Motorcycling the Natchez Trace Parkway

NatchezTraceTravel.com unofficially declares
the month of May as Motorcycle Month on the Trace!

Natchez Trace Parkway

444 miles in length, the Natchez Trace Parkway takes travelers from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. The “Trace” has been designated as one of America's National Scenic Byways by the Federal Highway Administration. 31 of the most scenic of these byways, including the Natchez Trace Parkway, are also designated as All-American Roads. 

When the weather is nice for riding we often see more motorcycles on the Trace than cars! 

April, May and June along with September and October are the most popular times to enjoy a day ride, weekend outing or week long excursion on this historic and scenic national parkway. The month of May is usually the best weather month with high temperatures averaging in the high 70s to low 80s.

 These pictures were taken in late April.

  Our Top Ten Reasons Why the Natchez Trace Parkway is a Great Motorcycle Road

1. Commercial traffic is prohibited.
2. Traffic is generally very light except around Tupelo and Jackson. Often there are more motorcycles on the road than cars.
3. No stop signs or stop lights. Access on and off the Trace is via on/off ramps which means no need to worry about cross traffic.
4. The parkway is clean and smooth. One motorcyclist said it was "like riding on a cloud".
5. Scenery is awesome. Instead of utility poles and buildings, the Trace is lined with forests, farmland, creeks and beautiful vistas.
6. All along the Trace through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, historical and nature attractions offer interesting breaks and rest stops.
7. Restroom facilities on the Trace are available about every twenty to thirty miles.
8. Contrary to popular belief, there are gas stations, markets and restaurants near the Trace. It is true that none of these services are right "on" the Trace - after all, it is a national park.
9. Numerous side roads take you past antebellum and victorian homes, sunken roads, civil war battlefields and southern towns.
10. There are many "motorcycle friendly" bed and breakfasts located along and near the Trace in Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi. 

For more information, pictures, biker comments, photo galleries and videos please see Motorcycling the Trace on NatchezTraceTravel.com

2012 Natchez Trace Fall Foliage Photo Contest

The second annual Natchez Trace Fall Foliage Photo Contest is here, just as the temperatures have begun to drop in the upper portion of the Trace. The contest officially starts on October 12, 2012 and runs through the 17th of November. This year's contest offers more prizes for the winners.

Just in case someone is not familiar with the Trace, The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile road that has been designated as one of America's National Scenic Byways by the Federal Highway Administration. The most scenic of these byways are also designated as All-American Roads, and the Natchez Trace Parkway is one of only 31 All-American Roads.

The parkway offers multiple opportunities for enjoying fall foliage - scenic overlooks, waterfalls, streams, river crossings, historic sites, sunken roads and sections of the 200+ year-old original Natchez Trace. All of these spots provide ample occasions each year for inspiring photos.

While predicting the peak dates for fall foliage on the Trace is tough, the ideal window of time typically occurs from mid to late October in Tennessee, from late October to early November in Northwest Alabama/Northeast Mississippi, and from early to mid November in Central Mississippi.

This year's contest gives special emphasis to those photos that include the photographer's "ride" as well as the beautiful Fall colors on display on the Trace. Contestants are encouraged to show their car, motorcycle, RV, bicycle, pickup truck, jeep, horse, or convertible in the foreground, with some great-looking Fall Foliage in the background. Half of the twelve winning photos will be chosen from those including their ride in the photo and the other half only showing Natchez Trace fall foliage.

The 12 winners will receive $100 bed & breakfast gift certificates and their photo will be featured in a Natchez Trace Fall Foliage 2013 calendar! Each winner will also receive five of the calendars. Additionally, after the above winners are chosen, there will then be a public voting from the previous top 12 winners, and the top 3 winners will receive even more B&B gift certificates. Go to www.NatchezTraceTravel.com for all the details on prizes, when and where to see fall foliage information with photos from previous years, how to enter the contest and more.

About NatchezTraceTravel.com:
NatchezTraceTravel.com is a travel guide about the Natchez Trace Parkway and the towns and areas near the Trace. Travelers can find pictures, information and maps for each of the 90+ interpretative centers on the parkway as well as many of the major attractions located near the Trace.

