Natchez Trace Parkway

Motorcycle Roads & Rides > Routes > United States > Alabama
Motorcycle Roads & Rides > Routes > United States > Mississippi
Motorcycle Roads & Rides > Routes > United States > Tennessee

Average Rating - This road has been rated by 13 visitors

State: Tennessee
Date Submitted: July 1, 2002
Submitted by: Anonymous
Motorcycle Road Length: 400 Miles

Written Directions

The Natchez Trace covers approximately 430 miles. The southern most point is in Natchez Mississippi and the the northernmost point is in a town called Leipers Fork Tennessee (just southwest of Nashville, TN). Of course you can join the parkway at any point in the middle of those 430 miles (use the above interactive online map to find the best entry point for you).

Scenery

On the southern end of the route the forests consist of oaks, pines, beeches and magnolias that gather tightly together and create a dense shade over the underlying ground. Driving along this route in the Spring and seeing the budding dogwoods and redbuds you will know why this is one of the US Department of Transportation's group of elite 'All American Roads'. You will see many of the trees are covered in drapings of Spanish moss that give the forest an eerie Cajon look. The route follows a famous 8,000-year-old pathway that led early Indians, warring armies, Spanish conquistadors and early American settlers to their destinations. It is also the path that boatman used to return to their origins in the Midwest. These boatmen would maneuver their boats down the Mississippi River to deliver their cargo to places such as New Orleans. Then, rather than attempt to return their boats by fighting upstream, they would sell the boats for wood and walk back to their home states along the same path as this route ... as far as Kentucky and Ohio. This process continued until steamboat travel, around the year 1812, became a more safe and favored means of returning up river. Along this route you will see 'Little Mountain' which oddly enough is one of the highest points in all of Mississippi (603 ft).

Road Quality

The roads you will travel while following this route are generally in good condition and primarily straight with a few hills along the way. Take advantage of the slower than normal speed limits and absence of commercial traffic on this route and enjoy the cruise.

Roadside Amenities

In the town of Natchez you will find 500 preserved antebellum structures many of which are available for tours. Also along the route (mile post 10) you will find an ancient Indian ceremonial site called the Emerald Mound. The site was built approximately 700 years ago by a tribe called the Mississippians. It is a 35-foot tall earth structure that spans for an incredible eight acres and is the second largest mound in all of America. At mile marker 41.5 you need to stop and checkout one of the few remaining sections of the original path. You will see a tunnel here that is covered in Spanish moss and lined by tall ominous trees ... follow this to an authentic ghost town formerly known as Rocky Springs. Near the town of Jackson Mississippi you will find the Mississippi Crafts Center, which hosts artisan artists gatherings on weekends from March through October. These artists demonstrate their pottery, weaving, quilting and other skills through live demonstrations. Further up the road is the Ross Barnett Reservoir where fishing and water-skiing take place. A short nature trail exists on the north end of the reservoir for those of you who want to learn about the local fauna. Just north of the town of Kosciusko you will find an information center that will teach you about the interesting history of the parkway. Kosciusko is also the birthplace of the famous talk show host Oprah Winfrey. In the town of French Camp you will learn about an interesting travelers' stand that served the travelers on this route. A restored 1840 log cabin displays some of the history including French and Indian artifacts. Up the road is the Jeff Busby Site at where you can camp, picnic, and take advantage of THE ONLY FUEL STATION ON THE ROUTE. In the Tombigbee National Forest you can visit the 200-acre Davis Lake and enjoy various water sports. The town of Tupelo was the scene of the last major Civil War battle fought in the state of Mississippi and the Tupelo National Battlefield marks the spot of this battle. Tupelo is more famous what happened on Jan 8, 1935 in a two-room house built from $180 worth of material. Two twin boys were born. One of which, Jesse Garon, died at birth. But the other one, Elvis Aaron, survived and went on to become the King of Rock-n-Roll. You can see Elvis' boyhood home, elementary and junior highs schools and the hardware store at which he purchased his very first guitar. Up the road on the border you will find one of the most beautiful parks along the way - Tishomingo Sate Park. The park consists of 1,500 acres that include the farthest reaches of the Appalachian Mountains, bluffs and tranquil waterfalls. In Tennessee you may want to visit David Crockett State Park and hike or fish or see the Crockett Falls. You may also want to visit the Meriwether Lewis site for camping, hiking, and water sports. The site was built in commemoration of the famous partner of the Lewis and Clark expedition team. In Jackson Falls Tennessee you'll find the tomb of renowned president Andrew Jackson. And finally the route terminates in Nashville Tennessee where you can visit the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Additional Info

