Natchez Trace

[Kaler]

We are thinking of doing the Natchez Trace in the spring. Has anyone ever traveled the whole trace in one trip? We would start in Nashville and end up in Natchez and tour some of the homes that are open to the public with stops along the way. We really don't like to stick to an itenerary, but just take things as they come and if they strike our fancy.

I know it's a little over 400 miles and with stops am thinking 5 to 7 days would be good. What do you think?

Living in North Carolina, we have traveled the Blue Ridge quite a bit and just know we would love the Trace also.

Any tips? How about your favorite places along the Trace? I'd love to hear about your experiences.

[outothebox]

The Natchez trace is absolutely beautiful. I have travelled the entire length, but not in one trip (I don't think). It starts out near Franklin, TN, and kind of meanders through Mississippi (and a smidge of Alabama) until it gets to Natchez. There are some gorgeous places to see -- one stop is called something like Dogwood Valley and when they're in bloom, it's absolutely covered in them! There's the Chickasaw Indian Village outside Tupelo, MS as well as the official visitors' center (there's also a visitors' center just off the Trace at Kosciusko [birthplace of Oprah], MS). There are the Bynum Mounds (old burial site), the Black Belt Overlook, Jeff Busby State Park (which is about halfway between Tupelo and Jackon, and your best chance of snacks and gas without getting off the Trace), French Camp, and lots of other places that I can't think of right now! There are places where you can explore the "Sunken Trace" which actually takes you along the route of the original.

Be prepared to pull off the road quite a bit (and be prepared for cyclists -- there are tons of them!). There are places of interest on either side of the road -- some may be more exciting/ interesting to you than others. Have shoes that you don't mind getting wet/muddy (it might be dry, but who knows!) if you are going to do a little exploring.

There's lots of wildlife on the Trace, and it's not unusual to see deer, opossum, turkeys, etc. Depending on when you go, there's all sorts of lovely wildflowers/ foliage.

There are places where you can camp, but you're never that far from a place with a motel (and a Wal-Mart).

I think your trip sounds like fun, and there is plenty to stop off and do along the way. The antebellum homes in Natchez are very beautiful, and you're not that far from Vicksburg if you're a Civil War buff.

Word of warning -- set your cruise control to 50 mph (which is the maximum speed on the Trace). There will be other tourists having a look around as well as the aforementioned cyclists and wildlife and possibly hikers. The park rangers are very nice, but won't hesitate to give you a ticket :D (on the plus side, they'll also change your tire for you -- can you tell I have experience of both?)

Enjoy!

[Kaler]

Thanks outothebox. That's exactly the info I'm interested in. Traveling the Trace sounds a lot like traveling the Blue Ridge but with a little higher speed limit I think. It all sounds so beautiful. I think the spring will be a good time to go. We are thinking about flying into Nashville and renting a convertable for the week. Having past experience owning a convertable I know the summer months are too hot in the South to enjoy them. The spring and fall are the absolute perfect times of year for having the top down.

Having said that, I'm not sure yet about the rental, we are wanting to take our picnic basket and picnic as much as possible and picking up junktiques and local arts and crafts would be too much to carry back on a plane. Oh well, we are still in the planning stages with a lot of wrinkles to work out.

Are you from around the Trace somewhere to have so much experience? I see that you are in Scotland, that's a big jump from the South. Are you enjoying living there?

[Missi]

You can buy or check out books about the Trace, also. I agree w/ the speed limit thing - they mean business about that part.

[outothebox]

Dear Kaler --

I do love living in Scotland. It's a beautiful country. We even have snow right now (I'm especially excited because I love snow and it's my birthday, so it's like getting a special present :) ).

My parents live about 7 miles from the Trace in northeast MS. I could not tell you how many times I have driven from their house to Tupelo or Jackson (which is why I'm more familiar with those parts of the trip). Anyone who came to visit was treated to trips along the Trace because it's just so lovely. and it's great for a drive (as long as you don't need to be anywhere fast :D ). There are tons of places to picnic along the way. I meant to mention that earlier.

I love the idea of a convertible (period ;) ), but for this trip, it would be great!

[pres427]

I Lived In Natchez For 3 Years And My Husband And I Would Drive Our Son B/c We Could Spot Some Deer Running Across. Be Careful For Cyclist And Also Be Very Careful B/c The Speed Limit Is Either 35 Or 45 And Is Patrolled By Police. If You Happen To Make It To Natchez Please Take A Carriage Ride And Taste Some Of Darby's Homemade Fudge.