NatchezTraceTravel.com is also the online home of the Natchez Trace B&B Reservation Service. The reservation service works with 40 B&Bs, cabins, cottages and historic hotels located near the parkway. For each of the lodging options the website provides information, photo galleries, guest room pictures, descriptions and rates, maps and area attractions. Free itinerary planning is available for tourists, bicyclists and motorcyclists online and at 800.377.2770.

                                              -- NatchezTraceTravel.com --

10 reasons why the Natchez Trace is an excellent motorcycle route.

The 444 mile long Natchez Trace Parkway stretches from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. Why should motorcyclists consider riding the Natchez Trace Parkway?

Listed below are what we think are the top 10 reasons why the Natchez Trace Parkway is an excellent motorcycle route. After you read these articles you will understand why there are often more motorcycles on the Trace than cars!

1. Commercial traffic is prohibited.
2. Traffic is generally very light except around Tupelo and Jackson.
3. No stop signs or stop lights. Access on and off the Trace is via on/off ramps which means no need to worry about cross traffic.
4. The parkway is clean and smooth. One motorcyclist said it was "like riding on a cloud".
5. Scenery is awesome. Instead of utility poles and buildings, the Trace is lined with forests, farmland, creeks and beautiful vistas.
6. All along the Trace through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, historical and nature attractions offer interesting breaks and rest stops.
7. Restroom facilities on the Trace are available about every twenty miles.
8. Contrary to popular belief, there are gas stations, markets and restaurants near the Trace.
9. Numerous side trails take you past antebellum and victorian homes, sunken roads, civil war battlefields and southern towns.
10. There are many "motorcycle friendly" bed and breakfasts located along and near the Trace. 

Now that you are interested in motorcycling the Natchez Trace Parkway go to NatchezTraceTravel.com's Motorcycling the Natchez Trace Parkway  for more information.

Why Motorcycle the Natchez Trace? Bed and breakfasts along and near the Trace.

The 444 mile long Natchez Trace Parkway stretches from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. Why motorcycle the Natchez Trace Parkway?

Reason #10: There are many "motorcycle friendly" bed and breakfasts located along and near the Trace.

Taking an overnight trip on the Natchez Trace without advance planning can be somewhat difficult, as the Park Service does not permit any advertising, either in the form of signs or in literature at their visitor's centers. Also, through the rural areas where the Trace passes there are very few hotels located within a few miles of the Trace.

Fortunately, there are bed and breakfasts located up and down the Trace that are a short ride away. The bed and breakfasts are very "motorcycle friendly".

The Natchez Trace Bed and Breakfast Reservation Service can help you locate the perfect spots to make your overnight stays a memorable part of your trip. They can help you plan your itinerary and provide tips about routes, lunch stops, terrain, etc.

This is just one of 10 reasons why the Natchez Trace Parkway is an excellent motorcycle route:

1. Commercial traffic is prohibited.
2. Traffic is generally very light except around Tupelo and Jackson.
3. No stop signs or stop lights. Access on and off the Trace is via on/off ramps which means no need to worry about cross traffic.
4. The parkway is clean and smooth. One motorcyclist said it was "like riding on a cloud".
5. Scenery is awesome. Instead of utility poles and buildings, the Trace is lined with forests, farmland, creeks and beautiful vistas.
6. All along the Trace through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, historical and nature attractions offer interesting breaks and rest stops.
7. Restroom facilities on the Trace are available about every twenty miles.
8. Contrary to popular belief, there are gas stations, markets and restaurants near the Trace.
9. Numerous side trails take you past antebellum and victorian homes, sunken roads, civil war battlefields and southern towns.
10. There are many "motorcycle friendly" bed and breakfasts located along and near the Trace. 

Why Motorcycle the Natchez Trace? Side trails: antebellum and victorian homes, sunken roads, civil war battlefields and southern towns

The 444 mile long Natchez Trace Parkway stretches from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. Why motorcycle the Natchez Trace Parkway?

Reason #9: Numerous side trails take you past antebellum and victorian homes, sunken roads, civil war battlefields and southern towns.

Motorcyclists can exit off the Natchez Trace onto numerous country back roads where you will see a slice of  the modern day south and remnants of what the south looked like before the Civil War when the area was known as the "Old Southwest".

