The Natchez Trace Parkway

The Natchez Trace Parkway runs north to south from just south of Nashville, Tennessee through a corner of Alabama to Natchez, Mississippi on the eastern side of the Mississippi River.  In 2010, I rode Parkway from its terminus at Pasquo, Tennessee to its starting point at Natchez. Features include many historical sites along the route, an abundance of wild turkeys, and historical Natchez. The Parkway also comes close to the city of Jackson, making it a convenient stop. For the history buffs, an important stop along the Parkway is the site where Merriweather Lewis killed himself--or was murdered--at Grinder's Stand.

Like the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Natchez Trace Parkway offers the rider a relatively safe route, free of traffic lights, stop signs, etc. and almost no cross traffic. The scenery is not as spectacular as the Blue Ridge, but a rider can relax more on the Natchez Trace because it is not characterized by hairpin turns and dangerous drop-offs.

The National Park Service lists the distance of the entire Natchez Trace Parkway at 444 miles. With a typical speed limit of 45 miles per hour, you will want at least two days to cover the distance. Tupelo is near the half-way point, making it a good choice for an overnight stay.

When I rode in 2010, with my friend Andy, we stopped for lunch in Natchez and then headed south on US61 for Baton Rouge and the on I10 to New Orleans. A great way to make the ride especially memorable is to spend a day or two in Nashville, two on the Parkway, and then two more in New Orleans. If you ride, be sure to purchase a patch to mark the achievement.

Keep the shiny side up!

-Mike

Comments

[Inigo]

Where did you buy that patch? I Just find the original patch from the national Parks.

[Michael A. Uhl]

I purchased the patch at one of the park stores along the Natchez Parkway. It may no longer be available. I just looked around online and was unable to locate this particular version--as I suspect you did. How about this version:
http://www.eparks.com/store/product/77892/Natchez-Trace-Parkway-Hiking-Medallion/
?