*When we drove the Trace, I felt the MOST relaxing part was the driving!! I mean, set the cruise at 45 mph, very little traffic, no stop lights, smooth pavement and just very calming!! The Trace is a 'ribbon' of beauty, history and a travelers dream!!*
You've summed that up perfectly. I generally dislike towing with the cruise control on, but I did so for most of the Trace. With frequent places to get out and explore, and for all the reasons you've stated it was indeed a very, very relaxing drive.
That is a parkway(trail) that we have never been on, but is definitely on my bucket list, hopefully in the not too distant future. Clearly a nice place for a fall trip as well. Looking forward to the 2nd half. Continued safe travels Marc, and thanks again for the excellent videos....
@@ShawnPatterson402 better still, coming next week will be the second third rather than the second half. Make your plans, for I have seldom had a more pleasant week pulling the trailer.
Thanks Doug, you do the same. I highly, HIGHLY recommend making plans to drive that road from end to end. It's perhaps the most relaxing RV towing experience I've ever had, and is filled with fascinating and beautiful sights to stop and see along the way.
Anyone that may be interested, near fall creek falls and north of merriwether Lewis is highway 412. Just a few miles from the trace are three wineries, all are 10-15 minutes from the trace and each other, all three are unique and nice
Great video Marc, Jo-Ann and I drove the Natchez Trace in the opposite direction. ( West to East). At the time we drove it the roads were in very good condition, I don't know how they are now. But it was a really nice drive. I think it could be possible that Meriwether Lewis was a victom of "land pirates" (aka highwaymen). "Land pirates," also known as highwaymen or bandits, were prevalent along the Natchez Trace in the 1800s, particularly in the areas near the Mississippi River landing at Natchez Under-the-Hill, where heavy traffic and a rough frontier environment created opportunities for criminal activity; some of the most notorious "land pirates" of the time included the Harpe brothers, Samuel Mason, and John Murrel. Key points about land pirates on the Natchez Trace: Location: The most active areas for these outlaws were along the Natchez Trace, a major travel route connecting the Mississippi River to the Tennessee and Kentucky regions. Targets: Travelers, traders, and settlers using the Natchez Trace were often targeted by these bandits, who would rob them of valuables and sometimes even commit violence. Notable figures: The Harpe brothers, particularly known for their brutality, are considered some of the most infamous "land pirates" associated with the Natchez Trace. Note: Both Harpe brothers were gone before 1809.
JT, the road is in excellent shape throughout. It's a wonderfully relaxing drive. There's certainly much speculation about how Lewis died. It sure seems odd, though, that highwaymen would've taken him out *inside* Grinder's Stand. I can see that more likely happening out on the road.
I have heard of the Natchez Trace, but knew nothing about it until now. Thanks! We met someone in Idaho who was traveling with a tall fifth wheel trailer. He was using a truckers’ App where he would plug his trailer dimensions into it and it would plan his route. He never had to worry about coming up on a low bridge where he would have to turn around. I don’t know the name of the App, but thought you might have heard of it. Ram 👍🏼👍🏾
@@laughingram7287 there are numerous mapping apps that allow you to put in the dimensions of your vehicle, and they route you accordingly. One such app that we use occasionally is Sygic, for which I purchased a lifetime license; however, for its POI database Google is second to none. It will be a very happy day when Google will finally allow you to route based on vehicle dimensions.
Marc - We've been fortunate to travel the Trace both ways and there is something to learn every time we go. Can't wait to see what you discovered on your trip. Stay safe !
You're most welcome, and have a great trip! We'll have the rest of the Trace for you all the way down to Natchez over the next 2 Wednesdays, with the city of Natchez itself the following week.
We did the full trace last March, if you can put off to April, you should. In especially the north nothing as bloomed so it’s all brown and greyish, not to mention many places still seasonably closed.
We really enjoyed this episode Marc. Been wanting to drive the trace for a long time. Gotta do this! Particularly since you’ve done such a great job of showing the TN side. Thanks…and safe travels.
