I live about 5 miles from the trace south of Jackson and ride both ways a lot. I was south of Rocky Springs one day and passed the biggest canebrake rattlesnake I have ever seen. I turned around and went back for a look. Somebody had runover it so it was moving pretty slow. While I was there, a ranger pulled up andasked me what I was doing. I told him just looking and he reminded me that that snake belonged to the feds and to make sure not to kill it or take it. I assured him neither of those thoughts had crossed my mind. They don't play.

 

Are there any downloadable maps available (other than standard road map) exclusively for the trace with rest stop info etc.

 

Stop at the welcome center at the park and they have a nice map with all gas stops and small towns close to the trace.

 

i emailed the site and they sent me a map! here is the response i got and the email address! came in a few days!


Thank you for your interest in the Natchez Trace Parkway. I would be glad to send you a visitor pack if you would please emai me your mailing address.[/align][/align]Thank you[/align][/align]Yolanda Y Ray[/align]Park Guide - NATR[/align]662-680-4027 or 800-305-7417[/align]Yolanda_Y_Ray@nps.gov[/align]

 

here you go this will give you some info on the trace, and i would check into it but i have herd that beings it a federal road there is no helmet law but dont hold me to it check into it first.
www.nps.gov/natr.

 

The beginning of Natchez trace here in Nashville is but a very short ride from my house.

It is a beautiful parkway with a serious amount of history...........Meriwether Lewis is burried along the trace and you can visit that site. Anyhow, the trace is gorgeous but I will add along with the others........Do not fail to obey posted speed limit signs.....you will not talk your way out of a ticket for speeding.

Natchez is awesome IMO......beautiful antebellum homes and Natchez under the Hillmake it a great place to visit. There are wonderful B&B available in Natchez and one very cool, very old hotel. Kings Tavern is frickin' through the roof....very haunted and very good food...........at one time you could stay the night.

Since you are coming from Jersey to Natchez detouring to Lynchburg will not be a problem and is worth the side trip to the distillery...prior to getting to Nashville, Leipers Fork is worth a look as well. Right as you get off the tracehere in Nashvillethere is a place called The Lovelace Cafe'.........it is a very famousspot,often a big biker hangout and the occasional country star stops by as well...........anyhow, the food is great, the service is top notch.......wonderful breakfasts and homemade biscuits, cured ham and homemade jams and jellies..........damn, I'm hungry now.

Anyhow................we ride the trace as often as we can and have been on it as much as four or five times a month.

If I am home in September I'd like tooffer upmeeting youat the Lovelace Cafe' for introductions and some good food....it would be nice to meet another forum member...........

Hope you enjoy your ride.

 

hey 2BKFXDL

wow, sounds like some great times ahead for me and i would not be opposed to a meet and greet if you are around! we are planning right now but it is tentative for a leave nj on the 10th and head for natchez area then work our way north i will definately repost something again when the time gets a little closer to see if a meet and greet will be possible. thanx so much for all the input on the trace i am trying to keep it all so i can use it it on the trip!!!!
thanx all,
cufuzed

 

There is a Bed and Breakfast in French Camp, Mississippi that would be a good mid-point stop over. There is also a small museum and a resturant with some of the best homemade bread on the planet. It is a very small town with much southern hospitality, full service gas station, parts house, post office and a few retired folks wantin' to know what you are doing. If you are headed southFrench Campwill be on your left at the only crossroad. Town is about 200 yards from the Trace. Also about 20 miles north of Jackson, MSon the Trace isRatliff Ferry Landing where the Trace comes right alongside the Pearl River. This is a weekend gathering spot for harley riders looking to have a beer and catch a glimpse of bikini clad boaters stopping at the store for supplies. Watch out for deer and turkeys crossing the Trace without warning. There is clover planted alongside the roadway that is a natural draw for wildlife. Hope this info helps for a good trip. I live about 30 miles from the Trace in central Ms and ride it a fair amount so pm me if you need more info. Britt

 

I've been reading all the info that everyone has been giving and it sounds like a great place to ride. I'll be going down with cunfuzed in September and I hope we can meet up with some of you while we are down there. Hopefully we will have a few more guys coming with us because this is starting to look like a great trip!

 

I just bought my Softail in Feb and this weekend will be the first time I will ride the Trace. Looking forward to a comfortable & relaxing ride.