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We stayed on the Trace and the detours most of the time. Stayed at two B & Bs, one in Kosciusko, MS and the other in Columbia, TN that I mentioned in the other post. Can't praise that place enough.
The third day we rode to Nashville, but didn't go into the city. Stopped and saw more sites. Walked a trial only to be blocked by a baby skunk! Got around him and saw a gorgeous waterfall and investing natural rock formations.
We were supposed to hit Vicksburg the third night, but with the hiking and stopping and riding the last part of the Trace a couple of times, we got three hours behind schedule. So we'll make a separate trip to Vicksburg in a few weeks.
We're new to motorcycles; touring etc, so this was a great trip to see if we could handle long days on the bike; packing appropriately; etc. We learned a lot and really enjoyed it. And the Trace, with quiet roads protected from insane traffic, was a great first trip.
My wife and I regularly take the Trace from Nashville down to Florence on day trips. Really peaceful ride.
Of particular note on the Nashville side: there is a series of connected small roads (normally called "Old Natchez Trace Road") that follow the Trace down and out of Nashville. They stay in the same area as the main road; but are much more curvy and woodsy than the main road.
Well worth checking out the next time you are on the Nashville end.
The trace is an excellent ride. Plenty of shade and no hurry. I would like to say there is poverty everywhere you look, not just in Mississippi. Yes even Maryland has poverty. If you will give Mississippi a chance I think you will find a lot of good, caring people that are pleased to have you in our state.
Love the Natchez Trace... If you haven't, read up on the history of it a bit online or several books on history of the Trace. It's worthy reading...LOTS and LOTS of history and interesting facts.
Be absolutely sure to stop at the points of interest along the way. Lots of short walks/hikes at different spots. Also there are several places along the way where you may exit the Natchez Trace and take a ride on a paved section of the original "Old Trace." Do this. IMO the best starts around Tupelo to the end close to Nashville. Great, easy, low key ride.
Wildlife is crazy along the Trace. Leave out early when you can. You'll literally see wild game for hours in the AM along the way.
I've stayed at the Days Inn in Kosciusko, MS. A GREAT place to stay. Never had more accommodating management. Rodeo Mexican restaurant here is a good place to eat.
From Tupelo to Nashville, your stops may be frequent. That's okay...there's a LOT to see. Take your time.
As mentioned in earlier post...two favorite places to eat are The Loveless Cafe just off the Trace where it ends close to Nashville(MM 444 I believe). Quite honestly, eating here is probably a MUST do. IF you want a beer, layed back atmosphere, some decent food, and probably some great live country music check out Puckett's Grocery and Restaurant in Leiper's(pronounced as LEEPERS) Fork, TN.
Gas and water. Be a little extra cautious with fuel. Gas stations aren't plentiful at some exits and their hours vary. Remember there are NO businesses along the actual Natchez Trace. I'd plan on looking for gas between 1/2 and 1/4 of a tank. On my first trip I literally rolled in to the gas station on fumes. Be SURE to bring some bottled water too.
Hope I've helped some. Take your time. It's a great trip!
We have been 2500 miles since 5/31. Today we are in Nashville and will venture onto the natchez. Have seen plenty, plenty of woodsy, winding, forest, waves roads to date. I hope this is worth it, and look forward to the time.
Have looked at all the inputs, and entries. Gonna fill up, and head out after we check out the Boswell music city HD.
We have been doing a lot of traveling through back roads of AR, MO, and TN. Along with IL, and MS.......
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