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Outdoors

Natchez Trace Parkway Ride

Ride the two-lane parkway south through the woods and farmland of Williamson County, past Timberland Park, to the Garrison Creek picnic area, with an optional detour into the village of Leiper's Fork. The parkway runs 715 km (444 miles) from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville; it has no commercial traffic, no stop signs or traffic lights, and an 80 km/h (50 mph) speed limit for vehicles.

For The Reps · Updated

bike ride scenery for Natchez Trace Parkway Ride near Tennessee
Photo: Natchez Trace (1460351509) by NatalieMaynor from Jackson, Mississippi, USA, CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0). Via Wikimedia Commons.
Where
Tennessee, USA
Distance
15 km (9.4 miles) one way; 30 km (18.8 miles) out and back

The route

Northern Tennessee section: Highway 96 parking area (milepost 437) to Garrison Creek (milepost 427.6) and back.

While the Double Arch Bridge is closed, the Park Service asks cyclists planning longer rides to park at the Highway 96 off-ramp parking area and ride south of milepost 437. Once the bridge reopens, many riders start at the northern terminus on Highway 100 (milepost 442), next to the Loveless Cafe, and cross the bridge at milepost 438.

When to go

The parkway is open all year, and spring and autumn are the most popular times to cycle it. The Double Arch Bridge (milepost 438) and the parkway between mileposts 437 and 440 are closed for construction from April 2026 to about May 2027.

Before you go

  • Leiper's Fork, with shops and places to eat, is 1.3-2.7 km (0.8-1.7 miles) east of the parkway via Tennessee Highway 46 at milepost 428.
  • Restrooms are at Timberland Park (milepost 437.2) and Garrison Creek (milepost 427.6).
  • Wear high-visibility clothing and use front and rear lights; the Park Service says this greatly improves how well drivers see you.
  • E-bikes are allowed wherever bicycles are, but there are no charging points on the parkway.

What to bring

  • Helmet
  • Spare tube, tyre levers and a pump
  • Water and snacks
  • Front and rear lights
  • A layer for descents and stops

Getting ready for it

Time in the saddle matters more than speed.

If you have not ridden for a while, do two or three rides of an hour or two first so your legs and your seat are used to it.

Staying safe

  • Lanes are only 3.4 m (11 feet) wide and shared with cars. Ride single file and as far right as is practical, although you are allowed to use the whole lane.
  • The Park Service warns that elevation changes on the parkway can look minimal but still catch you out, so know your limits.
  • Wear bright clothing and use lights wherever there is traffic.
  • Check your brakes and tyres before you leave.

Route details checked September 30, 2026 against nps.gov, nps.gov, nps.gov, nps.gov, natcheztracetravel.com and natcheztracetravel.com. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.