Natchez Trace
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,967
Likes: 18
From: Florida
I have ridden all over the USA and Canada - not a challenging (we went N to S) ride at all but a nice easy pace type ride. All depends what you are looking for - I sent to one of the Chambers of Commerce a got a detailed map and book for whats along the way.
I wouldn't do again unless I was heading that way but go do it and make your our conclusion - ride safe!
I wouldn't do again unless I was heading that way but go do it and make your our conclusion - ride safe!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,878
Likes: 1,893
From: East Coast, USA
I've enjoyed my ride on the Natchez Trace, but than again I knew exactly what to expect and I wasn't in a rush. I especially enjoyed the free camping! You do see a number of bicyclists on the road. I recommend you stop at the Council House Cafe in the French Camp for lunch.
http://www.frenchcamp.org/historic/i...il-house-cafe/
http://www.frenchcamp.org/historic/i...il-house-cafe/
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 22
From: Denham Springs, La
Wife and I went a couple of years ago and I didn't take any notes, so I've forgotten most of what we did.
We started in Natchez and pulled over frequently, not really doing anything but walking around and checking things out. First night, we stopped in Kosciusko, Ms. Second night we stayed in Tupelo, Ms. We got into Nashville around noon on the third day.
We REALLY took our time since we were by ourselves. We really enjoyed it.
If you've never been to The Old Country Store, you might stop in there for some really good fried chicken. It's a buffet. The owner will sing to you. It's pretty cool. You probably need to stop there.
It's about 3 hrs from Lafayette to The Trace (plus breaks). Then it's 45 minutes to the store.
We started in Natchez and pulled over frequently, not really doing anything but walking around and checking things out. First night, we stopped in Kosciusko, Ms. Second night we stayed in Tupelo, Ms. We got into Nashville around noon on the third day.
We REALLY took our time since we were by ourselves. We really enjoyed it.
If you've never been to The Old Country Store, you might stop in there for some really good fried chicken. It's a buffet. The owner will sing to you. It's pretty cool. You probably need to stop there.
It's about 3 hrs from Lafayette to The Trace (plus breaks). Then it's 45 minutes to the store.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 9,974
Likes: 5,213
From: Michigan
I can't remember all of the gas stops but if you fill-up in either Nashville or Natchez, and going north or south you can hit Collinwood, TN, Tupelo, MS, or Jackson, MS and never run out of gas unless perhaps you're riding a Sporty with a peanut tank.
I also remember that when we were riding south (can't remember where) there was a small country store and gas station visible from the Trace on our right (west) side.
We met some relatives and had a good country breakfast at the Loveless Café that's on the Trace between Nashville and Columbia.
The guy that runs the party store/gas station in Collinwood, TN has a good line of BS! If you have time, need gas or want a snack it's convenient and the food looked pretty good.
I also remember that when we were riding south (can't remember where) there was a small country store and gas station visible from the Trace on our right (west) side.
We met some relatives and had a good country breakfast at the Loveless Café that's on the Trace between Nashville and Columbia.
The guy that runs the party store/gas station in Collinwood, TN has a good line of BS! If you have time, need gas or want a snack it's convenient and the food looked pretty good.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 14,731
Likes: 2,535
From: Mountain Top, Alabama
Get off and get tee shirts at Natchez Trace HD.
Not far from there is the Coon Dog Cemetery, worth a look.
Plan for your exits off the trace, no signs and billboards, just exit signs with little or no info.
Yep, it's slow, take your time and enjoy the ride!
Not far from there is the Coon Dog Cemetery, worth a look.
Plan for your exits off the trace, no signs and billboards, just exit signs with little or no info.
Yep, it's slow, take your time and enjoy the ride!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
It's worth doing, though it takes you WAY out of your way. I'd recommend Rt.7 south through Arkansas, then wind your way down to Natchez. Just keep in mind that you'll be going Northeast on the Trace and you'll end up in Tennessee if you take it all the way.
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yeh I saw that but I thought I would just do a little of the south route from Vicksburg to Natchez. Depends on weather and time. I'm riding solo and don't have a real plan coming home yet.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 800
Likes: 39
From: Lafayette, La
We just returned from 1371 miles of peaceful riding; some fun twisty riding then returning home in a rain storm. I'm exhausted but will post a trip report in the next few days.
Bottom line: I'm glad we did it and will do it again in the fall. The northernmost 240 miles are so are more fun and scenic than the first 200. Perfect first long trip for a moto nube like me.
Inn on Bigby Creek in Columbia, Tennesse was fabulous. Joann and Larry Watts were the perfect host and hostess. Put my bike in their garage and were otherwise super accommodating.
More later.
Bottom line: I'm glad we did it and will do it again in the fall. The northernmost 240 miles are so are more fun and scenic than the first 200. Perfect first long trip for a moto nube like me.
Inn on Bigby Creek in Columbia, Tennesse was fabulous. Joann and Larry Watts were the perfect host and hostess. Put my bike in their garage and were otherwise super accommodating.
More later.