There are several "loop routes" where you can start your ride on the Trace, ride on the Trace, exit the Trace onto a back road, ride past interesting sites and attractions, re-enter the Trace, and ride back to where you started.

For example, 15 miles north of Natchez you can start your bike route at Mount Locust on the Trace, bike south on the Trace for about 5 miles, exit onto Mississippi Highway 553, bike over to Emerald Mound, continue north on 553 past several antebellum homes, the historic town of Church Hill and Springfield Plantation (where Andrew and Rachel Jackson were married), back to the Trace and bike five miles south back to Mount Locust.

Many of the major "off the Trace" attractions, like Windsor Ruins (pictured above), Shiloh National Military Park, Elvis Presley's Birthplace and Vicksburg National Military Park are mentioned on NatchezTraceTravel.com with a description, pictures, directions from the Trace and a locator map.

This is just one of 10 reasons why the Natchez Trace Parkway is an excellent motorcycle route:

1. Commercial traffic is prohibited.
2. Traffic is generally very light except around Tupelo and Jackson.
3. No stop signs or stop lights. Access on and off the Trace is via on/off ramps which means no need to worry about cross traffic.
4. The parkway is clean and smooth. One motorcyclist said it was "like riding on a cloud".
5. Scenery is awesome. Instead of utility poles and buildings, the Trace is lined with forests, farmland, creeks and beautiful vistas.
6. All along the Trace through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, historical and nature attractions offer interesting breaks and rest stops.
7. Restroom facilities on the Trace are available about every twenty miles.
8. Contrary to popular belief, there are gas stations, markets and restaurants near the Trace.
9. Numerous side trails take you past antebellum and victorian homes, sunken roads, civil war battlefields and southern towns.
10. There are many "motorcycle friendly" bed and breakfasts located along and near the Trace. 

Why Motorcycle the Natchez Trace? Gas stations, markets and restaurants are nearby.

The 444 mile long Natchez Trace Parkway stretches from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. Why motorcycle the Natchez Trace Parkway?

Reason #8: Contrary to popular belief, there are gas stations, markets and restaurants near the Trace.

It is true that none of these services are right "on" the Trace - it is a national park. Just beyond the woods there are often markets, gas stations and restaurants within a couple miles or less of dozens of the Trace access/exit points.

But, you need to know where they are. Advertising is forbidden on the parkway so there are no signs pointing you to the nearest gas station. We have a quick list of markets that you can print on the front and back of one sheet of paper at NatchezTraceTravel.com and take with you on your Natchez Trace trip.

For more in-depth information about what you can find at each exit we have put together a list for each of the three states that the Trace travels through:
Tennessee Access / Exit Roads - Food & Gas
Alabama Access / Exit Roads - Food & Gas
Mississippi Access / Exit Roads - Food & Gas

This is just one of 10 reasons why the Natchez Trace Parkway is an excellent motorcycle route:

1. Commercial traffic is prohibited.
2. Traffic is generally very light except around Tupelo and Jackson.
3. No stop signs or stop lights. Access on and off the Trace is via on/off ramps which means no need to worry about cross traffic.
4. The parkway is clean and smooth. One motorcyclist said it was "like riding on a cloud".
5. Scenery is awesome. Instead of utility poles and buildings, the Trace is lined with forests, farmland, creeks and beautiful vistas.
6. All along the Trace through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, historical and nature attractions offer interesting breaks and rest stops.
7. Restroom facilities on the Trace are available about every twenty miles.
8. Contrary to popular belief, there are gas stations, markets and restaurants near the Trace.
9. Numerous side trails take you past antebellum and victorian homes, sunken roads, civil war battlefields and southern towns.
10. There are many "motorcycle friendly" bed and breakfasts located along and near the Trace. 

Why Motorcycle the Natchez Trace? Restroom facilities on the Trace are available about every 20 miles.

The 444 mile long Natchez Trace Parkway stretches from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. Why motorcycle the Natchez Trace Parkway?

Reason #7: Restroom facilities on the Trace are available about every twenty miles.

The national park service maintains restroom facilities at 16 of their 95 attractions along the Trace. When you are biking on the Trace there will usually be a park service restroom within twenty miles or less. There are a few stretches where they are spaced further apart.

