Natchez Trace Parkway

Oldchief · 10-31-2018, 05:35 PM

Heading west next week to do the 444 mile Natchez Trace Parkway. Plan to start at it's southern end, Natchez, MS and go north to it's northern end in Nashville, TN. Will appreciate any pointers, heads-up, advice and recommendations from those who have made this trip.

Thanks!

Natchez Trace Parkway Guide - RV For Cheap

Steve70605 · 11-01-2018, 12:02 PM

We did the drive last year. There were a few spots where the trees hung down and brushed the top of the coach. We are 12' 6". Your Axis should bee fine but be careful.

It is a beautiful drive and many sights to see. We drove in spurts and stopped to camp and used dinghy vehicle to explore the areas.

The Gritz Carlton · 11-01-2018, 12:44 PM

If it's raining the tree limbs will be 6 inches lower than dry conditions.

The_Breeze · 11-01-2018, 03:22 PM

For anyone looking for more info, this page has good info specific to RVs. Probably would consider it a 'must read' before you go. Some places are off limits to a RV and bridge heights will influence your travel.

https://www.nps.gov/natr/planyourvisit/rvs.htm

https://www.natcheztracetravel.com/

The Gritz Carlton · 11-01-2018, 05:04 PM

good info, Ed. I read the part under current warnings about uneven pavement. I remember years ago reading about the "Yazoo Clay" in that area that would shift and cause huge dips in the road. Not good for the dishes. They are having a problem with it now.

JimOIB · 11-01-2018, 05:57 PM

We did the Trace last year from Tupelo to Natchez. These folks had nice details - http://rvwanderlust.com/natchez-trace-parkway. Two things I highly recommend are Vicksburg National Military Park in MS and Longwood (Nutt’s Folly) in Natchez.

Mr Sunshine · 11-02-2018, 12:04 AM

I second the suggestion about the Vicksburg Battlefield. There's a civil war era paddlewheel on display, too. It lay buried in the mud for over a hundred years!

My other suggestion for Elvis fans is his birthplace in Tupelo. Have a great trip and come back with a report!

jeeepz · 11-02-2018, 03:22 AM

Rt after you cross the big bridge in franklin tn stop and walk to the lookout and get a selfie with the bridge in background.and dont forget to stop at loveless cafe at the very end of the trace.famous for great biscuits

Calman · 11-02-2018, 03:23 AM

My GF and I did The Trace following a NC District Gold Wing Rally in Cherokee several years ago. It has many wonderful sites and to us the best was Tishoimingo State Park. It is located about half way from either end. Nice, quiet, clean, and very affordable.

Enjoy your trip.

https://stateparks.com/tishomingo_st...ssissippi.html

Oldchief · 11-04-2018, 10:32 AM

Axis all packed and loaded. Plan to hit the road about 7 this morning. Our old wonder dog, Louie, is following us in our every step, afraid he'll be left behind, which, of course, he won't be. First overnight stop is Blackwater SP, near Milton, FL, a little over half way to Natchez. Plan to make it to Natchez Monday afternoon. Probably spend a day or two in Natchez, then start a slow trek north on 'The Trace', Tues or Wed. Expecting to be back home in Astor in about 2 weeks, or so.

The Gritz Carlton · 11-04-2018, 02:57 PM

Those sweet little four legged creatures we love so much! Their 6th sense lets them know what you're planning way before you ever pull the trigger. Put a baseball cap on...they KNOW you're going somewhere!! We've even taught them how to spell...funny how dumb we are.

WSPhil · 11-05-2018, 08:27 PM

We have done the Trace MANY times through the years and it's particularly lovely in the fall. Just take your time, read signs ( they're pretty good about letting you know if a stop will accommodate an rv) and enjoy. If you stop at every turn out it'll take week's, so get the brochure and choose what is most interesting to you for your first trip. Also, if staying at Tishomingo, be sure to unhook your tow at the office, leave your MH, drive your car back to find your campsite, inspect, then go get the rv. We have stayed at Tishomingo several times ( most recently this summer) and it is quite "rustic". We had to change sites several times because of different issues and it's a whole lot easier without dragging a MH back and forth.

Off Our Rocker RV · 11-06-2018, 08:07 PM

We did the Trace earlier this year. It took us 6 weeks to go 444 miles, but that's how slow we like to travel. Here is a link to our blog post with information regarding the Trace. http://www.offourrockerrv.com/advent...natchez-trace/

neeliec · 11-10-2018, 07:52 PM

Here is a link from the National Park Service with services along the Natchez Trace:

https://www.nps.gov/natr/upload/Supplies-food-6-12.pdf

And do try the Loveless Cafe at the edge of Nashville!

DonnieB · 11-10-2018, 10:33 PM

We live in Northwest Alabama close to the Trace. If you have time check out the wall built by Tom Hendrix for his Great Great Grandmother. It is beautiful also has a website-Ifthelegendsfade.com. Also at the Florence exit see Muscle Shoals, Alabama for music sites and Tuscumbia the birthplace of Helen Keller. Agree don't forget about the bridge in Franklin Tn where the Trace ends. Angie B

leit · 11-11-2018, 08:47 PM

We just did Nashville to Natchez a couple of weeks ago. Really enjoyed it. I would avoid the camping area at Rocky Springs (about 50 miles N of Natchez). It was in VERY POOR condition, and I would not feel safe there. The other - free - camping areas are great.

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