Thanks Gerald! Highly recommended. It's such a relaxing drive, too. Next Wednesday we'll cover the stretch from the AL/TN line down to Tupelo, with the last part from Tupelo down to Natchez the week thereafter.
Yes it is, although not extreme by any means. Then the speed limit goes up to 50 mph and it's smooth sailing all the way down to Natchez. I generally dislike towing with the cruise control on, but with very little traffic, the long radius curves and the excellent pavement, I did so on this trip and it was very relaxing.
@@GrandAdventure we got on it at Nashville and rode to Tishimingo, Ms. in June. Got on it in Jackson and headed North in 2021 and headed to Tishimingo, Ms and just after we got on it in Jackson we hit a bad spot not marked and it blew out our big window in our slide-out.
Thanks Marc. Lovely views along the Tenne-trace. Very interesting about Meriwether Lewis. Two shots aye! I bet the first one was to the head... and if you still have your wits about you, a second to the chest, for good measure. Even if the first one was to the chest... the massive shock and trauma is going to make a second to the head very difficult, if not improbable. Sounds like poor Meriwether was eliminated for some reason. Nice camp ground. It sure looks like they try to make it as easy as possible to travel the Trace... except for low overhangs with little to no warning. Looking forward to the next two adventures along this great route. Gord
@@gorrdd this was a wonderful campsite. As mentioned in the video the layout is a little odd, but I'm very happy to have been in the site that we were. The whole two shots thing is what really got me. Hey listen, I've obviously never shot myself, but I would think that the headshot had to be the second one if it was at his own hand. I would think that you could be stunned for a bit but still survive a few moments with a chest shot. I would expect that the head shot would be instantly lethal.
@GrandAdventure Indeed, Marc. But there is more to the story that I just heard, since I wrote that comment. Apparently, Meriwether was robbed and all of his stuff was taken including all of his papers. And prior to that there was a terrible argument and shouting that was reported by others. If that is true, it really throws the weight onto him being killed. Gord
@GrandAdventure Here's what's funny about that. I subscribe to another TH-cam channel that had a video of three bicycle riders riding the Natchez Trace, at the same time you were traveling the Trace. In one of your videos, you videoed them passing by in the opposite direction. Crazy... aye? 😂 Bryan who video publishes his rides on his TH-cam channel, also does a bit of 'famous people' history. And he covered the Meriwether Lewis story like you did, and had that additional information. How bizarre... aye? 🤔 Gord
The DOT needs to be scolded for not putting up a sigh BEFORE the exit while you still have the opportunity no Not exit. How dumb! Good on you for being observant and not destroying your 5th wheel.
Agreed completely, Mark, especially as the Thousand Trails is just on the other side of that bridge. Of course, just as I was preparing to back up a cop showed up, and he just sat there in his car and watched me. 🤦
Enjoyed the video great info but it’s pronounced “Natches” not Na Chez. There is also Natchez Mississippi also pronounced NATCHES. It’s sounds like matches but Natches. It’s a southern thing.
My husband and I love taking the trace when we head south for the winter. I love the relaxing drive.
@@cathymisze3163 as did we! Only 20 minutes until part 2 from the middle Trace premieres, hope you will join us.
*When we drove the Trace, I felt the MOST relaxing part was the driving!! I mean, set the cruise at 45 mph, very little traffic, no stop lights, smooth pavement and just very calming!! The Trace is a 'ribbon' of beauty, history and a travelers dream!!*
You've summed that up perfectly. I generally dislike towing with the cruise control on, but I did so for most of the Trace. With frequent places to get out and explore, and for all the reasons you've stated it was indeed a very, very relaxing drive.
That is a parkway(trail) that we have never been on, but is definitely on my bucket list, hopefully in the not too distant future. Clearly a nice place for a fall trip as well. Looking forward to the 2nd half. Continued safe travels Marc, and thanks again for the excellent videos....
@@ShawnPatterson402 better still, coming next week will be the second third rather than the second half. Make your plans, for I have seldom had a more pleasant week pulling the trailer.
This is one of our options for work camping, at their visitor centers.
Seems like a great option to me. Our premiere of part two in just over an hour from now will include the Tupelo visitor center.
