has anyone done natchez trace parkway end to end? planning a trip for sep't. from nj to natchez miss. ride the pkwy. up to nashville then detour to lynchburg on the way back. any suggestions on sights or stops? doing mostly alternate roads avoiding slabs as much as possible! any info?

 

I have ridden the Parkway from Nashville to Natchez, Miss. The Parkway is very scenic, lots of wildlife and history. The speed limit is 45 or 50, and they are strict about it.

There are no towns, gas stations or convenience stores on the Parkway, but there are plenty of places to get off and get gas or whatever else you need.


We rode from Nashville to Jackson, Ms. the first day, then to Natchez the second. Don't miss "Natchez Under the Hill" and all the antebellum homes in Natchez.

Bill

 

I live about 40miles from the Trace and ride it often. It's a beautiful, scenic ride. No redlights or towns. There are some historic sites to stop and see as well as some rest stops with bathrooms. Though I've never been all the way to the south end. Maybe one day this summer. I believe the speed limit is 50mph.

 

I rode the Trace a month or so ago. The speed limit is 50 in most places and if ticketed you go to Federal Court as the Trace has the status of a national park.

Gas is pretty limited but there is a station about halfway down although you can jump off several places. Do not pack a firearm on the Trace--it's a crime to have a weapon in a national park.

They have finally finished the section around Jackson, Mississippi so you no longer have to exit and get in Jackson traffic. If you plan on stopping for the night then Tupelo or Jackson would be your best bets although it can be ridden end-to-end in one day if you leave Nashville early enough.

Ditto Natchez Under The Hill. There are casinos in Natchez if that's your bag. It's a short hop over to Louisiana from Natchez if you are bagging states on your ride.

Ride safe and enjoy our Trace!

 

We have done the Trace from Nashville to Natchez and back. Beautiful, with lots of Turkey and deer sightings. We went from Nasville to Tupelo the first day and Tupelo to Natchez the second day. As mentioned earlier, Natchez "Under the Hill" is worth seeing; we drank a couple of beers at a really old saloon down there. We stayed at a motorcycle friendly B&B, and walked everywhere for three days. There is a good seafood restaurant across the river in Vidalia, I can remember how every eye was on us when we sat down in there. Another good restaurant in Natchez is the oldest tavern there and I can't remember the name, but it is haunted. Someone opened up a bricked in fireplace and found human remains in the 1930's. There is an interesting tour that takes you upstairs. Also, the fake steamboats tie up and depart from the landing.

 

I'll share a story refering to how strict the Federal Rangers are to tune you in. WhenI worked for the county fire we responded to a structure on the border of the park from the Trace, pulled lines and fought the blaze, when the Feds pulled up and told us to get the equipment off the grass and leave (over weight limit)or he would ticket us all [sm=insomnia.gif]. Thestructure was salvageable up to that point.

These guys are very serious about the park and if you screw up you will be in federal court for sure. The posted speed limit varies from 45 to 50 mph. The ride is unbelievable and there is plenty of dedicated places to pull over and take a look-see, be careful during dusk and dawn for crittersbecause they have no fear, being protected and all.

 

I have to wonder how the peaceable journey laws would apply to this.

 

I have ridden the Trace a lot and it is a great ride,but follow the rules like 05FLHTI said NO firearms. It could get nasty if caught.The haunted bar jed talks about is the Kings Tavern.

 

thanx for the info this should be a great ride as long as we are careful and respectful of the area is the jist i'm getting. the haunted barand natchezunder the hillare definately going on the to do list! i am planning on riding south to north with no time schedule to be anyplace special so i won't be in a hurry but thanx for the tips!!! my trip should wind up being around 2800- 3000 miles by the time i get home and with minimum 14 days to do it,it should be fun. a good friendlyb & b in the area sounds great do you remember the name?

 

I have done the ride two times north to south, as the others say VERY NICE RELAXING RIDE. But don't get in a hurry. Some of the others riding with me one time got bored and was ready to get off after a few hours, but I enjoyed it. No billboards, no trucks, no stop lights, just peaceful riding with great scenery. The second trip I went alone.

At the north end eat at Loveless Cafe,(this is right at the north end within a half mile) its an old cafe and motel from the 40's good food, nice stop. The motel is closed and now has gift shops or something.

I stayed at Tupelo the first night and Natchez the second night. I ate at a small joint on top of the hill above the casino called mama Tamales, I think that was the name. The HD dealer in Jackson said they ride down on day rides and eat there. Good Food.

For b&b try this web site.

http://www.bbonline.com/natcheztrace/