From coastal breezes along the Gulf to quiet stretches of pine-shaded woodlands and revitalized historic rail corridors, Mississippi and the surrounding Gulf Coast region offer a surprisingly rich variety of scenic bike trails. Whether you’re into smooth rides through state parks, urban greenways with skyline views, or peaceful paths through wetlands and hardwood forests, there’s something here for every kind of cyclist. As part of our new Parks Spotlight series, here’s a preview of my Top 5 Favorite Bike Trails across the region. I’ll be diving into each one in more detail in upcoming individual features.
1. Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail (Inside Gulf State Park) Gulf Shores/Orange Beach, AL
Tucked between Orange Beach and Gulf Shores, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail features over 28 miles of paved paths that weave through one of the Gulf Coast’s most diverse natural landscapes. Divided into seven unique routes, the trail system takes riders through pine forests, wetlands, dunes, and swamps—offering everything from shaded solitude to wildlife encounters. Highlights include the Gopher Tortoise Trail, the folklore-filled Catman Road, and Twin Bridges Trail, where you might spot Lefty, the resident alligator. Rattlesnake Ridge and Rosemary Dunes offer glimpses of deer and osprey, while Gulf Oak Ridge provides elevated views through the treetops. The Campground Trail connects it all, linking riders to Gulf State Park’s lake, butterfly garden, and nature center.
Smooth, well-marked, and family-friendly, the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail is ideal for a leisurely bike ride, a long-distance jog, or an afternoon stroll. It’s one of the few places where you can start your day with salty sea air and end it beneath moss-draped cypress trees, all without leaving your bike.
2. Long Leaf Trace (Rails to trail) Hattiesburg-Prentiss, MS
The Longleaf Trace is a 44-mile paved rail-trail stretching from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg to the small town of Prentiss. Designed for cyclists, walkers, and equestrians, it passes through shaded pine forests, rolling farmlands, and quiet rural communities. Numerous trailheads along the route offer rest stops, water stations, and scenic overlooks. The section through Hattiesburg buzzes with college-town energy, while deeper sections provide peaceful solitude. It’s one of Mississippi’s most well-maintained and scenic long-distance trails.
3. Lafitte Greenway (Canal to Trail) New Orleans, LA
Spanning 2.6 miles from Louis Armstrong Park near the French Quarter up to the edge of City Park, the Lafitte Greenway transforms a former canal and rail corridor into one of New Orleans’ most vibrant urban greenways. It threads through the heart of the city—linking Mid‑City, seven historic neighborhoods, Bayou St. John, and ultimately delivering riders into the leafy expanses of City Park.. The trail features a 12‑foot-wide asphalt path, parklets, playgrounds, basketball and tennis courts, sports fields, dog parks, gardens, public art, and native plant rain gardens that nod to the old Carondelet Canal. It also provides direct access to Crescent Park, Bywater, and Bayou St. John amenities, with cafes, breweries and weekly farmers markets along the way. Perfect for commuters and leisure riders alike, the Lafitte Greenway is now a bustling corridor connecting neighborhoods, nature, and Crescent City culture.
4. Tammany Trace (Rails to Trail) Slidell-Covington, LA
The Tammany Trace is a 31-mile paved trail that follows a former Illinois Central rail line through some of the most charming towns on Louisiana’s Northshore. Beginning in Covington and ending in Slidell, the trail winds through Abita Springs, Mandeville, and Lacombe, offering shaded pathways, wooden bridges, and scenic bayou crossings. Cyclists often stop in Abita Springs for a drink at the trailhead plaza or a visit to the quirky Abita Mystery House. Near Mandeville, the trail links directly to the Lake Pontchartrain lakefront, where breezes and water views make for an unforgettable ride. With its peaceful scenery and vibrant trail towns, the Tammany Trace is one of the most rider-friendly rail trails in the South.
5. Natchez Trace (Former Indian Travel Route) Natchez, MS-Nashville, TN
The Natchez Trace Parkway traces the path of an ancient Native American trade route that once connected Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, and today it stands as one of America’s most scenic and historic byways. Along the way, travelers can explore cemeteries, campgrounds, preserved landmarks, interpretive museums, and scenic pull-offs that tell the story of centuries of Southern life and movement. While the full route spans 444 miles, the multi-use path near Ridgeland is a favorite for cyclists—offering a smooth, shaded ride that hugs the Parkway and passes through some of the Trace’s most beautiful terrain. The highlight is the Ross Barnett Reservoir Overlook, where gentle hills open up to expansive views of water, pine forests, and open sky. Whether you’re a history buff or just want a relaxing ride with a view, this section blends natural beauty and cultural heritage like few places in Mississippi.
Honorable Mention) South Campus Rail Trail (Rails to Trail) Oxford, MS
The South Campus Rail Trail (formerly known as the Thacker Mountain Rail Trail) is a 2.8-mile crushed-gravel path on an old Mississippi Central Railroad bed, weaving just south of the Ole Miss campus. Under a sprawling hardwood canopy, the trail offers a shady, easy ride or run—commonly used by the university’s cross‑country team and local cyclists. What sets it apart? A network of over 20 miles of single-track mountain bike trails, built and maintained by Oxford Cycling, fanning out into pine and oak forest for varying difficulty levels. Markers every half‑mile help navigate the main rail-bed path, which links to bike lanes and sidewalks leading into campus and town. Whether you’re out for a peaceful stroll, a commuter run, or a technical mountain bike ride, it’s a hidden local favorite worth exploring.
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