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Reviewed by dhornick on September 7, 2011 (2 out of 2 members found this review useful.)
Creator: dwhornick
motorcycle_year: 2007
motorcycle_make: Harley Davidson
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: Great, Great ride. We left home in Missouri and traveled through Arkansas to Natchez Mississippi. We had planned this trip to be a Bed and Breakfast trip basically be one night in Natchez, one night in Tupelo and then a couple nights in Nashville after completing the Trace. It was just my wife on her bike and me on mine. Without being long winded, it was a blast. The thing about riding the Trace is that there is no commercial vehicles allowed, no signage (Billboards, advertisements), no stop lights, no stop signs. You just go and go until you want to stop for yourself. Speed limit is between 50 and 55 and just right for cruising. The scenery is beautiful and historical sites are many. The road surface is excellent and well maintained. I highly recommend this ride. All 444 miles but not all in one day. Take a couple and really enjoy it.
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Reviewed by Guest on November 29, 2010 (1 out of 1 members found this review useful.)
Creator: BeemerBunny
motorcycle_year: 2003
motorcycle_make: BMW
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: Love this route. Have done the entire route both ways several times. Recently rode from Nashville south to Tupelo - the trees were in full fall color and it was gorgeous. Watch out for bambi and other critters. You will see lots of wildlife. Did I say I love this route?
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Reviewed by Guest on September 16, 2010 (1 out of 1 members found this review useful.)
Creator: C.D.
motorcycle_year: 2003
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: Rode the entire parkway from Nashville to Natchez with 6 friends in one day. it took 13 hrs to complete. it was worth every minute. We did miss some of the sights due to darkness. And I mean darkness. There are NO lights anywhere close to the parkway, you have NEVER seen as many stars as you will there. It is awesome. you will NOT regret.
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Reviewed by Guest on July 30, 2010 (1 out of 1 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Tim Kyle
motorcycle_year: 1998
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: Fantastic scenery especially when seasons are changing. A great ride in the middle of summer also because the road is shaded. Kosciusko is a great place to stop. Make sure you go to the downtown square where it features a grand courthouse built in the 1800's along with neat little shops and good food.
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Reviewed by Guest on June 16, 2009 (1 out of 1 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Randy Fought
Comment: Many times I have seen more motorcycles on the Natchez Trace than automobiles. Great place to ride. You do want to plan your overnight stays. There are quite a few bed and breakfasts located along/near the Trace. You can find info/pictures about them and tons of pictures of the Trace at http://www.NatchezTraceTravel.com
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Reviewed by Guest on April 19, 2008 (1 out of 1 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Nashville Riders
motorcycle_year: 1999
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: Seasonal scenery can be spectacular. This road begins just south of Nashville and continues down to Natchez, Mississippi. Wonderfully smooth and scenic. There is a speed limit, like the Blue Ridge. Not a road to HURRY DOWN. No commercial traffic allowed. You will see horse trailers, but no trailers hauling hay bales (as an example). Better plan ahead for places to eat and stay. Not a route to "see what happens" as it is best to plan your route and reserve your spot to stay.
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Reviewed by gordorad on November 2, 2011 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Gordo
motorcycle_year: 1999
motorcycle_make: Honda Valkyrie
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: This ride was very boring. I don't recommend it. Would be great for beginners, but for experienced riders, the slow speed and the not so great scenery will bore you to death!!
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Reviewed by Guest on February 13, 2010 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Sandy Warren
motorcycle_year: 2009
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle_type: Sport-Touring
Comment: The route shown on the map is incorrect. The Natchez Trace runs from Natchez to near Jackson, Ms., and on towards Tupelo, Ms., then up to Nashville. I believe the route depicted is the Great River Road.
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Reviewed by Guest on September 10, 2009 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: innkeeper - lodging on the trace
Comment: From milepost 115, you are 7 miles from the historic courthouse square of Canton, MS and Heart's Content Bed and Breakfast. http://www.heartscontentms.com
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Reviewed by Guest on August 8, 2009 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Eddie Smith
motorcycle_year: 2003
motorcycle_make: Honda
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: The gas station at Jeff Busby is now closed but there is a place close to it jus 4 miles north.
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Reviewed by Guest on April 28, 2009 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Mary Willoughby
motorcycle_year: 2003
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle_type: Sport
Comment: Rode the trace from mile marker 370 all the way to the South end at Natchez, MS. Great ride, beautiful scenery. This was the 2nd time to ride this route as my daughter lives in Lawrenceburg, TN.
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Reviewed by Guest on January 29, 2009 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: Kirby Campbell
motorcycle_year: 2008
motorcycle_make: Harley-Davidson
motorcycle_type: Touring
Comment: GREAT RIDE!!!!! If your time allows, ride the entire length of the Park Way and allow time to stop often as they are alot of pull off's with historical markers. My wife was not very fond of motorcycle riding until we made this trip. Graet ride to break in a new rider.
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Reviewed by Guest on January 15, 2008 (0 out of 0 members found this review useful.)
Creator: charles swain
motorcycle_year: 2006
motorcycle_make: Honda
motorcycle_type: Cruiser
Comment: A few miles north of Kosciusko, Ms there is a scenic overlook off the parkway that's worth stopping to see. It is on the east side of the highway. You can also buy gasoline below the overlook.
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