This is just one of 10 reasons why the Natchez Trace Parkway is an excellent motorcycle route:

1. Commercial traffic is prohibited.
2. Traffic is generally very light except around Tupelo and Jackson.
3. No stop signs or stop lights. Access on and off the Trace is via on/off ramps which means no need to worry about cross traffic.
4. The parkway is clean and smooth. One motorcyclist said it was "like riding on a cloud".
5. Scenery is awesome. Instead of utility poles and buildings, the Trace is lined with forests, farmland, creeks and beautiful vistas.
6. All along the Trace through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, historical and nature attractions offer interesting breaks and rest stops.
7. Restroom facilities on the Trace are available about every twenty miles.
8. Contrary to popular belief, there are gas stations, markets and restaurants near the Trace.
9. Numerous side trails take you past antebellum and victorian homes, sunken roads, civil war battlefields and southern towns.
10. There are many "motorcycle friendly" bed and breakfasts located along and near the Trace. 

Most of the stops on the Trace that have restroom facilities also have a picnic area located in a nearby, shaded area. For motorcyclists packing a lunch or snack these are great places to stop.

Why motorcycle the Natchez Trace? Historical and Nature Attractions are Everywhere

The 444 mile long Natchez Trace Parkway stretches from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. Why motorcycle the Natchez Trace Parkway?

Reason #6: All along the Trace through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, historical and nature attractions offer interesting breaks and rest stops.

As you ride the Natchez Trace there are an abundance of things to see and do. Take a short rest break at a waterfall, skip rocks on a wooded creek, see a section of  the "Old Trace", view an Indian burial mound, read about an historical event, take a short walk along a self-guided trail, take in the view of a scenic overlook, see rivers that frontier travelers either forded across or paid to ferry across, visit a once thriving town that no longer exists, visit a 200 year-old inn, see some pivotal Civil War battlefields...

The parkway offers 95 "sights to see" along the length of the Trace. 26 are along the 102 mile-long Tennessee section of the Trace, 7 are along the 31 mile-long Alabama section of the Trace and 62 are along the 310 mile-long Mississippi section of the Trace.

This is just one of 10 reasons why the Natchez Trace Parkway is an excellent motorcycle route:

1. Commercial traffic is prohibited.
2. Traffic is generally very light except around Tupelo and Jackson.
3. No stop signs or stop lights. Access on and off the Trace is via on/off ramps which means no need to worry about cross traffic.
4. The parkway is clean and smooth. One motorcyclist said it was "like riding on a cloud".
5. Scenery is awesome. Instead of utility poles and buildings, the Trace is lined with forests, farmland, creeks and beautiful vistas.
6. All along the Trace through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, historical and nature attractions offer interesting breaks and rest stops.
7. Restroom facilities on the Trace are available about every twenty miles.
8. Contrary to popular belief, there are gas stations, markets and restaurants near the Trace.
9. Numerous side trails take you past antebellum and victorian homes, sunken roads, civil war battlefields and southern towns.
10. There are many "motorcycle friendly" bed and breakfasts located along and near the Trace. 

Why Motorcycle the Natchez Trace? Scenery is awesome.

The 444 mile long Natchez Trace Parkway stretches from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. Why motorcycle the Natchez Trace Parkway?

Reason #5: Scenery is awesome. Instead of utility poles and buildings, the Trace is lined with forests, farmland, creeks and beautiful vistas.

The parkway is a long and narrow national park all the way from Natchez to Nashville. The width of the parkway land varies but is usually around 3-400 yards. For the most part (95+%) the parkway goes through rural areas passing through forests, farmland and state parks.

The park service prohibits advertising on the Trace. Even the on/off ramps are void of advertising.

No utility poles lining the road, no billboards or adverting signs - just beautiful scenery to enjoy as you bike along.

