Step Repaired, Start Down the Natchez Trace Parkway
At 9am we went into Tupelo for some supplies. When we returned at 10:15 they were just finishing installing the new linkage. Paid and expressed MUCH thanks and resumed our adventure.
The Natchez Trace Parkway roughly follows the route of the old Natchez Trace that extended from Natchez to Memphis. Much history, good and not so much. Trace was sometimes referred to as the ‘Devil’s Backbone’ because traveling it could be quite dangerous. Long lonely path with many opportunities for outlaw activities.
The Parkway is truly that – a parkway. 440 mile green corridor with a wide two lane road down the middle. 50mph limit, no trucks, no stop lights or stop signs. Intersections with roads are done by clover leaf that removes traffic to stop sign on intersecting road thus keeping parkway flowing. Parkway goes through dense forests, swamps, farms, and even cities. You barely see the farms and never see the cities. Trees line the road and open areas next to the road so you do not see what lies beyond. Might be more trees, a field, or a city but on the road it is green space and trees. Every few miles there is a pullout with some historical point of interest explained. Every so often the Parkway touches on the path of the old Trace. The ground here is pretty soft so travel along the Trace wore a pretty good ditch. Nature is taking back the path but it is still visible.
Short portion of Natchez Trace that has been kept cleared show how it would have appeared.
There are no services right on the Parkway. You must go into nearby towns for gas, food, lodging. One exception. About halfway along the Parkway there is a small campground. First come, first served. Less than 20 sites, holds everything from tents to large RVs, AND no charge. :) Guess where we stayed. Very quiet and no street lights. Very restful night.
View from overlook above campground. This spot is one of the highest places in Mississippi – 603 feet above sea level.
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