This spring we plan on traveling down the Natchez Trace. My question has to do with stopping at the pulloffs with our trailer in tow. I was hoping to stop at the sites as we are traveling and once we stop for the night, not drive again.For those that have traveled the Trace - does that sound reasonable?

With the rig shown, you should have no problems. There are a few spots that might be too small, but most will be no problem. We have run it with a 30' motor home and toad lots of times. Just be aware that it is a narrow two-lane highway with little or no shoulders and an enforced speed limit. A real fun, casual drive. And before you take off, PM me for several must do places on the trip.

Well you have to decide what sights you want to see. Directly along the Trace there is no development. It's a national park. There are pull-offs along the way, for the roadside sights. Then there are many things right off the trace, battlefields, historic homes, etc. It's 400 miles, which would be an 8 hour drive with no stopping. But there is a lot to see along the way. It would be a big mistake to just drive and not get off to see any of the adjacent area.If you are just using it for a roadway, be aware the speed limit is 50 mph. It is also heavily used by bicyclists. So it's slow going.We went in early April. Dogwoods were just blooming in TN, and it was way past spring at the south end. You will want AC. If I were doing it again, I would leave from the north end the last week in March.

You seem to be a little longer than my rig (43 ft.) but I see no problems for you on the Trace.

We drove the "Trace" a few years ago and had a really wonderful time. We did not pull the trailer, we used our itty-bitty car that got about 40 mpg on that trip. We drove to see the Duck Dynasty place in Alexandria, LA, and drove the "Trace" coming home. We did do motels that trip ... AND NEVER AGAIN! OH MY! We took our time driving the "Trace" and we stopped at almost every attraction on the route. All the while, we had the camper in mind. At that time we had our 31 foot Springdale, and I was constantly thinking if we had the truck and trailer with us, could we navigate. With all but a very few exceptions, the answer was yes. There's parking somewhere, long enough to get out, see the attraction and get going again. Some spots have bigger parking area, depends on the attraction.There are 3 campgrounds along the "Trace" but more if you get off the "Trace" and find a campground local to your chosen exit. Spend the night, then come back and continue the next day. Here's a link with more campground information and additional links that might be helpful: Click here. As stated above, the speed limit is 50 mph, and you really do not want to run any faster. When we drove it, we did see several law enforcement and National Park vehicles out and about. Plus, as stated above, there are bicyclists, folks walking, and generally, other traffic. 2 lane road, lots of curves, but nothing sharp. In other words, you just never know what around the next curve... law enforcement, a bicyclist, or an attraction. So, drive modestly and make unexpected stops the normal, and not the exception.Most of all, have fun. It's a very enjoyable drive. It's definitely one of those roads still left in the USA where if someone is tailgating you ... well ... the may be behind you, but they won't be going over 50 either.

Driving the Trace, who else has discovered the Old Country Store in Lorman, MS?? Or for the History, the campground at Port Royal??

The Natchez Trace pulling a trailer | Good Sam Community

HappyCamper89
Explorer
Feb 11, 2017
We did the Trace last year pulling a 25ft travel trailer. We stopped at nearly every stop along the way (while pulling the camper). The free campsites along the way are nice. We also stayed at Davis Lake which was very nice. As someone else mentioned, be sure and stop at the Wall along the way (http://www.natcheztracetravel.com/natchez-trace-alabama/florence-tennessee-river/456-wichahpi-stone-wall.html). If you are lucky enough to catch Mr. Hendrix there, he is a real treat!! In his 80s and built the walls with his own hands. We took about a week to travel the trace, spending the last few nights at Natchez MS. It was a very relaxing drive...no stop signs, red lights or billboards for 400 miles.
Johno02
Explorer
Feb 11, 2017
Yes, the last(or first) 20 miles from Nashville runs up through the Harpeth Hills, and does a lot of twists and turns. The High arch bridge over US96 is one of the big scenic points on the northern part. And although you can't see a lot of it, that last 20-30 miles is through one the richest parts of the country. there is literally "gold in them thar hills". Lots of it!!
The_Painting_Te
Explorer
Feb 11, 2017
Natchez Trace is one of the most enjoyable drives I've made. We went up from Natchez MS to within 20 miles of Nashville (reviews of the last 20 miles indicated a less than favorable ride). On line I found a guide that indicated gas, food, campgrounds by exits along with interesting sites along the way. It is flat, picturesque; runs through woods, farms; has meandering roads; speed limit of 50 with very few who will pass you if you do 45. Everyone is on the road for the road not to get anywhere. Enjoy
Drbolasky
Explorer
Feb 09, 2017
Johno02 wrote:
Just be aware that it is a narrow two-lane highway with little or no shoulders and an enforced speed limit. A real fun, casual drive.

This pretty much sums up my thoughts. We enjoyed our trip on the Trace, and the key is to not be in a hurry. Enjoy & safe travels.
CarryOn
Explorer
Feb 07, 2017
Here's another vote for Davis Lake. USFS campground where
you will have no problem getting into.

I travel the Trace in the off-seasons in a truck
camper, but there are many trailers, 5th wheels and
class A's along it.

Another nice campground is the Meriweather Lewis CG in
Tennessee
Matt_Colie
Explorer II
Feb 06, 2017
Will you have a problem at the sites with a trailer in tow?
You have to be careful to pick the sites. Some parking areas just might not be trailer friendly. The people on the Trace usually are.

Nobody driving the Trace should be in a hurry - ever. Most of the sites (one every other mile - no joke!) have pull-through parking, but some do not.

We have run the whole Trace three times now. There are three crampgrounds directly on the trace, but the two we have used were both drycamp areas. There plenty of FHU open in season.

Get the map, Get the book read and look at things as you go.

Matt
Johno02
Explorer
Feb 06, 2017
Here is another great campground with access directly from the Trace. We stayed here last year, and really enjoyed it.

https://www.recreation.gov/camping/davis-lake-campground/r/campgroundDetails.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=70545
pasusan
Explorer
Feb 06, 2017
Thanks so much for the replies!

We will be taking 8 days to go down the Trace stopping at campgrounds along the way. We're doing this road differently than we do the Blue Ridge Parkway. There we get a campground for days and explore the road in both directions from it. With this trip we will be exploring off the Trace once we get a campground, but want to explore the road while traveling down it.

Sounds like it will work... :)
linnemj
Explorer
Feb 05, 2017
We have a great campsite for you located just off the Parkway. It is Piney Grove COE Campground located in New Site, MS

Piney Grove

It is worth a 2-3 night stop.
austingta
Explorer
Feb 05, 2017
I drove it last Thanksgiving from Natchez to Jackson with my smoker in tow. It's only about the size of a car, but there was no problem noted for the many large rigs I saw. It's pretty narrow, so much so that you have to pay some extra attention to your lane placement. Very smooth, though.