This is just one of 10 reasons why the Natchez Trace Parkway is an excellent motorcycle route:

1. Commercial traffic is prohibited.
2. Traffic is generally very light except around Tupelo and Jackson.
3. No stop signs or stop lights. Access on and off the Trace is via on/off ramps which means no need to worry about cross traffic.
4. The parkway is clean and smooth. One motorcyclist said it was "like riding on a cloud".
5. Scenery is awesome. Instead of utility poles and buildings, the Trace is lined with forests, farmland, creeks and beautiful vistas.
6. All along the Trace through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, historical and nature attractions offer interesting breaks and rest stops.
7. Restroom facilities on the Trace are available about every twenty miles.
8. Contrary to popular belief, there are gas stations, markets and restaurants near the Trace.
9. Numerous side trails take you past antebellum and victorian homes, sunken roads, civil war battlefields and southern towns.
10. There are many "motorcycle friendly" bed and breakfasts located along and near the Trace. 

Why Motorcycle the Natchez Trace? The parkway is clean and smooth.

The 444 mile long Natchez Trace Parkway stretches from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. Why motorcycle the Natchez Trace Parkway?

Reason #4: The parkway is clean and smooth. One motorcyclist said it was "like riding on a cloud".

The asphalt pavement on the Natchez Trace Parkway creates a very smooth ride.

The prohibition of commercial traffic on the Trace eliminates almost all heavy vehicle use. Heavy trucks tear up roads. Commercial hauling is also prohibited which means dump trucks and other vehicles that might throw trash/rocks/debris on the Trace are not allowed.

The park service does an excellent job of keeping the Trace clean of any trash, debris or tree limbs that fall on the Trace. No wonder the Trace is "like riding on a cloud"!

This is just one of 10 reasons why the Natchez Trace Parkway is an excellent motorcycle route:

1. Commercial traffic is prohibited.
2. Traffic is generally very light except around Tupelo and Jackson.
3. No stop signs or stop lights. Access on and off the Trace is via on/off ramps which means no need to worry about cross traffic.
4. The parkway is clean and smooth. One motorcyclist said it was "like riding on a cloud".
5. Scenery is awesome. Instead of utility poles and buildings, the Trace is lined with forests, farmland, creeks and beautiful vistas.
6. All along the Trace through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, historical and nature attractions offer interesting breaks and rest stops.
7. Restroom facilities on the Trace are available about every twenty miles.
8. Contrary to popular belief, there are gas stations, markets and restaurants near the Trace.
9. Numerous side trails take you past antebellum and victorian homes, sunken roads, civil war battlefields and southern towns.
10. There are many "motorcycle friendly" bed and breakfasts located along and near the Trace. 

Why Motorcycle the Natchez Trace? No stop signs or stop lights.

The 444 mile long Natchez Trace Parkway stretches from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. Why motorcycle the Natchez Trace Parkway?

Reason #3: No stop signs or stop lights. Access on and off the Trace is via on/off ramps which means no need to worry about cross traffic.

You could ride the entire length of the Trace without ever stopping! What is most important about the absence of stop signs and stop lights is there is no cross traffic. Motorcyclists don't have to watch for cars driving across the Trace at high speeds. The picture here shows a typical off ramp.

Access to the Trace from highways and major roads is provided by an on ramp that intersects with the Trace at a 90 degree angle. Cars entering the Trace must stop before turning onto the Trace (i.e. no merging ramps where the car enters the Trace at a high rate of speed).

There are some very lightly traveled back roads that don't have on/off ramps onto the Trace. The back road has a stop sign at the Trace intersection.

If you are looking for a highway or road that accesses the Natchez Trace Parkway go to NatchezTraceTravel.com at the following links:

• Tennessee Natchez Trace Parkway Access / Exit Highways 
• Alabama Natchez Trace Parkway Access / Exit Highways 
• Mississippi Natchez Trace Parkway Access / Exit Highways 

There you will find, for each highway, the parkway's milepost number, nearby towns and cities and a map of the highway/Trace intersection and nearby attractions, towns and bed and breakfasts.

