I'm headed from northern Iowa to Tallahasse on Oct 1st to visit my son. I've been looking for a side trip to see a part of this beautiful country I've never seen before. I would love to hit eastern Tennessee/western N. Carolina, but I don't think I have enough time.
I've looking at the Natchez Trace Parkway, specifically between Nashville and Muscle Shoals. Any opinions would be great since I know absolutely nothing about the area. Thanks.

John

 

I've not ridden the Trace myself, but I have read about it on here before. Sounds like a trip I will take some day. Use the "Search" function on this site and you should find some good reads. It is not one that has as much info as some other areas, but there should be some.

 

Driven it in a cage a few times. Lots of scenery, some historical turn offs but not much else. No commercial vehicles, no retail establishments. and an enforced 50mph speed limit. Merriwether Lewis burial site (of Lewis and Clark).

http://www.natcheztracetravel.com/na...tone-wall.html - stop by and visit with Mr. Hendrix. incredible project he has been constructing (i am told his great-great grandmother is my 5x-great grandmother)

Trip from Nashville to Muscle Shoals should take about 3 - 3½ hours straight through, more if you stop.

 

That pretty much hits the nail on the head. I ride parts of the Natchez Trace almost daily and what he says is spot on.

I love riding the Trace because of the above mentioned thing especially no commecial vehicles allowed and the laws of the Natchez Trace are strictly enforced by the US Park Police.

I've seen people get tickets for doing between 50 & 55. I have also seen people get a ticket for driving a "commercial" vehicle that was nothing more than a guy pulling a trailer full of lawn mowers who cuts grass for a living. I like the idea of the strick speed limit and no commercial vehicles.

Also as he stated, there are no retail establishments on the side of the road, because not only is the road considered a "National Park" but also the land stretching on both sides. Usually though at each exit there are gas station and convenience store just 1/4 mile or so off the ramp.

It is such a blissful ride, the only think I watch out for is wildlife such as deer crossing the road. Other than that it is a peaceful, easy, theraputic ride.

 

I rode the entire Natchez Trace last week and had a great time. Set the cruise control at the speed limit and very seldom hit the brakes. Weather was slightly overcast and the temps were in the 70's.

Not only do you see a lot of deer but also a lot of turkeys.

 

Yes you do see a lot of turkeys, which segment did you ride?

 

The entire trace, south to north.

 

Cool, did it get kind of congested when you went through the Jackson, Ms metro area??

 

I left Houston around 10 am on Wednesday and stopped in Clinton, MS for the night. Got back on the Trace early Thursday and road the rest of the way to Nashville. Because of the early start was able to make it through Jackson without much trouble.

 

Thanks. Sounds like just the detour I'm looking for. It should be a good break from the interstate.