Find the top rated bike trails in Madison, whether you're looking for an easy short bike trail or a long bike trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a bike trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
The resurfacing on the trail this past year has eliminated the dangerous cracks in the payment. The two crossing across active traffic have button activated crossing lights. There are numerous outshoots onto protected bike trails in Ridgeland which offer access to restaurants and the community. There are excellent Trailheads on Rice Road and on the Trace for parking and well maintained toilet facilities. It is easily accessible to the Natchez Trace which has minimal traffic on a Sunday morning. Out and back loops from the stop on the Trace are a 7 mile loop to an Observation Point overlooking the Reservoir. Going west there is a 14 loop through forest. Leaving my house in Madison, I am able to ride on bicycle friendly streets and city bike paths for a 27 mile ride.
The trail certainly has its allure as it traverses, offers many challenging hills, and has lots of curves for visual interest. With three road bikes and a gravel bike, we loved it. However, about 1/4 of the trail is still in need of serious maintenance. Some of the cracks are so deep, a front tire could easily fall in landing on the shoulders of the cyclist before you.
This trail is now complete all the way to Riverside Drive.
I biked the trail on Saturday, August 10, 2024, and it was an excellent trail. All of the ruts and damage to the trail has been repaired. I recommend this trail because it is my favorite.
On a bike, the pavement is dangerous in many places. Some holes and bumps are difficult to see. Use caution. Needs repaving soon. Fine for running and walking.
Agree with the other posts. The trail has some dangerous ruts, not from lack of maintenance but weather related.
We rode this slightly rolling terrain, pleasant trail up and back from end to end along the Natchez Trail Parkway. The trail is aphalted all the way -- but use caution as sections of the trail have deep holes in the asphalt. Trail ends abruptly at a road block at the west end and at the 50 sq mile Ross Barnett Reservoir at the east. (at the west end it appears that there may be plans for extending the trail as evidenced stakes and flagging extending from the road block) There were no picnic tables at the reservoir dam-vista area but there is a park with shelters and tables less than a mile southwest just off and visible from the trail where we ate our lunch. Overall, a very pleasing ride as we took a break from our drive on I-20 through the Jackson, Ms area.
I have used this trail since returning home 7 years ago and I am honestly happy that it exist. This is the longest trail in central MS which is pretty sad but better than nothing. I have walked, jogged and cycled and have never had any issues. They have repaired sections of trail but it’s still not up to the standards of Longleaf and Tanglefoot trails. But better than nothing. I generally park midway and ride towards Clinton because it’s always congested on the side near reservoir. generally stay on the end going towards Clinton.
With curves and hills and pavement the entire length. Heed the signs about uneven pavement around miles 4-6. There are some large crevices on the hills that could make a bad day for bikers and walkers.
We love this trail and use the parking/access area just west of Hwy 55 on the Natchez Trace. This happens to be about the 1/2 way point. We ride out to the Reservoir and then back to the truck to re-water and then do the other 1/2 to the west. Works out great for us!
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