Explore Mississippi’s Waterways and Cycling Trails

Spend time on some of Mississippi’s best waterways and cycling trails for a family travel weekend of adventure and fun.

Those looking to see the state by bike will enjoy a wide range of trails for all skills levels. For a relaxed ride, take the scenic route of Mississippi State University’s campus in Starkville. Considered a “bucket list trail” for many cyclists,Natchez Trace Parkway takes riders through Tupelo, four ecosystems and eight major watersheds.

© Tupelo, MS

Join the Natchez Trace Century Ride in Ridgeland for a community ride. Race more than 700 cyclists in this spring event and enjoy the scenic Natchez Trace Parkways. In downtown Vicksburg, visitors can cycle on the Mississippi River Trail. Visitors can even rent from Battlefield Bicycle if traveling bike-free.

Like the many cycling routes, Mississippi offers beautiful waterways for guests to enjoy. For an outdoor getaway of relaxation and fishing, Tombigbee State Park is the perfect destination. Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, located just outside Starkville, invites adventure-seekers to canoe or kayak the wetland areas. Spot egrets, herons and other wildlife along the way.

Tombigbee State Park © Tupelo, MS

The Secret Coast of Mississippi features waterways for all levels of experience, from the Wolf River to the bayous of the upper Pascagoula River. Here, visitors can birdwatch, canoe, kayak or simply relax by the water.

In Vicksburg, spend time on the lakes fishing, boating or birding. The lakes are also the perfect setting for canoeing and kayaking, and visitors can rent boats from the Quapaw Canoe Company outpost. For watersport enthusiasts, Barnett Reservoir in Ridgeland offers spots for boating, sailing, fishing and a multitude of watersports. With 105 miles of shoreline, Barnett Reservoir is bounded by the Natchez Trace and hosts weekend regattas, festivals and fishing tournaments.