Why Bike the Natchez Trace Parkway? Maximum speed limit for motorists is 50 mph.

The 444 mile long Natchez Trace Parkway stretches from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. Why bike the Natchez Trace Parkway?

Reason #3: Maximum speed limit for motorists is 50 mph.

All car travelers should be aware of the following precautions when traveling:

• Speed limit is 50 mph, unless otherwise posted. 
• The Parkway is a designated bike route. Motorists are reminded to watch for bicyclists on the Parkway.

www.nps.gov/natr/planyourvisit/gettingaround.htm

The northernmost 15 miles of the Trace from milepost 428 (intersection with TN Hwy 46) to the northern terminus at milepost 433 (intersection with TN Hwy 100) vehicle speed is limited to 40 mph due to the abundant curves. The remaining 428 miles have a speed limit of 50 mph. Vehicles traveling faster than the posted speed limit risk being issued a heavy fine if caught by a park ranger.

This is just one of 10 reasons why the Natchez Trace Parkway is an excellent bike route:

1. National Park Service designates the entire parkway as a bike route. Numerous signs instruct cars to share the road with bicycles.
2. Commercial traffic is prohibited.
3. Maximum speed limit for cars is 50 mph.
4. Motorized traffic is generally very light except around Tupelo and Jackson.
5. No stop signs or stop lights. Access on and off the Trace is via on/off ramps which means no need to worry about cross traffic.
6. Scenery is awesome. Instead of utility poles and buildings, the Trace is lined with forests, farmland, creeks and beautiful vistas.
7. All along the Trace through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, historical and nature attractions offer interesting breaks and rest stops.
8. Restroom facilities on the Trace are available about every twenty miles.
9. Numerous side trails take you past antebellum and victorian homes, sunken roads, civil war battlefields and southern towns.
10. There are many "cycling friendly" bed and breakfasts located along and near the Trace.