Wife and I are riding to TN in early July. We have 2 nights in Nashville (July 3&4), then 2 nights in Memphis (July 7&8). The question is what to do in between? I want to go to Shilo Battlefield and I see the Natchez Trace Parkway listed as a scenic route. What can anyone tell me about that ride? I am looking for something to see and something interesting to do. I will need hotels (prefer locally owned - no chains)and other ideas.
Thanks.

 

I rode a bit of the Trace last week. It's pretty but a little boring. I was only on it for about 60 miles or so. There is nothing on it except the occasional rest stop or point of interest. I had more fun just riding the back country roads around the Nashville area. Lynchburg and the surrounding area was really a nice ride. Would recommend a tour of the "George Dickel" Distillery if you get that way. should have some info in your hotel about some of the sights in that part of the state.
A forum member called "fatboyjoe" gave me some good riding spots. I will forward the PM he sent me to you.

 

Haven't done it personally but I've heard similar comments to IronAss - scenic but too much the same mile after mile. Not many scenic pulloffs like the Blue Ridge. Towns, motels, and eateries few and far between.

MadMaps offers some nice rides in most areas of the country if you wanted to stay in the Nashville/Memphis area:

http://www.madmaps.com/roadtrips/categories/

Or, you could try the trip planner on the HD website.

 

Thanks for the info!

 

I hate it when a response says "do a search" but in this case there are a TON of threads about the Trace. At first glance I have trouble reconciling it with Memphis/Nashville since it really doesn't run between them...could be I am just misunderstanding the post....there are some back roads that come highly recommended on the usual sites. I know this wasn't helpful, so perhaps you can help us help you. John

 

I used to live at Pickwick Dam, Tn so you are talking my old backyard. Jump on the trace just west of Nashville and take it southwest til you hit 72 in Alabama. Go west on 72 til Iuka, Ms and catch 25 north to Counce/Pickwick dam Tn. There is a state park lodge, a Hampton Inn and a local motel called Little Andy's ($39/nite). The BROKEN SPOKE bar restaurant is right next door. Day 2. You are now just 14 miles from the Shiloh Battle field. You will be impressed and the best part is that there is never a crowd. After Shiloh, catch lunch at the Hagy's Catfish Hotel just north of the battlefield. Now, get on 57 and head for Memphis and Graceland.

Warning! Watch out for the deer and turkeys, especially on the trace and around Shiloh.

 

In Lynchburg we have a new Harley Davidson store - no bikes - but plenty of nice clothes. And some great riding in the area. But don't forget to visit the Jack Daniels Distillery and take a rest at the Visitor's Center. Sit on the porch in a rocking chair and relax. If you haven't been I recommend you go!!

 

Actually I stopped in the Harley Store last week when I was there and they had 3 bikes for sale. I think they had a V-Rod, a Sprotster and a softail.

 

I rode the Trace in April. It was nice, but don't think I'd ride it again. There is very little to see along the route, but again I was using it to drive from Nashville to Vicksburg rather than use interstates.
Breakfast at the Loveless Cafe where you pick up the Trace in Nashville is a must.
Watch out for the turkeys, and I do mean the feathered kind. They are literally everywhere.

 

I went to the top of this page under search and put in Natchez Trace there is quite a bit of information from other members that have made the trip. Here is a link to our little video of our trip there.
http://michelmarciamotorcycletrips.com/natchez.html