Natchez Trace Parkway, not Utah

[SmithSwede]

Thanks to my little broken ankle mishap in March, I’m not sure I’m going to be able to do a grand Utah motorcycle adventure this year.  As I was hoping to do.  Utah blew my mind.  The grand Utah adventure is still on my list.

I’m thinking instead to do the Natchez Trace Parkway this year. 

The whole enchilada.   It is 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, TN. I’d be heading out of Dallas. 

Thoughts? Tips? Suggestions? 

Yes, I’m a hard-core Civil War buff.  Also interested in anything to do with Native American history. 

[moto]

I rode over 200 miles of the Natchez Tracxeway down to the city of Natchez. Though the city was very interesting, and though many parts of the South are the same, I have never been on a more boring road than the Natchez Traceway. There is almost nothing on the road at all. It and Utah are polar opposites.

I might travel on secondary highways to some civil war sites, or maybe head out the other direction to the Big Bend area of Texas (where I've never been).

Other people enjoy the Natchez Trace, so maybe you will too. In any case, I hope you have a great time.

Moto

[twowheeladdict]

Those who ride for the “near death” experience will find the Natchez Trace road boring to ride.

History buffs will find it very interesting.

There is no commercial traffic allowed on the Trace.

There are no stop signs along the entire length.

In Natchez, stop at the Old South Trading Post for a souvenir. Natchez also has a few historic sites to visit.

In Lorman, MS you will find the worlds best fried chicken as declared on the Food Network.

The Indian Mounds are the largest I have ever seen. Definitely wear riding boots that are comfortable enough for some walking.

Further north you can visit Elvis Presley’s birthplace.

The bridges as you cross into Tennessee are a sight to see.

Don’t miss the waterfalls, and riding the shoreline of the lake is nice.

Loveless cafe at the northern end is a destination dining experience, but kind of touristy.

Franklin, TN has Unique Civil war sites, and a visit to Shiloh National Battlefield is a must stop.

The road is best enjoyed on a bike with cruise control and tunes, but a throttle lock and ear buds will get the job done.

[greer]

Have you visited Shiloh, SmithSwede?

https://www.nps.gov/shil/index.htm

That should be top of the list for anyone interested in Civil War history.  We like the Natchez Trace; we stop and read the markers, check out the cemetery, tromp the original sections and so forth.  In recent years we've found the speed limit enforcement to be near non-existent, so we mosey thru at about 60 mph.  That's fast enough considering the wildlife you're apt to encounter.  But I can certainly see how some might find it dull.

Sarah

Edit: What twowheel said 

[Texas Turnip]

I've run the length of it many times and I think I've stopped at all the historic sites and made the shorter walks. It ain't Deals Gap, but I enjoyed it for what it is. It will take two days if you read all the markers and take the hikes.
Some on this list eat Kobe beef twice a day and others like me enjoy a balony sammich on white bread.

Tex

[Vagrant]

A 30 degree curve takes about a mile to complete and it's that way the whole way. It will be hot, but not Texas hot.

[Navydad]

Those who ride for the “near death” experience will find the Natchez Trace road boring to ride.

History buffs will find it very interesting.

There is no commercial traffic allowed on the Trace.

There are no stop signs along the entire length.

In Natchez, stop at the Old South Trading Post for a souvenir. Natchez also has a few historic sites to visit.

In Lorman, MS you will find the worlds best fried chicken as declared on the Food Network.

The Indian Mounds are the largest I have ever seen. Definitely wear riding boots that are comfortable enough for some walking.

Further north you can visit Elvis Presley’s birthplace.

The bridges as you cross into Tennessee are a sight to see.

Don’t miss the waterfalls, and riding the shoreline of the lake is nice.

Loveless cafe at the northern end is a destination dining experience, but kind of touristy.

Franklin, TN has Unique Civil war sites, and a visit to Shiloh National Battlefield is a must stop.

The road is best enjoyed on a bike with cruise control and tunes, but a throttle lock and ear buds will get the job done.

This sums it up nicely. When you get to the northern end ride on up a bit and take the road through the land between the lakes in Kentucky. A nice ride and you can say that you've been there.

[Motormike]

I did it years ago and enjoyed it.  To make the best of the Natchez Trace, you have to be willing to stop, take time and explore all the side pull-overs and history exhibits.  If not, you'll just find it to be a boring, slow ride through the woods. Lots of things to see and do in Natchez, good food.  The Vicksburg National Military Park is just a short ride off the Trace.   The Windsor Ruins are worth a stop as well. As was mentioned, the Loveless Cafe at the northern end is a good place to eat.  They even have motorcycle-only parking right in front (or did the last time I was there a couple of years ago.)

[Bisbee]

Vicksburg museum with the USS Cairo - the ironclad warship is excellent. The land between the lakes is beautiful country. Visit Fort Donelson. With all the cannons trained on the river below, the Union gunboats never stood a chance.  Hence, Grant had to take it by land. Am going to try for a Big Bend ride late Sept. Big Bend Park, river road, Judge Roy Bean’s saloon in Langtry. Probably too far for you but the Bourbon Trail in Kentucky is a great visit. Versailles, Bardstown, etc. Pre civil war mansions, incredible horse farms, amazing old distilleries. Kentucky would be my first choice and you would be able to hit the other areas as well. That area is one of the most beautiful in the country in the summer. None of those areas are near the floods.

[jumpmaster]

I rode over 200 miles of the Natchez Tracxeway down to the city of Natchez. Though the city was very interesting, and though many parts of the South are the same, I have never been on a more boring road than the Natchez Traceway. There is almost nothing on the road at all. It and Utah are polar opposites.

I might travel on secondary highways to some civil war sites, or maybe head out the other direction to the Big Bend area of Texas (where I've never been).

Other people enjoy the Natchez Trace, so maybe you will too. In any case, I hope you have a great time.

Moto

Several years ago I rode from south to north on the Trace for about the same distance and also found it very boring compared to, for example, the Blue Ridge Pkwy.  I bailed out & rode the rest of the way north on state and US routes going in approximately the same direction as the Trace and found them much more entertaining.

[Mike Crenshaw]

I’ve ridden the Trace a few times in both directions. I enjoyed it immensely but I define my riding style as the Abominable Slow Man. Definitely plan time in Franklin TNto visit the site of the Battle of Franklin. I like to mix my riding with reading so expressing you go pick up The Widow Of The South, a novel based upon true events. A lot of possible side trips as well.