Hi Friends,
We have been looking forward to riding the Natchez Trace and have finally gotten the opportunity. We are planning to start our ride on April 18, 2022.
Whether you were invited to view our trip blog, or you found us on the web, we welcome you to travel along with us from Nashville, TN to Natchez, MS and then continuing on to New Orleans.
The Natchez Trace was originally a trail used for centuries by the American Indians. They followed the bison that used the path to migrate from Nashville, TN to the Mississippi River at Natchez, MS.
In 1801, Thomas Jefferson ordered the widening of the Natchez Trace footpath to accommodate horses and wagons. The pioneers used the road to establish settlements, The US government used the Trace to control the Louisiana Territory. Later, the army used the Trace extensively in the war of 1812. Eventually, the Trace fell into disrepair as steamboats gained prominence and were cheaper for trade.
Though a road was planned by The National Park Service (NPS) in 1938, the Natchez Trace Parkway was not completed until 2005. No commercial traffic is allowed on this NPS linear park which has a speed limit of 50 mph. The Trace, which is 444 miles long, is a top 10 US bike route.
As we planned our bicycle trip down the Trace we decided to continue from Natchez and ride along the Great River Road (Route 61S) to New Orleans.
If you are thinking of riding the Natchez Trace Parkway, please contact Randy Foughts at Natchez Trace Travel. The information and itinerary he provided was invaluable in planning this trip. Thanks, Randy! Natchez Trace Travel
John and Sue
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