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Roads Home > Tennessee Motorcycle
Roads |
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| Title:
Natchez Trace Parkway |
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State:
Tennessee
(also listed on the Mississippi index page)
Submitted
By: Anonymous
Date Submitted: Jul 02
Motorcycle Type: ?
Motorcycle Road Length: 400 + Miles
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| This
route features a wide variety in terrain and scenery as well
as large collection of history that combine to make it a US
Department of Transportation All-American Road as well
as being listed as 1 of the 120 Most Scenic Drives in America
by Reader’s Digest. The policy-holders of USAA insurance
also designated this route as one of America’s 10 Best Drives.
You’ll pass by rivers and pass through swamp country as well
as gentle rolling hills, dense forest and the highest point
in Mississippi. You will also see monuments and national
landmarks including the birthplaces of both ELVIS PRESLEY
and OPRAH WINFREY. |
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Motorcycle
Road Scenery: 
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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). |
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Motorcycle
Road Quality: 
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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. |
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Motorcycle
Roadside Amenities: 
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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. |
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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). |
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Additional
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