Riding the Natchez Trace: Raymond to the Tennessee Line
Two days, one rider and the Tiger. This was my first solo multi-day motorcycle trip: from Raymond, Mississippi, north on the Natchez Trace Parkway all the way to the Tennessee state line.
Along the way: Witch Dance, Tishomingo State Park and its old swinging bridge over Bear Creek, ancient mounds, a crossing of the Tennessee River in Alabama, and a night in Tupelo.
Below you’ll find the stops, where I fueled up, ate and stayed, the gear I used, and the route file so you can ride it yourself.
Reservoir Overlook (Milepost 105.6)
The first big view of the ride. The Trace runs right along the Ross Barnett Reservoir here, with open water on one side, trees on the other, and nothing but road ahead.
Cypress Swamp (Milepost 122)
A short walk on a boardwalk trail through bald cypress and water tupelo trees standing in dark, still water. One of the most unique stops on the whole Trace.
French Camp (Milepost 180.7)
A historic village right on the Trace, named for the French Canadian trader Louis LeFleur, who ran a stand here for travelers in the early 1800s. Old cabins, a historic home and a cafe make it a perfect break.
The Old Trace (My Favorite)
My favorite part of the whole ride. Pieces of the original Trace still survive beside the Parkway, worn deep into the earth by generations of travelers on foot and horseback. Standing in it, you're walking exactly where they walked.
Witch Dance (Milepost 233)
Legend says the grass never grew back where the witches danced. It's a quiet pull-off now, and a good place to stretch your legs and walk a piece of history.
Old Town Overlook (Milepost 263.9)
Just outside Tupelo, this overlook looks out over the Old Town Creek valley. A peaceful last look at the Trace before rolling into Tupelo for the night.
Tishomingo State Park (Milepost 304)
Tucked in the foothills of the Appalachians and named for the Chickasaw leader Tishomingo, the park was built by hand by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Their swinging bridge over Bear Creek, from 1939, still sways today.
Bear Creek Mound (Milepost 308.8)
Raised by hand about 900 years ago, this mound once held a ceremonial building on its flat top. It's one of the oldest stops on the Trace, and just beyond it, the road leaves Mississippi behind.
Colbert Ferry and the Tennessee River (Milepost 327)
Alabama gets just 33 miles of the Trace, and this is the highlight. In the early 1800s, the Chickasaw leader George Colbert ran a ferry here, carrying travelers, and even Andrew Jackson's soldiers, across the water. Today you cross the wide Tennessee River on a long bridge.
The Alabama/Tennessee State Line: Goal Complete
Raymond, Mississippi, to the Tennessee line. Two days, one rider and the bike I love. Tired, a little under the weather, and smiling anyway.