I wanted to say again how much I enjoyed our week of riding through the Mississippi.
Your enthusiasm for the region and for riding were infectious, making the trip exciting.  I also appreciated all the energy that you put into all the arrangements, allowing us to do nothing but have lots of fun.
Harvey

 

We found Black Bear after a search on the Internet seeking a bike company to help with a trip down the Natchez Trace Parkway. The trip itself exceeded our expectations. The accommodations and food were excellent. The bike routes were well selected to meet our mileage and degree of difficulty expectations.  The guide was very bike knowledgeable and made the trip fun. We would recommend Black Bear to any serious bicyclist.

Bob & Sally

 

 



Natchez Trace 7 Day Bicycle Tour

bicycling Natchez Trace

The Natchez Trace is a an unforgettable road that stretches 444-miles from the Mississippi River in Natchez through the Shoals area in Alabama and across the Tennessee Valley to Nashville.  This National Scenic Byway and All-American Road is one of the finniest cycling experiences your will ever encounter.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Natchez to Port Gibson, MS

We depart from the Monmouth after breakfast and quickly intersect the Natchez Trace. Today we will cycle to Port Gibson, along the way taking in some of the Trace's most historic sites; Emerald Mound, Mount Locust and for those who want some additional miles, the Windsor Ruins. The grand Oak Square B&B will be our host this evening.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Mileage: mile marker (mm) 0 to mm 38 + detours to Emerald Mound (3 miles) & Mount Locust (22 mile round trip)

Day 2 - Port Gibson to Jackson, MS

We leave the Loess hills of the southern Natchez Trace in route to Jackson, the capital of Mississippi. Included in this stretch are some of the newest sections of the Trace and some beautiful rolling terrain. Our host this evening will be the historic Old Capital Inn in the heart of downtown Jackson. Dinner tonight will be a special treat that only the locals know about.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mileage: mm 41 to mm 102.4

Day 3 - Jackson to French Camp, MS

After a short shuttle back to the Trace we set off to French Camp. The highlight of today's route will be the approximately 20 miles of shoreline we cycle along the Ross Barnett Reservoir. Tonight we stay in the rustic cabins at the French Camp B&B and depending on our timing, dine with the students.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mileage: mm 102.4 to mm 180.7

Day 4 - French Camp to Tupelo, MS

After breakfast prepared by our host we cycle to Tupelo, our last full day in Mississippi. Tupelo is the birthplace of Elvis Presley and home to the Natchez Trace Parkway Headquarters. This is our longest day in the saddle but it is also the  flattest section of the Trace, along the way we will pass some of the regions native Indians most important areas.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mileage: mm 180.7 to mm 266

Day 5 - Tupelo, MS to Florence, AL

We cycle in to the rolling terrain of north western Alabama today and cross the might Tennessee River before reaching our destination of Florence, AL. Along the way today we pass, more Indian Mounds, beautiful state parks, and wonderful park exhibits. Our stay this evening is at the fabulous Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa, this stop will afford you the option of pampering yourself with a much deserved massage.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mileage: mm 266 to mm 331

 

Day 6 - Florence, AL

Enjoy a relaxing day at the luxurious Marriott Spa or join us for a loop along the local cycling routes. A day without schedules, you decide how to spend the day!

Meals: Meals are on your own today, you are free to decide when, where and what you eat!

Mileage: Optional day of cycling; 30 - 50 miles (ride will be supported and/or led by your guides)

 

Day 7 - Florence, AL to  Linden, TN

After breakfast we leave the luxury of the Marriott for a short shuttle back to the Trace. Our short stay in Alabama is concluded today as we cross in to Tennessee the final state along our journey. The terrain becomes more challenging as we climb up and along the Cumberland Plateau. Tonight we stay at the beautiful and quite Avaleen Springs B&B, the setting will allow us the opportunity to reflect on a journey almost completed.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mileage: mm 331 to mm 392

Day 8 - Final Day Along the Natchez Trace

Today is a glorious day of cycling and probably the most beautiful stretch of road on the entire Natchez Trace. Today is a day to truly take in the surroundings, reflect on the accomplishment of this past week and fully appreciate the Natchez Trace .
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mileage: mm 392 to mm 444

 

 


Dates: May 24-31

Cost:

Double Occupancy - $2200

Single Supplement - $625

 

Natchez to Jackson option - $825

Deposit - $250 per person with the remainder due 60 days before the tour start date.

Places of Interest:

Below are a few links that will help you research the area associated with this bicycle tour.

Accommodations:

Night 1

Port Gibson, MS

Oak Square B&B

 

Night 2

 Jackson, MS
Old Capital Inn

 

Night 3

 French Camp, MS
French Camp B&B

 

Night 4

Tupelo, MS

Hilton Garden Inn

 

Night 5 & 6

Florence, AL

Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa

 

Night 7

Linden, TN

Avaleen Springs B&B

 


 
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