This is just one of 10 reasons why the Natchez Trace Parkway is an excellent motorcycle route:

1. Commercial traffic is prohibited.
2. Traffic is generally very light except around Tupelo and Jackson.
3. No stop signs or stop lights. Access on and off the Trace is via on/off ramps which means no need to worry about cross traffic.
4. The parkway is clean and smooth. One motorcyclist said it was "like riding on a cloud".
5. Scenery is awesome. Instead of utility poles and buildings, the Trace is lined with forests, farmland, creeks and beautiful vistas.
6. All along the Trace through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, historical and nature attractions offer interesting breaks and rest stops.
7. Restroom facilities on the Trace are available about every twenty miles.
8. Contrary to popular belief, there are gas stations, markets and restaurants near the Trace.
9. Numerous side trails take you past antebellum and victorian homes, sunken roads, civil war battlefields and southern towns.
10. There are many "motorcycle friendly" bed and breakfasts located along and near the Trace. 

Why Motorcycle the Natchez Trace? Traffic is generally very light.

The 444 mile long Natchez Trace Parkway stretches from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. Why motorcycle the Natchez Trace Parkway?

Reason #2: Traffic is generally very light except around Tupelo and Jackson.

 Most of the parkway passes through sparsely and lightly populated areas. Because of this, combined with the 50 mph speed limit and the prohibition of commercial traffic, most of the traffic is done by people enjoying the Trace. The Natchez Trace Parkway is meant for recreational traffic. When the weather is nice there are often more motorcycles on the Trace than cars.

However, people do use the parkway to "commute" to work. Commute traffic is minimal through rural areas and very light near small towns located along the Trace. But, commute traffic is very heavy in the Tupelo and Jackson areas.

This is just one of 10 reasons why the Natchez Trace Parkway is an excellent motorcycle route:

1. Commercial traffic is prohibited.
2. Traffic is generally very light except around Tupelo and Jackson.
3. No stop signs or stop lights. Access on and off the Trace is via on/off ramps which means no need to worry about cross traffic.
4. The parkway is clean and smooth. One motorcyclist said it was "like riding on a cloud".
5. Scenery is awesome. Instead of utility poles and buildings, the Trace is lined with forests, farmland, creeks and beautiful vistas.
6. All along the Trace through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, historical and nature attractions offer interesting breaks and rest stops.
7. Restroom facilities on the Trace are available about every twenty miles.
8. Contrary to popular belief, there are gas stations, markets and restaurants near the Trace.
9. Numerous side trails take you past antebellum and victorian homes, sunken roads, civil war battlefields and southern towns.
10. There are many "motorcycle friendly" bed and breakfasts located along and near the Trace. 

Why Motorcycle the Natchez Trace Parkway? Commercial traffic is prohibited.

The 444 mile long route stretches from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee.  Why motorcycle the Natchez Trace Parkway?

Reason #1: Commercial traffic is prohibited.

The National Park Service prohibits commercial traffic on the Natchez Trace Parkway. This means motorcyclists don't have to worry about semi-trucks, dump trucks, delivery trucks, buses, etc.

For the most part the vast majority of motorized vehicles on the Trace are cars, pickup trucks and, of course,  motorcycles.

At each highway access point to the Trace there are "No Commercial Vehicle" signs posted on the on-ramps and on the Trace itself going both north and south. Any commercial vehicle that disregards these signs takes a huge risk of a heavy federal fine if a park ranger spots them.

The absence of large trucks makes the Natchez Trace Parkway an enjoyable motorcycle route. The only "large" vehicles you will encounter on the Trace are RVs and park service mowing and maintenance equipment. RVs are allowed on the Trace because they are "recreational" vehicles.

This is just one of 10 reasons why the Natchez Trace Parkway is an excellent motorcycle route:

1. Commercial traffic is prohibited.
2. Traffic is generally very light except around Tupelo and Jackson.
3. No stop signs or stop lights. Access on and off the Trace is via on/off ramps which means no need to worry about cross traffic.
4. The parkway is clean and smooth. One motorcyclist said it was "like riding on a cloud".
5. Scenery is awesome. Instead of utility poles and buildings, the Trace is lined with forests, farmland, creeks and beautiful vistas.
6. All along the Trace through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, historical and nature attractions offer interesting breaks and rest stops.
7. Restroom facilities on the Trace are available about every twenty miles.
8. Contrary to popular belief, there are gas stations, markets and restaurants near the Trace.
9. Numerous side trails take you past antebellum and victorian homes, sunken roads, civil war battlefields and southern towns.
10. There are many "motorcycle friendly" bed and breakfasts located along and near the Trace. 

