Natchez Trace Parkway

[mkillora]

We're currently on a road trip down in the southern U.S. (from Canada), and are getting ready to begin the trek north and home. We have been told that the Natchez Trace Parkway that starts south in Natchez Miss. and ends in Nashville TN is a great route to follow. Scenic, historic and apparently, no large trucks are allowed. As well, there are three free state campsites (no services), along the route. Does anyone have any experience/advice/tips/warnings with respect to this parkway?

p.s. We're pulling a 2012 - 2109s Rockwood Mini-Lite.

Thanks,
mark

[Mark and Linda]

We live not far from the Natchez Trace Parkway and have driven from Nashville down into Alabama. No trucks or commercial traffic on it, speed limits reduced. If you need gas, etc. you will have to get off the parkway, so plan on that. We have a lot of bicyclists on it in our area. Lots of stops on it to pull off and read the history etc. Don't expect to see any commercial signs or McDonald's to eat at. We have always wanted to drive down to Natchez on it to see all of it. Plan and enjoy....hope ths helps a little.

[PapaSmurf]

We pulled our camper from Nashville to Jackson MS, back in 2007 to go to a Dulcimer festival. It was a very enjoyable trip with a lot of historical stuff to stop and see along the way. I believe the speed limit is 50 on the parkway. When you get to the end in Nashville, you will want to stop and eat at the Loveless Cafe. The Trace ends right at the Loveless. If you look online, they have a Natchez Trace website (Natchez Trace Parkway - Natchez Trace Parkway) that list all the events and points of interest. I almost believe you can also get a map at the entrance to the park that list points of interest as well.

[mkillora]

Well we just completed two glorious days travelling the Trace. Started at milepost 0 at Natchez and got off at milepost 435; almost at the end. This roadway is amazing and must be one of America's best kept secrets. The roadway itself is as smooth as a baby's butt, for its entire length. It was nice for part of our journey home, not to have to deal with 18 wheelers, as no comercial travel is allowed on the Trace. We were surprised to see the lack of traffic on the road - in over 2 days we saw a handful of RV's and only a few cars. Think that we were passed about 4 times, if that(!). There's all kinds of history on this route and there must be over a hundred places to stop and read about it all. Our suspicion for the lack of use of this road is the posted speed limit of 50 mph. I suppose in this day in age most are more concerned with speed rather than a peaceful serene drive. For those of us from up north that want a great drive down to the deep south, this is a tremendous route. Highly recommended!

[Mark and Linda]

Shhhh, keep it a secret. We love to drive the Natchez Trace Parkway in our Miata with the top down. We haven't towed down it yet though. We don't live that far from the Trace here in Middle Tennessee. We just love to stop at the various pull offs and read about the history. One of our great explorers is buried along the trace, Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. It is a great place to stop, relax and read. Leiper's Fork, not far off the Trace before you get to Nashville is a nice little town, good food for those that like country eating. Yes, the posted speed limit keeps the speeders off. Lots of bicyclists use it on weekends in our area. Glad you enjoyed the ride.....

[F.R.O.G.]

For information on lots of other Scenic Byways all across the U.S., go to America's Byways®: National Scenic Byways Online. But don't tell anyone else.

There's a link to this site and others under "Useful Links" on the FROG website, FROG - Forest River Owners Group. We're adding more links there in the next couple of days. Thanks to those who have made suggestions, and we welcome more.