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Print Friendly MapChisha Foka Multi-Use Trail (alternatively known as the Ridgeland Natchez Trace Multi-Use Trail) offers a scenic trip paralleling Natchez Trace Parkway just north of Jackson. Portions of the trail which are managed by the National Park Service were renamed the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail, to honor the Choctaw heritage of the region. The 10-mile paved pathway begins on the southwestern shores of the Ross Barnett Reservoir and dives immediately into woodlands.
As the trail approaches Highway 51, trail-goers have an opportunity to leave the woodlands to access restaurants at Trace Station Shopping Center near the intersection of the highway and Jackson Street.
After crossing Highway 51, the trail enters the community of Ridgeland proper. A pretty pedestrian bridge adjacent to the city's water tower passes over a set of railroad tracks and Madison Drive. The trail now follows the opposite (north) side of the Natchez Trace Parkway, and remains so for the rest of its journey.
The parkway's bridge over I-55 includes a divided lane for bicyclists and pedestrians, after which trail-goers will be dropped off south of Renaissance at Colony Park, an upscale shopping complex. This is roughly the halfway point for the trail. It continues through mostly wooded areas until its end near the Madison County line.
On the east end of the trail, parking is available at Old Trace Park, off Post Road. Along the trail, the shopping areas of Trace Station (500 Highway 51) and Renaissance at Colony Park (1000 Highland Colony Parkway) also have parking lots.
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.
Awful
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!
Awesome asphalt paved trail along the Natchez trace!
We really enjoy this path. The scenery is great and it seems to be well maintained. There are a few places where the paved path surface is broken up, but it’s not bad yet. Be careful, I saw a couple of spandex bicycle riders going too fast for this trail. Also, women walking alone should be alert. I’ve noticed creepy guys out here a couple times.
My wife and I spent the weekend in Ridgeland, staying at the Hyatt located where I-55 crosses the Natchez Trace Parkway. We rode from the Reservoir overlook (eastern end of the bike trail) to I-55 and back on Friday, and then from I-55 to the western end of the trail and back on Saturday. The city of Ridgeland (I assume) is constructing an asphalt path along the west side of Highland Colony Parkway that connects to this trail at its midpoint just west of I-55. Nearly complete as of July 2015. This spur path makes for easy access between the trail and the hotels and businesses along Highland Colony Parkway. Really nice ride; the trail is smooth, well-maintained, even if it was a bit hilly for these old legs. Stay alert and you may be rewarded with a deer sighting. We really enjoyed it.
What a wonderful surprise to find this trail. The lake at the east end of the trail is worth the trip. It is well maintained, extremely friendly and the canopy over the eastern sections helped shade the afternoon sun. This is certainly on our return trail list.
This trail is well maintained, it's a bit hilly, but an excellent work out.....I'll do it again.....,¿¿¿¿¿¿¿¿
It's a trail with many hills to conquer, but for most every hill going up, you have an equal hill to coast down if you choose for a little break. Beautiful scenery.
Good Multi-use trail.
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