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Natchez Trace Mississippi

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Ride Stats:

Distance: 309 miles / 497.3 km
Ride Time: A Weekend (2 days)
Approximate Fuel Costs: $23.48
States Visited: Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee

Submitted by:

Strato1900

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Ride Description
Route Map

What can I say about this one...it is one of the oldest, if not THE oldest road in the country. The Trace is an unbelievably nice road. It is maintained by the National Park Service and has unmatched beauty. There are numerous places to stop and take in the scenery and plenty of natural roadside attractions. Be sure to watch your speed because the 55mph limit is also strictly enforced by the NPS. Around Natchez there are lots of places to see the old Mississippi; antebellum homes, civil war era museums and the like. Don't miss the opportunity to see Old Man River, either. The Mississippi is an amazing river. When you are looking out over the banks, you can feel the history it holds. You can also watch the ships as they travel up river to supply this great country with our necessary goods. Once you get on the Trace, it is a pretty neat ride up toward Jackson. I recommend getting off and exploring small towns such as Port Gibson and surrounding areas, if for no other reason, to stretch your legs and change things up a bit. After you get past Jackson, be prepared becuase things may tend to get a little boring. The road is impeccable and the level of maintenance (both aesthetic and functional) is outstanding, however, it can get a little monotonous. Along the way, some highlights you'll see are the Ross Barnett Reservoir and French Camp. Once you get around Tupelo, don't miss the opportunity to go by the birthplace of 'The King'. The very house where Elvis Presley was born is here, along with a museum. There is also a Shipley's Donut Shop that, if you go in the morning, has some of the most outstanding and mouthwatering hot donuts you'll sink your teeth into. From Tupelo to Tishomingo State Park is really nice and you'll cross the Tenn-Tom Waterway. The Tennesee-Tombigbee, or Tenn-Tom Waterway is a completely man-made waterway connector used for moving goods along the Tennessee River and the Tombigbee River. Needless to say this is an engineering marvel...plus it has a really cool bridge. I chose to end this ride at Tishomingo State Park, because I really wanted to highlight Mississippi here. Plus, Tishomingo State Park is an absolutely beautiful park and a great place to stop and visit. Once you pass into Alabama, then into Tennessee, the Trace continues into some really nice scenery. I'd give this one a weekend due to all the stops you are probably gonna make. Bring your camera and don't forget to take a few minutes to stop and walk the original Trace (the actual footpath used for hundreds of years by natives and settlers). I personally recommend taking this ride in the fall so that you can enjoy the vibrant colors and the cool temperatures, but you can enjoy it anytime, as there is always something to see.

This is a motorcycle ride in the states Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee. This motorcycle route has 9 scenery characteristics and other road conditions to help you plan your road trip. This motorcycle map was created by Strato1900 in June. Click here to see other Motorcycle Roads by Strato1900

Rider Photos:

Ride Scenery:

Historic Sites Parks Fall Colors Lakes Forest Rural River Farm Land Plains

Best Time to Go

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Road Characteristics:

Straight Road Sweeping Curves Road Rolling Hills Light Traffic Smooth Adequate Gas Stations

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Previous Comments from other Riders:

mtnair03 says:

Mando (rrj10) and I (Bubba) originally road the Trace from south to north during October, 2015. We repeated the part of the Trace from Natchez to Tupelo, Ms over two days (03/23/17 & 03/24/17) recently.

The Trace is a beautiful ride with minimal traffic and maximal scenery. During the fall ride, the trees in the forests along the Trace had leaves that varied in color form faded green to brilliant oranges, yellows, and reds. The deciduous trees during our recent ride were bare. Thereby, providing a deeper view through the forests to the farms, houses, and land beyond the boundary. Some of the flowering trees were blooming such as Redwood and Dogwood. The undergrowth vegetation was much more advanced along the south end than near where we exited.

On both rides were stayed in Kosciusko, Ms. The motels there are clean and affordable with three near the Trace . However, and I've saved this for last, the thing we found in Kosciusko was the Old Trace Grill. It's a Mom and Pop dinner like we hope to find in every town. All food is made fresh when you order, prepared carefully, and served thoughtfully. Prices are higher than a 'chain' restaurant but the food is worth every cent you pay and every moment you wait

Sat Mar 25, 2017 at 4:20 PM

howell_jd says:

I live in Clinton, MS right alongside the Trace and can absolutely confirm this is a great road to tour! My daughter and I have ridden on the hack down and back often...I am looking forward to a "new" ride when I return from Iraq on R&R for my daughter's 10th birthday in a few days. I hope to get some photos to share!
- JDH
Sun Jan 13, 2013 at 11:30 AM

Anonymous_Motorcyclist says:

Wife and I made part of this ride Jackson to Tupelo, spent the night, and back next day. Wonderful ride!! Our next plan this fall(before the end of DST is: Day 1)Natchez to Tupelo and spend the night Day 2)Tupelo to Nashville and spend the night Day 3)See a few sites around Nashville (optional) Day 4)Return to Tupelo via trace Day 5)Tupelo to Natchez then home. Recommendations: 1) WATCH YOUR SPEED!! The Feds are serious about the 50 mph limit, you may slide with 55 but no more. Besides, 50-55 is perfect for a leisurely scenic tour. Watch for wildlife. 2) A small ice chest of bottled water not a bad idea on your luggage rack so you don't have to leave the trace looking for a cool drink. 3) NO ALCOHOL!! The Feds are serious about tis as well!! I have heard rumors of road blocks / license checks on the trace, though I have not witnessed this myself. Not the way you want to end your ride. Besides, if you're enjoying this scenic ride with the love of your life, you won't need anything else.
Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 9:10 AM

emorales says:

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a fun, relaxing motorcycle road. It does not have the twisty turns and mountain scenery of the Blue Ridge Parkway, but it does have several positive qualities:

1) No commercial traffic, depending on the time of year you ride, you will likely see more motorcycles than cars!
2) Great road conditions
3) Easily accessible gas stations

I only wish the road had a few more turns. The route gets pretty flat between Natchez and Jackson, MS.

Great road, I rode it in 2.5 days starting/ending in Nashville. Overnighted in Kosciusco, MS (not a ton of options), and Tupelo, MS (many options).

Enjoy the ride!
Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 9:10 AM

jukeman57 says:

Highly recommend this ride. It is beautiful and many interesting and historic stops along the way.
Fri Jan 11, 2013 at 9:09 AM