Natchez Trace Parkway

In the summer of 2019, we took a multi-day motorcycle (and car) ride along the Natchez Trace. Starting in Central Arkansas, we drove down US-425 all the way to Natchez, up the Trace, then back to Arkansas via TN-100 and US-412 and US-70.

The Natchez Trace is a 444 mile long National Park that stretches from Natchez, Mississippi through Alabama to Nashville, Tennessee. Commercial vehicles are prohibited along the trace and the speed is limited to a mere 50 mph in most places.

The Natchez Trace offers direct access to various national and interstate highways, including Interstates 20 and 22, US Highways 45, 49, 51, 61, 64, and 72 along with various other state and local routes.

The vast majority of intersections are grade-separated, and there are no stop signs along the entire length of the Trace. Every 10 or so miles, sometimes sooner and sometimes further, are small pull-off parks which offer access to various hiking trails, historical markers and scenic views unmatched anywhere in the region.