A friend and I rode the Natchez Trace this past Saturday from Cherokee, Al to the northern terminus. Have to say it was one beautiful ride. The day was absolutely gorgeous with bright blue sky with and some clouds, the temperatures started in the 60's and ended up in the 80's by the time we returned. On the Trace we saw 60+ wild turkeys in 4-5 flocks, several deer, and not too much traffic. We covered 350+ miles going from the Decatur, Al area to the Cherokee entrance to the Trace, up to the terminus, to Franklin (stopped at Cool Springs HD for a bit/they were having a repo sale), then down 31 to 166 to 127 (basically Columbia -> Pulaski -> Decatur). We also stopped at one Welcome Center for coffee and cookies (my buddy had been there before and wasn't going to miss another return), also stopped at Capt. Lewis's grave in Meriweather Lewis Park (he of Lewis and Clark fame).

We did see one guy drop his bike (a Honda Aspencade). Fortunately, he and his wife only suffered road rash - nothing broken on them, though the bike was fairly well damaged. I didn't see what happened, but my buddy said he heard the tires squealing and looked in his rear view mirror to see the guy go down. He was pretty well skinned where she had suffered damage only to her hand. They were wearing helmets, but it only helped him some. He took it to the right side of his face and did suffer a bunch of road rash there as well as his shoulder and both arms. They were wearing t-shirts, jeans, and tennis shoes. Made me glad I was wearing my mesh jacket with armor, gloves, boots, and helmet. But other that that, the day was one glorious ride.

 

Sounds like a fun day. I've never ridden the Natchez trace but I do like to ride hwy 31 North in the fall when the colors are out. Seems like you travel back in time when going through some of those towns on 31.

 

We live about 70 miles from the Trace where it goes thru Tupelo. Jump on it and ride for awhile now and then. Nice relaxing ride.

Kevin

 

My buddy says the Trace gets flatter going south. Just curious if it does. I have something of a plan to ride to the southern terminus, maybe camp and return the following day. No specifics yet and would likely be on my own. Most of my buds can only handle a day (or a half-day) away. I'm single (again), so longer trips only require planning.

I hope to get at least one more long ride in before the cold sets in. Not that I stop riding, I just don't go as far in the cold. Imma Southern Boy and don't care too much for cold.

 

Dude, get yourself to the Trace. Head over to Cherokee and run up the Natchez Trace to the northern terminus. This time of year it is spectacular. I'll be happy to meet up with you to do the Trace again. Even stop in Collinswood for the cookie.

 

I have only ridden maybe 100 miles north and south of Tupelo...there is not much in the way of elevation change....just a nice meandering country road.

Kevin

 

My backyard is the Natchez Trace in Ridgeland, MS. (Jackson, MS area). I have only gone about 65 miles north of me, but have been down to Nathez a couple of times.

I know from my area south it is flat and not a lot of curves, but the scenery is beautiful. Nice and peaceful.

I have heard it gets curvier and more hills the farther north it goes. How far north do i need to go to hit them?

 

You have to get well into Tennessee (at least across the river) for the hills and curves. Even at that, it's not close to something like the Tail-of-the-Dragon. Mostly it's gentle sweeping curves and slight rises and falls. All-in-all a very nice, pleasing ride for cruising. From Cherokee, Al to the northern terminus is only 110-120 miles and the best curves and hills are closer to the terminus than to the Tennessee river.

I recommend taking the ride if you have the time. And stop in Colinwood at the Welcome center for great (free) cookies and good coffee.

 

Dont know if i will make it that far up this weekend. But the wife and I have decided to head north on the Trace this weekend. Probably will get up to around Tupelo. Will make it a 300 mile day. Ride far enough in the morning, stop for lunch and head back....