Recently, my husband and I took a day trip on his motorcycle down the Natchez Trace Parkway. The experience was very enjoyable for someone who is interested in history and beautiful scenery, as I am. However, we only drove through the “final” 40 miles (mile marker 444-404.7), starting at TN Hwy 100 in Pasquo, TN.
Upon entering the parkway, we were greeted by a couple of bluejays darting among the birch trees. Most of the trees were just beginning to change colors. The warm fall sunshine enhanced the vibrant colors on display. Some evergreens maintained their deep green hue, while other deciduous trees were delicately trimmed in gold. The other trees were in full autumn tones: rich in yellow, red, golden orange. Then there were some poor trees with no adornment, only bare branches. Several miles into the trip, the road appeared to narrow as the forest grows slightly closer to the traveler. The lovely autumn plant growth increased in color and beauty. The forest was spotted with small long-branched trees, whose hanging leaves seemed to drip in bright scarlet red. Around the 420-430 mark, the woods were lined with skinny, medium-sized trees. standing like dutiful soldiers, adorned in silver gray and bare branches, except for a few sparse orange leaves. While passing through such woods, I could easily imagine these areas inhabited by the Native American tribes that once lived and roamed among the forests, tribes rich in culture and history. These hills were once their home, their “backyard.”
The history of the Natchez Trace is a fascinating one. The parkway begins in Natchez, Mississippi, where hunters began a path that eventually became a trail leading through Alabama and into Tennessee. The trail was used by farmers, pioneers, and other travelers on foot, horseback, and in wagons. By the early 1800’s, the trace became a valuable road, in spite of the typical forest hazards. As other modes of more convenient travel became popular, the trace grew outdated. The modern Natchez Trace Parkway, started in the 1930’s, parallels the old trail. Along the new trace are occasional signs indicating the old trail.
The 444 mile parkway is rich in historical sites of interest. Because I traveled only 40 miles, I will briefly mention the stops of interest along our trip. Passing by Birdsong Hollow, a double-arched bridge, we stopped for a stretch at Garrison Creek. This rest area presents hikers and horseback riders with trails to enjoy. Further along, the traveler may stop at an Old Trace Trail, Burns Branch, and the Tennessee Valley Divide, a former boundary between the Northern States and the Southern Chickasaw lands. We travelers stopped at the Water Valley Overlook to take some pictures of the countryside, spotted with fields and farmhouses. Passing by Gordon House and Baker Bluff Overlook, we took a detour for lunch at a barbecue restaurant in Centerville. Our final stop after lunch was Jackson Falls, After walking up the steep pathway on the mountain’s side, we arrived at the falls; named for Andrew Jackson, the waterfall empties into the Duck River. Sadly, Jackson Falls was only a trickle during our visit, possibly due to the recent lack of rainfall. Nonetheless, the area was beautiful, and we took several pictures of the shady, rocky crevice covered in fallen leaves and green moss.
Our day trip would soon be over, and we headed back to Nashville. The setting sun illuminated the autumn foliage and made the ride back a wonderful experience. We plan to make another motorcycle trip through the entire trace one day with stops at some of the many campsites. I highly recommend the Natchez Trace Parkway, especially in the fall, for those interested in American history or beautiful scenic routes, or for those living in middle Tennessee wanting to make a quick day-trip on a motorcycle, or all of the above!