Afternoon all,
Four of us will be ridin' from San Jose, CA to New Orleans in May. Will be going thru Memphis.
So, which route to see the real Mississippi - Hwy 61 or would if be worth jumping over and riding down Hwy 1? Thanks for any insight.

 

61 wouldn't be a bad ride. I'm going to be taking hwy 45 down thru ms and alabama to gulf shores in a few weeks(but that's a different destination).

 

Go by way of the Natchez Trace.

http://www.nps.gov/natr/

 

agree with Mike, go the Natchez Trace..but watch your speed, it's a Scenic Route, no big trucks, no trailers, etc. Cops watch it pretty close, too, it's a Federal Highway, they don't play....

 

Do Natchez Trace: If you like historical stuff, allow three or four days minimum...I did it in two days and was pressed for time and regretted it......

Walt

 

Here is the guide you need:

A Wiki Synopsis AND the Season Two site for Alton Brown's "Feasting on Asphalt", a ride from New Orleans through Memphis, complete with GPS co-ords and notation.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Feasting_on_Asphalt

http://www.altonbrown.com/adventure/tarmac01.html


Great culinary and road suggestions with Alton Browns signature obscession with detail and wacky things to see... AND

GOOD EATS!!!


Jim aka kiltiemon

 

Hwy 61 is a good ride, not much traffic and 4 lanes most of the way. There are a couple sections that are 2 lanes, but again not much traffic (I-55 takes most of the traffic). The only congested spot on this trip would be Baton Rouge, depending on the time you go through, it could be rough, but again 4 lanes. If you want to take the Natchez Trace, you will have to go further east to Nashville to catch the trace, very nice ride, but you will need more time. Although I have not traveled Hwy 1 as much, I think you would be better to take 61 as you will be going pretty much through the same area and 1 will be a little of a detur for N.O. My choices are 61 first, but if there is extra time Natchez Trace to Hwy 61 in Natchez Miss. then 61 to N.O.

If you see yourself strapped for time, I-55 does not have heavy traffic, is in pretty good shape most of the way and will take you to I-10 or 61 again and into N.O.

 

I agree, the Natchez Trace is a nice little parkway and a relaxing way to travel. Rode the stretch between Tupelo and Natchez last year and enjoyed it.

 

Another vote for "The Trace".

 

Another vote for the Trace, unless your just needing to knock down the miles in a day.

Very relaxing, hardly any traffic, nothing to stop you, you actually make pretty good time on it.