Natchez Trace Parkway

[Des Nolan]

Yippee! It won't be long now before we head down to the US South-West. :Checking possible routes, the Natchez Trace Parkway from Nashville to Jackson seems to be ideal. Any and all comments would be appreciated.

Des & Diane

[Jerry Chapman]

You will find it a beautiful drive, especially if you will be traveling this spring. Depending on the weather, the dogwoods, wild azaleas, wisteria, and other wild flowers will be in bloom. There will be wild turkey and deer, along with other wildlife in many of the fields along the parkway. Jeff Busby campground, approx 60 or so miles North of Jackson is a great place to stop for the night. No hookups, but very pretty area and the price is right. FREE...There is also a wealth of history to be learned along the way. Dozens of historical and geographic displays. No commercial traffic of any kind. Enjoy you journey............jc

[John and Jaci]

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a beautiful drive. Spring of 2008 we took the drive from Nashville all the way to Natchez. The scenery is great. There are lots of beautiful overlooks and historic sites to stop at. There are still preserved areas of the original trace. A few very nice waterfalls are along the route. There is no commercial traffic allowed and it has a lower speed limit (50 mph) so you can relax and enjoy the trip. I would highly recommend taking the entire parkway if possible. Some of my favorite parts were at the southern end and the city of Nachez is beautiful to explore as well.

[Sandra Lair]

Yes, definitely take your time & stop at as many historic sites, waterfalls, etc. as you can. We live about 15 miles from the Trace in Alabama & love to spend an afternoon or a day driving along it.

Pick up a Natchez Trace map/guide when you start out so you won't miss anything. There is a camping area at Meriwether Lewis Park in TN. There are several waterfall areas in Tennessee. The Trace goes right through Tishomingo State Park, which has a campground situated on a lake. Between Tupelo & Jackson there is a historic site called French Camp where you can get really good homemade sandwiches, etc., if you get there at lunch time. Just north of Natchez there is an enormous Indian mound. Natchez is full of historic homes that you can tour. Be sure to check out Longwood, which is an octagonal antebellum mansion. All along the Trace there are interesting historical sites and beautiful scenery. Enjoy!!

Sandra

[David & Leslie]

We have explored the Nachez Trace Parkway, and can only concur with all the previous comments. The history & natural beauty are wonderful ... don't miss a chance to experience this drive. Don't miss Vicksburg ... we did because it was raining buckets and we were trying to get out of the rain, but we hope to return to that area one day. Wishing you safe and happy travels - L 'n D

[CD Smith]

I you stop in Vicksburg, I reccommend the Ameristar Campground. $18 a night and a free breakfast buffet. Great security, clean bathhouse, and free transportation to the casino.

[Des Nolan]

Wow! Thanks to all for the instant, positive feedback. We'll certainly follow this route and now know to do more than just a drive-through.

Des & Diane

[Ken C]

I have never been, but Windsor Ruins looks interesting too. I see you are from Ontario, sounds like a great trip. Do you have a general idea how far west you might end up. Was just curious about your long trip, take care.

[Ian-Vicki]

Thanks for the question Des. We're doing a trans-continental trip in the fall and now I know about this route, we'll be sure to include it in our itinerary. It looks great.
cheers
Ian

[Palmer M]

Like all the others, I highly recommend the Natchez Trace. When picking up the Casita in Sept '04, I took the interstates on the way down, which wasn't particularly pleasant. On the return (to North Carolina), we picked up the Trace near Jackson and had a picture-perfect drive up through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee. The Trace was very relaxing with the new trailer in tow...very little traffic, too. Give yourself extra time for this parkway...it is gorgeous and there are many great places to stop for a while. After reaching Tennessee, we camped at Daniel Boone State Park, got up and toured the GM/Saturn plant at Spring Hill, then made our way home. ("we"=my father went on this trip with me).



photo is of the then new Casita beside the Ross Barnett Reservoir about 10 miles from Jackson on the Natchez Trace

[Des Nolan]

[quote]I have never been, but Windsor Ruins looks interesting too. I see you are from Ontario, sounds like a great trip. Do you have a general idea how far west you might end up. Was just curious about your long trip, take care.

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Hi Ken,

This time we plan to spend most of our time in NM, and AZ, recoup our expenses in Las Vegas, and return through UT and CO.

Happy Egg hunt (Easter is coming) and thanks.

Des & Diane

[Sandra Lair]

I think Palmer meant to say David Crockett State Park in Lawrenceburg TN, rather than Daniel Boone (that's in North Carolina). We've camped at David Crockett & it's a very nice campground, actually 2 campgrounds--one along Shoal Creek and one that is in a hilly wooded area. Lots of deer & wild turkeys there and if you get tired of cooking, you can eat at the lodge restaurant. There are lots of other activities there too. I would definitely recommend it!

Sandra

[Palmer M]

I think Palmer meant to say David Crockett State Park in Lawrenceburg TN, rather than Daniel Boone (that's in North Carolina).

Thanks Sandra! I've always gotten those two confused! I definitely meant David Crockett State Park.

[Sandra Lair]

Both were played by Fess Parker, adding to the confusion! LOL
Sandra

[Palmer M]

Both were played by Fess Parker

HAHA I should know that because I worked the summer of '87 at Florida's Magic Kingdom and the Davy Crockett theme was part of the Crystal Palace's music loop...by the time I'd heard it 7 times every day, I knew it was almost quitting time! I honestly can't remember any of the other pieces of music in that loop!

[SherryNPaul]

The Meriwether Lewis campground outside Hohenwald, TN is beautiful. (Meriwether Lewis died here under mysterious circumstances.There is a monument to him nearby.) Two sections. No hookups, no noise. We've never seen more than a few other campers there (sometimes no one but us). There is a small restroom building near the site for the seasonal host, but no shower. It is free.
If you have some time, get off the parkway for the day and visit nearby Hohenwald. It's a pretty, friendly little town. Home to the Elephant Sanctuary (elephants.com), the Lewis County Museum, a number of antique stores, and some surprisingly good restaurants for such a small town. Junkyard Dog for lunch or dinner, The Emporium (run by a church group, in a whimsically decorated old store) for lunch (great homemade soups, salads, and their own version of "cubans"), and the General is the local place for breakfast.
There's a SuperWalMart if you need camping supplies, grocery stores, at least two auto parts stores, and some cute little shops for fun.

[Sandra Lair]

SherrynPaul, glad you mentioned Hohenwald, the home of the Oliver factory! We took the tour a couple of years ago & got to see some in various stages. Very nice travel trailers, but unfortunately, too pricey for us. A big thumbs up to the Junkyard Dog cafe in Hohenwald. We had a wonderful lunch there!

And while we're talking about that part of the Trace, just south of Franklin, TN is Leiper's Fork--a tiny little town filled with antique shops, a few places to eat & live music on the weekend. It's only a mile from the Trace & worth checking out.

Sandra