We are going on the Trace next week from Natchez to Nashville and are wondering if anyone has done this, how long did it take to cover the whole thing stopping somewhat to see the sights. We think 2 days should do it. Any comments would help?

 

Two days should be about right. The wife and I have done this a few times, we leave early (junction of I-10 and I-55) and spend one night on the trace and the second in Nashville. The best way would be to spend the first day/night in the Natchez area, then one night about half way Tupelo area and make Nashville the next day. That would give you 2 full days on the Trace. As you probably already know, it's 50mph max so don't be in a rush and watch your gas and try to plan ahead, there are no gas stations on the trace, also I would try not to travel at night. For us the most interesting things are around Natchez, Vicksburg (a little off the trace), Tupelo and just before Nashville. The rest is just a nice relaxing ride.

 

Great info, I'm planning on doing this in a couple of weeks. Andouille, do you have recommendations on lodging in Tupelo?

 

Jerry, I can't really remember which hotel we stay at, but it was one of those national chain hotels (for some reason Comfort Inn comes to mind). Tupelo has a few hotels. I'm sorry, but I cannot make any specific recommendations as we only look for someplace that is clean with a reasonable rate.

 

Thanks for the info. We will ride to Natchez Tue or Wed afternoon visit Fat Moma's that nite then do the Trace for 2 days. Problem is we want to go towards Memphis to pick up Hwy 61 to Vicksburg and are not sure which route to take!

 

Make sure to stop here

http://www.lovelesscafe.com/index.html

 

Do you want to go to Memphis..or just towards Memphis to pick up 61?

 

If you don't want to take I-40 to Memphis, I think 64 would be the next best. There is a highway out of Tupelo that will bring you to Memphis (think something like 73), but if you get off the Trace at Tupelo, my opinion is that you will miss the best riding section of the Trace. Sorry, but we've always headed east from Nashville to Cherokee, the roads are very good that way and we do not take any interstates from Nashville to Cherokee. I've been on 64, but only around the Memphis/Tunica area and in that area it was very good about 3-4 years ago. I think time may help you decide, if you have time and don't like interstates 64, if you don't mind interstates and you have to make up time, then I-40. Don't know how 40 is now but it was pretty good the biggest problem is the amount of trucks traveling this highway.

Any way you decide, I hope you have an enjoyable and safe trip.

 

For sure we will stop at the Loveless Cafe might even stay there. We were thinking of going east to so as to do the Dragon and other roads in the area, but we don't have enough time to do both. Going West however is our only alternative and from what we have read here, it seems the best way might be to come back on the Trace to Cornith/Hwy72 then east. Hwy 61 in the Natchez area is very nice so we think it will be nice further up. Always wanted to visit Vicksburg that is why we are taking a easterly way back. BTW we were at a party last nite some one mentioned that there is famous restaurant after leaving Vicksburg that has a large buffet most likley will stop there.

 

It's 444 miles from one end to the other. Speed limit is 40-50mph. Take 2 days and enjoy....like i've said before, it's not the most exciting road but it was the most peaceful i've ever been on. Mostly you see guys cutting the grass on either side of the road.....it is well groomed.
Enjoy.......