Natchez Trace Parkway

[ChicotDave]

I am planning a trip in April to follow the Parkway from Natchez to Nashville then fly out of Nashville to Columbus.

Does anyone have a clue how many hours it takes to do the 444 mile Parkway? I heard the speed limit is 45 MPH most of the way.

Thanks

[srb]

I don't know how long the entire length will take you. Last fall I picked it up in S. TN and rode to where it intersects I-20 in MS. I will take you longer than you think. If I were to do it again I would plan on bringing meals and perhaps even camping along the side of the parkway (legal??). It is absolutely gorgeous. Have fun.

[k100lt]

The posted speed limit is 50 mph for most of the parkway. You could do the whole route in a one day blitz or do a less fast pace trip and stop to see the sights. There are several developed campsites along the parkway. To get gas or food you have to get off the parkway at the off ramps to small towns. It is a very nice ride. A lot of history along that route. . I have ridden the parkway several times and never been disappointed....You can check out this website:

http://www.nps.gov/natr/index.htm

[Becky973]

You will need to plan your gas and food stops because the "local road and town" are sometime a long way. It is really nice but the Blue Ridge Parkway is better. You can not see off in the distance from the road. It is much better than riding the slab!!!

Becky

[Acejones]

Don't ride at dusk or dawn on the parkway as it is infested with deer. Be especially careful of your speed. Depending on your attitude and tolerance, it can be an interesting ride or stunningly boring.

[Motorradfahrer]

K100LT is exactly right of how to do it......

See the sigths...go 45-50 mph; smell the southern swamps and the northern forests. Watch for Turkey, deer..possums. Stop at Indian mounts ..visit ELVIS in Tupelo.

I've done the entire route starting from Nashville to Natchez two-up on my R1200 RT on the way to the southwest and west. This route is a jewel if you like solitude. NO commercial traffic..no junk foods..no gas stations. Hardly any RV's. Absolutely lovely!
Can be done in a day but why hurry...:clap

[AdvPete]

My Mother lives in Natchez and when I visit here is a suggestions that if you have an extra day, you must take. Once in Natchez, leave on Hwy 84 heading west over the bridge into Vidalia, Louisiana. Just over the Mississippi River bridge take a left onto HWY 15. This road will take you through the farmlands of the Mississippi river delta. Great road, some twists and turns as it parallels the river. I've NEVER seen any cops and regularly cruise about 80-90, but for the first time, I'd take it easy and enjoy the sights. This will take you through small towns, and I do mean small. The road is all paved and at times your riding the crest of the Levee. You'll also cross several flood control dams and a lock. After the lock, (heres a cool little short cut with a very pictuesque little church), take the first left and follow that for about 5-10 miles (I can't remember the road number but trust me you can't get lost). That will put you out in the town of Innis and intersect with Route 1. If you don't take this short-cut you'll come to Route 1 about 5 miles after the lock, take a left in either case. From here you'll make your way through a couple other small towns. Your ultimate destination is New Roads. Catch the ferry there. It'll take you across the river to St. Francisville, La. Once you have lunch in St. Francisville, get on HWY 61 North and make your way back to Natchez. the whole trip will take about 4-5 hours and is well worth it. When you get back to Natchez, find Under the Hill Saloon. It's right on the river and as the name suggests, its under the hill. Pace yourself, they don't usually close until late, err early. :buds :sick :clap There you'll find JD the Bartender. You'll know which one is JD because he's about 4 feet tall and ornery. Tell him Chris Petersen said to say hello and ask if he's going to do the Jambalya Song later that night. You won't want to miss this. It usually doesn't happen until after a few cocktails, but as I said, you'll never forget it.

Have fun.