City Escape: Ridgeland, Mississippi

Although Mississippi doesn’t have ultra-twisty mountain roads, the state is prime grounds for a calm ride through a serene rural setting. This route out of Ridgeland, on the outskirts of Jackson, takes you on a long, meandering loop that can help you get your mind off whatever might bother you.

Rolling out of Ridgeland, you’ll start the route on the legendary Natchez Trace Parkway. It’s a laid-back cruise through beautiful Mississippi woodlands. You’ll cover only a short section of the entire road, making this City Escape a nice one-day detour if you happen to be traveling on the Natchez Trace.

You’ll eventually hang a left at the exit to SR 27, which takes you north to Vicksburg. Past I-20 lies the Vicksburg National Military Park with its Civil War battlefield. It’s a good opportunity to get out of the saddle for a while and stretch your legs.