Mississippi: Natchez Trace & The Ante-Bellum South

Civil War History, Mint Juleps, & Southern Hospitality

Our Natchez Trace tour offers the best of the ante-bellum South - traditional hospitality, early American history and distinctive architecture. Magnolia trees and moss- draped oaks add a charming flavor to quiet country roads. Classic Adventures enjoys the distinction of the first bicycle touring company to offer the Natchez Trace tour. In its twenty-second season, this tour offers incredible, unmatched value, in terms of lodging, dining, itinerary, experienced guides and customer services.

Lodging accents Southern splendors at The Fairview Inn (Jackson), The Cedar Grove or Anchuca Mansion (Vicksburg), and the Dunleith Mansion (Natchez), truly a showpiece of the South.

Gourmet specialties such as sweet potato pie, Cajun catfish, and mint juleps offer sweet rewards at day’s end. A tour of Longwood Mansion and poignant accounts of the Civil War give pause to appreciate our nation’s heritage.

Much of our cycling winds along the Natchez Trace Parkway, a gentle, park-like route which abounds in cultural and scenic delights. Enjoy a short walk on the old sunken trace, the footpath where travelers journeyed north toward home. Visit Mount Locust, an old tavern/inn that provided simple lodging for weary Trace travelers in the 1800’s. Off the Parkway, gentle country roads include stops at Windsor Ruins, Rocky Springs and the mysterious Emerald Mound (Indian burial ground).

Daily Itinerary

---

Day 1. Afternoon transfer from Pearson Int’l Airport (Jackson, MS) airport to our hotel in Jackson. Bike fitting, orientation, wine reception, followed by an exquisite “Welcome” dinner.

Lodging: Fairview Inn

Day 2. Cycle along the Trace, visit Rocky Springs, a once thriving but now abandoned village, and hear its intriguing story. In Port Gibson, the town General Grant said was “too beautiful to burn,” visit the historic city hall, churches and an old synagogue. Enjoy the stark beauty of Windsor Ruins.

Lodging: Anchuca, Vicksburg. (17, 36 or 47 miles)

Day 3. Cycle Vicksburg National Military Park, after your guide reviews the siege of Vicksburg. Picnic at U.S.S. Cairo Museum and see the old iron-clad battleship. Visit the Old Court House Museum to relive history close-up. (14 or 22 miles + 2 hours sight-seeing)

Day 4. In route to Natchez, stop at Mount Locust, a restored historic inn/hotel. Coles Creek adds a scenic backdrop for a leisurely picnic lunch on the Trace. In Natchez, lodge at Dunleith, a beautiful (and newly renovated) ante-bellum mansion, built in Greek Revival style with 26 Tuscan columns. (31 or 44 miles)

Day 5. Morning visit to both Longwood and Dunleith Mansions, then saunter around town or take a ride through Spanish moss-draped magnolia and dogwood trees, and past plantation homes. Investigate Emerald Mound, built by ancestors of the Natchez Indians. (AD 1400) (18, 28, or 42 miles)

Day 6. Morning transfer to Jackson airport or first inn for your return home.