Family biking the Natchez Trace in late December to raise money.

From December 24 to December 31, Miranda Muir (age 10), Marybeth Hamilton, and Stuart Muir, are riding their three-person bike down the Natchez Trace 444 miles from Nashville, Tennessee, to Natchez, Mississippi.

Their goal is to raise $5000 for Bikes Not Bombs. This grassroots organization takes in more than 5,000 bikes each year and re-uses them in innovative youth programs, international development projects, and its vocational training/retail shop. Its international program has shipped more than 40,000 bikes since 1984 to Nicaragua, South Africa, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Tanzania, Ghana and other countries to establish micro-enterprises in bicycle sales and appropriate technology.

For information and photos of their trip, please follow their blog at:  noelonthenatchez.blogspot.com

America’s Best Idea: National Park Getaway

National Park Service News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 24, 2010

Contacts:
Terry Wildy, Natchez Trace Parkway, Terry_Wildy@nps.gov, 662-680-4017
Elise Cleva, NPS Headquarters, elise_m_cleva@nps.gov, 202-208-6843

Natchez Trace Parkway
America’s Best Idea: National Park Getaway

 TUPELO, Miss. – “It’s not so important where you end up; what’s important is the road that takes you there.” This tidbit of conventional wisdom rings doubly true when one’s destination is, in fact, a road. This week’s travel article in the National Park Getaway series takes you to the Natchez Trace Parkway—a National Scenic Byway and an All-American Road that is so much more than an artery for transportation.

 “The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile drive through exceptional scenery and 10,000 years of North American history,” says Superintendent Cameron Sholly. “It commemorates a historic travel route used by American Indians, settlers, and future presidents.  Visitors can not only walk in the footsteps of Meriwether Lewis, Andrew Jackson, and U.S. Grant, but also can enjoy numerous recreational opportunities along the Trace.  It offers something for everyone.”

 A bias-cut from the eastern border of Louisiana through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, the Natchez Trace Parkway runs from jazz territory to the epicenter of country music in Nashville. The Trace’s
 programming—demonstrations of the dulcimer, pioneer days, and more—helps visitors appreciate the musical and other dimensions of the region’s rich cultural heritage.

 The Trace will dazzle your eyes as well as your ears, whether with spring blossoms or fall foliage. Ride on horseback, hike, bike, or boat past redbuds and dogwoods abloom in pink, purple, and white, or past maples, hickories, and other hardwood trees ablaze with yellows, oranges, and reds.

Scenic driving is always an option, of course, as is camping—a stationary way to enjoy the Trace!

What do you need to take on a Natchez Trace Parkway biking trip?

For this topic I sought an expert's opinion. Jerry Dusterhoff, an avid cyclist who has written books and blog articles about his numerous bicycle trips, was more than willing to offer his expertise on this topic.

In April of 2010 Jerry and several of his cycling friends biked the Trace (Follow this link to view pictures of their trip.).

90% of the information is based on his recommendations. For more information about Jerry and his cycling books, please see: Acyclist Publishing

The article covers the following areas:

• Your Bicycle's Needs
• Food and Water
• Clothing and Personal Items
• Maps, Phone Numbers and Important Information

The amount of information is fairly extensive. To view the complete article please go to Biking the Trace Tips @ NatchezTraceTravel.com.

Which Direction to Bike the Natchez Trace Parkway?

Which direction should you bike the Natchez Trace: North to South or South to North?

Some cyclists start in Natchez and bike north to Nashville while others start in Nashville and bike south to Natchez. What are some of the factors to consider when making the decision about which direction to bike?

Uphill or Downhill - the northern half of the Trace is hillier and has a higher elevation. Elevation at the northern terminus is 710 feet and the elevation at the southern terminus is 160 feet. So, there is approximately 550 feet more descent than ascent going North to South - an average of only 15 inches a mile! The more important question is: if you are biking the entire Trace, do you want to bike the hilliest section at the beginning or end of the trip.

Prevailing Wind - generally the wind flows west to east. The Trace actually goes southwest to northeast so biking South to North will put the wind at your back more often than in your face.

