AdrianL

Has anyone here ridden the Natchez Trace that runs diagonal NE to SW across Mississippi?

Did you camp or stay at inns along the way?

How was the ride?

Was traffic an issue?

Barrettscv 

Here is a report on a recent cycling event held on the Trace.

https://www.bikeforums.net/clydesdales-athenas-200-lb-91-kg/530629-natchez-trace-century-ride-pics.html

Allegheny Jet

I got to ride it last year from Nashville. My wife and I took a mini-vacation at Easter Break. I only had time to ride 50 miles form the Northern most point South, then turn around and ride back to the start. From my ride it is a ride I'd love to do more of. Sweeping turns, hills with highway grades and little to no traffic.

Terex

I may ride it later this year with some relatives. Last October I rode on the Long Leaf Trace https://www.mylongleaftrace.com/), a really nice rails/trails mup. I also rode in the Greenwood area. Let us know how your trip goes. I'd recommend a Sept./Oct. time frame.

alcanoe

The northern end is pretty as mentioned. Most of the rest is pretty flat and not all that interesting to me at least. I drove it on a motorcycle trip maybe 20 years ago.

We stayed at an old Antebellum B & B mansion in a small town on the Trace north of Natchez. The whole place was rented out to a bicycle tour group for the night, but they squeezed us into the deluxe room for the regular price.

The group had done the whole trace and were to wind up the next day at Natchez to tour the Mansions. One nice thing about a supported group, you have some else worrying about logistics.

Al

AdrianL

A friend of mine from California and I are think of riding from the Alabama area down to Natchez some time in October of this year. The plan is that it will be he, my wife and me while his wife, who does not ride, will drive sag for us. This may be hard to beat.

lighthorse

Adrian,
I used a stretch of the Natchez Trace when touring and found it to be a pleasant experience. Limited traffic, low speed limits and the vehicles seemed very considerate. As Al Canoe mentioned, there isn't much on the route in terms of gas stations, businesses, houses, stop lights, etc. Just a calm, relaxed ride through peaceful countryside.
There are no inns along the way. You will have to plan to sidetrack a couple of miles when you want ammenities. For me that would be a small price to pay for the ride.

roadiespinner

I rode the Trace from Nashville to Natchez and back to Jackson. I had a great time and had no problem with traffic. We stayed at motels, hotels and Plantations off the trace.
The trace can get boring at times, but the best times were going off the trace, to our motels at night.
The barbecued pork in the area is great.

AdrianL

Thanks to everyone for your comments and input. We are putting this trip together and are targeting late September to early October. Hopefully, some of the trees may be turning by that time yet it will not be to cold.