River Road to Nottoway Plantation 52

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Addis, LA, US

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Route Overview

Tony Boudreau, Baton Rouge Bike Cub

South Louisiana Road Rides

53 mi.

280 ft.

An approximate 50 mile out-and-back ride down the scenic River Road along the Mississippi River to the Historical Nottoway Plantion. Traffic on River Road is generally very light, but it is a highway so use of bike lights and brightly colored jersey is suggested. Other attractions on the route are the Historic Plaquemine Locks, and the smallest church in America, The Madonna Chapel.

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Route Details

# Ride Description

This 52 mile out-and-back ride starts at the DOW Westside YMCA parking lot and proceeds downriver along the Mississippi River Road through the towns of Brusley, Addis, and Plaquemine then into the farming communities to the South. You'll also pass several of the large chemical plants that have replaced the old plantations as the local sources of commerce and employment. Don't worry though, the plants along this route are good neighbors and maintain clean and safe facilities with respect to the local enviornment.

From the beginning, your route brings you briefly for a loop through local neighborhoods and cane fields before crossing busy LA Hwy 1. then onward
to River Road. Once traveling "South" on River Road you'll pass homes and churches and pastureland as your path winds in multiple directions following the river. Soon you'll pass the very large DOW Chemical Plaquemine Plant then enter the small city of Plaquemine, LA. Plaquemine is a historic city, once a hub of river and agricultural commerce since it joined two dominant maritime shipping routes, the Mississippi River and Bayou Lafourche. Around 100 years ago the locks between these two streams were retired and a permanent levee was completed isolating the river from the bayou.

Take note of the POI and Caution @poi[Plaquemine Locks Detour](8910774), @poi[Plaquemine Locks Historic Site](8910773) warning included on the map and cue sheet and make sure you visit the Palquemine Locks historic site, and take the corresponding short cut to avoid traffic on busy LA hwy 1.

Once out of Plaquemine relax and enjoy the ride down throuh farm and sugar cane country. it's a flat ride, but don't let that fool you. As the road meanders along the route of the river your direction changes quite a bit, and often you find your self riding into or with the prevailing wind. The river can often make its own wind and weather.

The ulltimate destination and turn-around point of the ride is the Beautiful and Historic Nottoway Plantation.                @poi[Nottoway Photo](8910780), @photo[Nottoway Plantation](4665128) It has everything you could want, restrooms, water, ice, food and even lodging. For the bike trourist the lodging accomodations may be a great selection for and evening rest.

If time permits a tour of the plantation house is available, and a stroll around the well-kept grounds and gardens also provide a welcomed opportunity to stretch.

If your timing is right you make also see one of the visiting riverboats that tie up on the river side of the levee @photo[Mississippi River](4665130) to bring their passengers to visit. One way or another take a stroll or a ride up the levee (that's your hill for the day) and enjoy a good view of the Mighty Mississippi.

Now you're heading back upriver from Nottoway and looking for a good place to stop and stretch. Check out the Madonna Chapel, the "smallest" church in the United States. There is a key in the box near the front door, and a quick visit inside where you'll find a brief history of it's service and some beautiful icons, altar and other ammenities. While there, don't forget to view and sign the visitor's log. @poi[Madonna Chapel](8910779)

# More resources

* **Nottoway Plantation** - <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nottoway_Plantation>

* **Madonna Chapel** - <http://www.nbcnews.com/id/7266966/ns/travel-road_trips/t/americas-smallest-roadside-churches/#.W_nAEy2ZPUJ>

* **Plaquemine Lock Historic Site** - <https://www.crt.state.la.us/louisiana-state-parks/historic-sites/plaquemine-lock-state-historic-site/index>

# Important Reminders

Once past the city of Plaquemine there aren't any stores or rest stops until arriving at Nottoway Plantation. Make sure you have plenty of water and snacks for this longer segment especially during the warmer months. The roadway is mostly open with only intermittent areas of shade.

River Road to Nottoway Plantation 52

Route Overview

Route Details

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