RV Traffic - the only large vehicles that you will encounter on the parkway are recreational vehicles. Commercial traffic is prohibited so you won't see semi-trucks. Most of the time RV traffic is light. But, in the fall there are a fair number of RVs heading south for the winter. And, in the spring the same RVs are heading back north for the summer. Ideally, you would like to bike on the opposite side of the road. So, a fall bike trip would be best going South to North and a spring bike trip would be best going North to South.

Logistics - this can be a determining factor for those biking without a support vehicle. How will you arrive at your starting point and how will you get from the end of your trip back to your vehicle or back home? This is something we can help you think through the possibilities.
 
We can help you talk through these factors and decide which direction is best for your cycling group. Call us at 800.377.2770.
 
Click here for more Biking the Natchez Trace Parkway Tips.

Fall Foliage on the Natchez Trace Parkway

It won't be long until the leaves start turning colors. Fall foliage color along the northern half of the Natchez Trace Parkway (Tupelo, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee) is generally at or near its peak from mid-October to the first week of November. South of Tupelo to Natchez, MS fall colors usually arrive mid to late November.

Shown below is a slide-show of fall pictures taken during the 2008 and 2009 fall seasons from the northern terminus of the Trace south to the Tennessee River crossing in Alabama.

For additional fall pictures from 2008 and 2009 and hopefully from 2010 go to NatchezTraceTravel.com's Fall Season Natchez Trace Pictures.

Natchez Fall Pilgrimage of Antebellum Homes

Twenty-three Natchez antebellum mansions, all private residences, open their doors to visitors during the annual two-week fall pilgrimage that runs from October 1st thru October 15th.

Hostesses welcome visitors to three homes each morning and your choice of three or four more each afternoon. Tickets to any of the three home tours are $24 and tickets to any of the four home tours are $32. Tickets can be purchased at the Natchez Visitors' Center.

Four of the homes on the fall tour are bed and breakfasts that work with the Natchez Trace Bed and Breakfast Reservation Service:

• Oak Hill Inn Bed and Breakfast
• The Burn Bed and Breakfast
• Pleasant Hill Bed and Breakfast
• Brandon Hall Plantation Bed and Breakfast

When attending the Fall Pilgrimage you will want to stay at one of these B&Bs or one of the other fine Natchez Bed and Breakfasts.

For more information about the Natchez Fall Pilgrimage of Antebellum Homes see Natchez Pilgrimage Tours.

Bed and Breakfasts with Swimming Pools along the Natchez Trace Parkway

The southeast and particularly the Natchez Trace Parkway corridor that passes through Middle Tennessee, Northwest Alabama and from Northeast Mississippi to Southwest Mississippi has been experiencing a very hot summer. Weather forecasts say the month of August will continue to see temperatures in the mid/high 90s and even breaking the 100 mark occasionally.

So, how about staying at a bed and breakfast that has a swimming pool! The Natchez Trace Bed and Breakfast Reservation Service works with four B&Bs that have outdoor, in-ground swimming pools. One in Tennessee, one in Alabama and two in Mississippi.

Creekview Farm Retreat Bed and Breakfast, located 3 miles from milepost 416 in the Fly community, has a swimming pool behind the innkeeper's farmhouse. 150 yards away from the B&B, guests are welcome to use the pool. (picture of swimming pool unavailable at press time)

Riverside Cottage Bed and Breakfast is located 12 miles east of milepost 320 between Cherokee and Tuscumbia, Alabama. A large, in-ground swimming pool and spa tub are reserved for guests' private use. Near the bluff overlooking the Tennessee River are several tall trees providing shade for the picnic area and hammock. Bring your boat - a public boat ramp is half mile away!

Rosswood Plantation Bed and Breakfast is located 2.5 miles east of milepost 30 in Lorman, Mississippi. An in-ground swimming pool sits behind the house on the exact spot where the original kitchen house was located. The kitchen house was the only structure destroyed during a skirmish between the North and South.

The Burn Bed and Breakfast is located in Natchez, Mississippi just a couple of miles from the southern terminus of the Natchez Trace Parkway. The shaded patio overlooks a two acre garden and brick walkways which give way to camellias, azaleas, and dogwoods, and the swimming pool.

Give us a call at 800.377.2770 to stay at any of these B&Bs.