Forum Discussion

Bill_and_Marie_'s avatar
Aug 11, 2015

2015 Fall Trip - Vicksburg and the Natchez Trace

Just planned out our next long trip. Traveling the third week of October from Dallas to Vicksburg, Ms, to the National Military Park to see the civil war battlefield and the ironclad Cairo. From there driving up the Natchez Trace to view the fall foliage into Tenessee. Then returning to Dallas via Hot Springs, AR. Can't wait!!
  • If you are going thru Tupelo maybe a stop at the Elvis Presley birth place. Was a nice quick stop while we were going thru. Also check out the SWAMP on the trace just north of Jackson. They have a long wooden walkway out into the Cypress swamp was a beautiful place.
  • Be sure to stop at the Trace Visitor center and buy the book. There is an historical marker about every other mile (no joke) and starting where you plan you will miss both Mount Locus and the sunken trace. You might consider back tracking for those.
    Don't skip the Meriwether Lewis memorial even if the buildings are closed.

    Matt (three times on the Trace)
  • Couldn't resist.

    Is a small gangster based on height or weight? :)
  • Great trip! At Mile Marker 243 on the Natchez Trace Parkway 17 miles south of Tupelo, is a small campground with water and electric - some 50amp no sewer but dump station. Davis Lake Campground. Half price if you have the access or senior America the Beautiful pass. I would make reservations. www.recreation.gov
    My husband was born in Hot Springs. We love it there. We like Lake Catherine State Park or Catherine's Landing RV Park. Be sure to see the small gangster museum downtown.
  • Thank you for the tip regarding Shiloh, that was a very large battle. We are used to touring the Southwest so this will be a significant change of scenery.
  • Sounds like a great trip. Lots of good scenery and camping along the Natchez Trace, although it gets a little boring after awhile. If you are seeking more Civil War history and have time, get over to Shilo Battlefield, not far from your route off the Natchez (just over the line in Tenn.). It's a HUGE battlefield and great museum. It's too big to walk in one day, but they have a great driving tour.