Top Motorcycle Roads in Mississippi
Mississippi, with its diverse landscapes and rich history, offers some of the most scenic and enjoyable rides for motorcycle enthusiasts. From the winding roads of the Natchez Trace Parkway to the coastal routes along the Gulf, the Magnolia State has something for every rider. Before we dive into Mississippi’s offerings, it’s worth noting that neighboring states like Tennessee, Arkansas, and Alabama also boast excellent riding opportunities, making Mississippi a great starting point for a multi-state motorcycle adventure.
1. Mississippi Gulf Coast Cruise
- Location: Southern coast of Mississippi
- Distance: Varies
- Key features: Lush forests, beautiful bays, serene beaches
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Best time to ride: Spring and fall for milder weather
This ride showcases the best of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, taking you through scenic coastal roads and charming beach towns. It’s a perfect route for those who want to combine riding with beach relaxation.
2. Blues Highway 61
- Location: From Vicksburg to Memphis, Tennessee
- Distance: Over 300 miles
- Key features: Mississippi Delta scenery, blues history
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Best time to ride: Spring and fall for comfortable temperatures
The Blues Highway is a must-ride for music enthusiasts. This route takes you through the heart of the Mississippi Delta, birthplace of the blues, offering opportunities to visit historic music venues and immerse yourself in blues culture.
3. Natchez Trace Parkway
- Location: Runs through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee
- Distance: 310 miles in Mississippi (444 miles total)
- Key features: Scenic beauty, historical sites, no commercial traffic
- Difficulty: Easy, with slower speeds and no stop lights or signs
- Best time to ride: Spring and fall for mild weather
- Notable attractions: Native American sites, antebellum homes
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a motorcyclist’s dream, offering a smooth ride through lush forests and historical landmarks. This road is perfect for those who enjoy a leisurely pace and want to soak in the natural beauty of Mississippi.
4. US Route 90 (MS-90)
- Location: Gulf Coast region
- Distance: Approximately 80 miles
- Key features: Coastal scenery, beaches, rivers, lakes, marshes
- Difficulty: Easy, straight route
- Best time to ride: Year-round, but avoid hurricane season
- Notable attractions: Coastal towns like Gulfport, Biloxi, and Pascagoula
US Route 90 offers riders a chance to experience Mississippi’s stunning Gulf Coast. The road hugs the coastline, providing breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico and access to charming coastal towns.
5.De Soto National Forest (MS-29)
- Location: Southern Mississippi
- Distance: Approximately 33 miles
- Key features: Scenic nature views, pine forests, clear streams
- Difficulty: Moderate, with some curves
- Best time to ride: Spring and fall for best weather
- Notable attractions: Hiking trails, camping areas
Riding through De Soto National Forest on MS-29 is a nature lover’s paradise. The winding road takes you through dense pine forests and past crystal-clear streams, offering a refreshing escape from urban life.
6. MS Route 587
- Location: Pearl River area
- Distance: Approximately 30 miles
- Key features: Countryside curves, runs alongside Pearl River
- Difficulty: Moderate, with some blind curves and tight turns
- Best time to ride: Early on Sundays to avoid church traffic
- Notable attractions: Red Bluff scenic area
MS Route 587 is a favorite among local riders for its challenging curves and beautiful scenery along the Pearl River. This road offers a perfect balance of technical riding and natural beauty.
7. Old Port Gibson Road
- Location: Connects Raymond to Port Gibson
- Distance: Approximately 44 miles
- Key features: Mix of straights, long curves, and twisties
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Best time to ride: Year-round
- Notable attractions: Historic Port Gibson
Old Port Gibson Road provides a diverse riding experience with its mix of straight stretches and challenging curves. The route takes you through picturesque countryside and ends in the historic town of Port Gibson.
Best Motorcycle Rides in Mississippi
1.The Secret Pearl River Run (Red Bluff)
- Location: Pearl River area
- Distance: Varies
- Key features: Technical turns, varied elevation, lush scenery
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Best time to ride: Year-round, but avoid rainy periods
This hidden gem offers a thrilling ride with its technical turns and elevation changes. The route takes you through the scenic Pearl River area and includes a visit to the impressive Red Bluff, often called “Mississippi’s Little Grand Canyon.”
2. Windsor Ruins Run (part of Natchez Trace)
- Location: Near Alcorn State
- Distance: Varies
- Key features: Historical sites, scenic parkway
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Best time to ride: Spring and fall for best weather conditions
This ride combines the natural beauty of the Natchez Trace Parkway with a visit to the haunting Windsor Ruins, the remains of a once-grand antebellum mansion. It’s a perfect blend of scenic riding and historical exploration.
3. Clarke County Pine Forest Route
- Location: Clarke County
- Distance: Varies
- Key features: Pine forests, small creeks, peach orchards, pasture land
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Best time to ride: Spring for blooming orchards, fall for foliage
The Clarke County Pine Forest Route offers a serene ride through Mississippi’s rural landscapes. You’ll pass through fragrant pine forests, alongside bubbling creeks, and past picturesque peach orchards and pastures.
For those looking to extend their riding adventure, Louisiana to the west offers unique Cajun country rides, while Georgia to the east provides challenging mountain routes through the Appalachians. Each neighboring state adds its own flavor to the Southern riding experience, making Mississippi an ideal central point for exploring the diverse landscapes of the Deep South.
Before embarking on your Mississippi motorcycle adventure, be sure to familiarize yourself with the state’s motorcycle laws to ensure a safe and enjoyable ride. Whether you’re cruising along the Gulf Coast, exploring the Delta’s blues heritage, or winding through the state’s lush forests, Mississippi offers an unforgettable experience for motorcycle enthusiasts of all levels.
Motorcycle Rides in the US by States
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Vishwanath Mathpati
I am Vishwanath Mathpati, a full-time Blogger and Motorcyclist from Bidar, Karnataka. I love writing about my Motorcycles Stories and Riding Gears on this blog.
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