Natchez Trace Parkway

One of the most traveled National Parkways in America, the Natchez Trace offers the present-day traveler an unhurried route that is rich in cultural and natural history.

The Old Natchez Trace covers thousands of miles, but some might say that the best parts of the trail exist squarely in Ridgeland’s borders.

A primitive trail stretching over 400 miles Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, the Old Natchez Trace’s significance goes back to the 1700s when the Mississippi territory was first established. The days of famous Americans such as John James Audubon, Meriwether Lewis, and Andrew Jackson traveling along the Trace passed with the arrival of the steamboat, but the trail would find new life in recreation.

After being placed in the care of the National Park Service in 1939, it became the Natchez Trace Parkway, a National Scenic Byway that features the old trail which runs parallel to the parkway. It offers an unforgettably scenic route featuring brushed forest, canebrakes, ridges, and swamp, along with several recreation sites in or near Ridgeland. Visitors will find numerous exhibits, campgrounds, water recreation areas, and hiking trails, such as the Chisha Foka Multi-Purpose Trail - a fantastic ten-mile paved stretch that curves through the Natchez Trace that’s great for biking and birdwatching.

Old Trace Section at Brashears Stand, Natchez Trace Parkway Milepost 104.5 in Ridgeland

Pedal To The Metal

Ride for miles on the winding Natchez Trace along the water's edge, attend superior European motorcycle shows, and shop top-of-the-line bikes and equipment. You'll soon see why Ridgeland is a paradise for cyclists and bikers.

Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail

Natchez Trace Century Ride

Held the first weekend each May, the Natchez Trace Century Ride welcomes nearly 1,000 cyclists to Ridgeland for their choice of distances from 8, 25, 50, 62, or the full 100 miles on the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway from Old Trace Park.

Renaissance Euro Fest Classic European Auto and Motorcycle Show

Cruise the Trace and enjoy this classic automobile and motorcycle show held annually at the Renaissance at Colony Park. Euro Fest is an excellent opportunity for auto enthusiasts to view British, Italian, German, and many other European vehicles.

The show is open to all European Marques with no registration fees. It is free to the public and family-friendly! Each year, Euro Fest is set to feature more than 150 entries from all over the world.