natchez trace parkway

[evan]

Can anyone share their thoughts on the natchez trace parkway that has done it, starting in Nashville, I need all the help I can get as this will be my first self contained trip.

[CMajernik]

Go to the following website which has many journals from traveling
cyclists. Maybe there is one form the Natchez Trace:

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com


 

[evan]

Thanks for the info graet site

[DavePM]

Evan, I rode the Trace with 3 companions in Sept 07.  We had a sag car, started in Nashville, ended in Natchez.  GREAT ride - little to no traffic (only around cities do you get traffic), no commercial traffic, lots of motorcycles, hills for 3 days then  flattens out.  Any specifics you want to know?

[DavePM]

Evan, since riding the Trace last year, we did a St. Louis to Memphis self contained trip in May 08.  I would not hesitate to ride the Trace self contained - it would be a great ride.  It was our first so we used a sag.

[Indianacharlie]

We've biked parts of the trace and in our opinion the section from
Florence Alabama North seems to be the most scenic and rolling. From
there South seemed more open. Nice riding with slower traffic but
you'll need to plan the stops, food and lodging carefully.
Charlie

[Coyotetrack]

I've toured the Trace twice and loved it both times. It's a great ride and a good place for a first tour. I don't think it matters which direction you go. I've done it both ways. The only problem I ran into was getting around Jackson, MS. There was a section back then that was not complete. Maybe it is now. Don't forget to stop at all the interpretive sites. I also found that the small communities off the Trace were very friendly. I camped both times and found adequate camping and spaced out well enough so that you don't have to leave the parkway if you don't want to. Sooner or later you'll need to go get food though.

[litespeed]

A number of Natchez Trace Parkway guides are available from Amazon.com including: "Guide to the Natchez Trace Parkway" by F. Lynn Bachleda, "Bicycling the Natchez Trace: A guide to the Natchez Trace Parkway and Nearby Scenic Routes" by Glen Warner and "Travel Guide to the Natchez Trace Parkway Between Natchez, MS and Nashville Tennessee" by Ilene J. Cromwell.  

[Rep]

I am interested in a self contained tour of the Natchez Trace.  I would begin at the northern end and head south to the end.  I would travel in February.  Would that be a problem for camping at that time of the year?