The Natchez Trace

Many travellers to the southern states have already discovered the Natchez Trace Parkway. For those who have not, and you like a quiet rural drive, then this is for you. Thanks to several far thinking people an old trail is now preserved for our enjoyment.

The Trace, as it is known locally, originally consisted of many different tracks through the forest between Mississippi, and Tennessee. No doubt, Indians had travelled along the river that way for centuries. By the early 1700's the route became heavily used by colonists in the north who took produce southward to the town of Natchez, or even New Orleans, on wooden rafts. They sold the produce, and the wood that made up their rafts and walked back north.

With a length of almost 450 miles, the paved Natchez Trace Parkway is a very pleasant drive between Nashville, Tennessee, and Natchez, Mississippi. In early days the Trace became established as a north-south road, and people built several stands, or inns, along the way. A few of these remain and are part of the living heritage that is preserved for the traveller.

Three campgrounds beckon the camper to spend some quiet time in the woods and explore portions of the old Trace that are still visible, or to just relax. It's an excellent treat to the RV'er when he finds 'free campgrounds'.

If you are heading south this winter try the Natchez Trace, you'll like it.