Natchez Grand Hotel.
Lodging: Oak Square Plantation & Tuscan Columns
Port Gibson, Mississippi
Dinner: Grill Out Night
Port Gibson, Mississippi
Tentative menu selection:
- Grilled Angus Cheeseburgers - on a Kaiser Bun
- Italian Sausage - on a Kaiser Bun
- Veggie Burger - on a Kaiser Bun
- Plus Chips
- Plus Smores
Day 6, Saturday
38 (or 68) miles
Leave this town of the past and head to appreciate the scenery and tranquility of the Natchez Trace as you travel to Deans Stand (73.5) – lunch and SAG pick up.
Breakfast: Coffee and continental breakfast supplied by Tuscan Columns and Oak Square Plantation.
Lodging: Cabot Lodge Hotel
Ridgeland, Mississippi
(Swimming Pool)
(Cabot Lodge's two hour complimentary wine and beer reception)
Dinner: Catered Italian Dinner at Cabot Lodge from Amerigo
Port Gibson, Mississippi
Tentative menu selection:
- Fettuccine - Imperial roasted chicken, ham, garlic and mushrooms in Alfredo sauce.
- Spaghetti - Traditional tomato sauce with meatball.
- Three Cheese Tortellini - Roasted in spiced Parmesan cream sauce with garlic, onions and spinach.
- Plus Arugala with Flame Grilled Apple Salad - Roasted walnuts, Gorgonzola cheese and Gorgonzola vinaigrette
- Plus Tiramisu - with vanilla cream and chocolate sauce; or Butter Pecan Crunch Cake - carmalized butter and pecan bar with a butter cookie crust.
Day 7, Sunday
Tour the city of Jackson on your own.
Please note all trip information is based on previous trips and/or contracted lodging and restaurants and is subject to change based on availability or specific trip needs.
Riding difficulty:
Riders who are comfortable riding at least 10 miles per hour should have a very enjoyable trip. The vast majority of the ride is on the Natchez Trace Parkway National Park with limited vehicle access. The only time we leave the parkway is to get to and from the hotels. Strong riders can ride as fast as they wish with additional mileage available.
Arriving:
Most riders arrive by automobile at the starting Hotel where parking is available. You can also fly into the Jackson-Evers International Airport with a cab ride to Ridgetown, Mississippi.
Cost:
$999 ($200 due to reserve your spot and the remainder due 45 days before the trip start)
What's included:
- Hotel lodging
- Ride packets including maps and cue sheets (directions)
- Road markings with temporary biodegradable chalk paint
- Fully sagged including ride leaders, luggage transport, vehicle transportation and rider assistance
- Breakfast each morning
- Lunch each day
- Dinner most evenings (see above)
- Fun and enjoyment
Bicycles:
- Most riders bring their own bicycles by automobile.
- To ship your bike, we would suggest using www.shipbikes.com for around $150 for shipping.
- We would recommend bringing or shipping your own bicycle; if this is not possible, you may rent a hybrid bicycle directly from Vacation Bicycling for an additional $150 for the week.
Weather in April in Natchez, Mississippi:
- Average High 77°F (25°C)
- Average Low 55°F (13°C)
Contact Information:
Vacation Bicycling, LLC
1860 Barnett Shoals Rd, Suite 103-602
Athens, GA 30605
Phone: (404) 909-8034 or (800) 490-2173
Or email your question to our short Contact Form