👍👍 as always..
Thank you as always, J!
The trace is in one of the prettiest parts of the country.
It certainly is! And the topography is so different as we continue down to Natchez over the next 2 episodes.
Great history lesson..One day I may get there. As always stay safe.
Thanks Doug, you do the same. I highly, HIGHLY recommend making plans to drive that road from end to end. It's perhaps the most relaxing RV towing experience I've ever had, and is filled with fascinating and beautiful sights to stop and see along the way.
Anyone that may be interested, near fall creek falls and north of merriwether Lewis is highway 412. Just a few miles from the trace are three wineries, all are 10-15 minutes from the trace and each other, all three are unique and nice
That's a terrific tip, Russell. Thank you!
Great video. The trace is wonderful. Hope to do it again someday. Thanks for sharing.
As you'll see through the next two parts, Pat, we enjoyed it end to end.
Great episode, Thanks for all that you do. Don
Thank you so very much as always, Don!
Watched
Great video Marc,
Jo-Ann and I drove the Natchez Trace in the opposite direction. ( West to East). At the time we drove it the roads were in very good condition, I don't know how they are now. But it was a really nice drive.
I think it could be possible that Meriwether Lewis was a victom of "land pirates" (aka highwaymen).
"Land pirates," also known as highwaymen or bandits, were prevalent along the Natchez Trace in the 1800s, particularly in the areas near the Mississippi River landing at Natchez Under-the-Hill, where heavy traffic and a rough frontier environment created opportunities for criminal activity; some of the most notorious "land pirates" of the time included the Harpe brothers, Samuel Mason, and John Murrel.
Key points about land pirates on the Natchez Trace:
Location:
The most active areas for these outlaws were along the Natchez Trace, a major travel route connecting the Mississippi River to the Tennessee and Kentucky regions.
Targets:
Travelers, traders, and settlers using the Natchez Trace were often targeted by these bandits, who would rob them of valuables and sometimes even commit violence.
Notable figures:
The Harpe brothers, particularly known for their brutality, are considered some of the most infamous "land pirates" associated with the Natchez Trace.
Note: Both Harpe brothers were gone before 1809.
JT, the road is in excellent shape throughout. It's a wonderfully relaxing drive.
There's certainly much speculation about how Lewis died. It sure seems odd, though, that highwaymen would've taken him out *inside* Grinder's Stand. I can see that more likely happening out on the road.
❤your video, definitely beautiful
Thank you Deb!
Great job Marc
Thank you Timothy!
as usual a wonderful job.
Thank you as always, Joe!
Nice bucees cap !
Yes I need one too!
Thank you both! My old one got kind of grungy, so I picked up a new one when we stopped at the Buc-ee's in Crossville, TN.
Great video. I haven't explored much of the trace and would like to go back to follow up. It is an area filled with history.
Thanks Bill! It's filled with not only history, but also natural beauty that changes substantially as you travel the road.
I have heard of the Natchez Trace, but knew nothing about it until now. Thanks!
We met someone in Idaho who was traveling with a tall fifth wheel trailer. He was using a truckers’ App where he would plug his trailer dimensions into it and it would plan his route. He never had to worry about coming up on a low bridge where he would have to turn around. I don’t know the name of the App, but thought you might have heard of it.
Ram
👍🏼👍🏾
@@laughingram7287 there are numerous mapping apps that allow you to put in the dimensions of your vehicle, and they route you accordingly. One such app that we use occasionally is Sygic, for which I purchased a lifetime license; however, for its POI database Google is second to none. It will be a very happy day when Google will finally allow you to route based on vehicle dimensions.
I've done the trace from ross barnett reservoir to Nashville beautiful
It sure is, and a relaxing drive, too. Our campground in our upcoming Ep. 387 was right on the shoreline of Ross Barnett Reservoir.
Nice segment 👍
Thank you Denis! We'll complete the Trace over the next 2 episodes, too.
Marc - We've been fortunate to travel the Trace both ways and there is something to learn every time we go. Can't wait to see what you discovered on your trip. Stay safe !
Thank you George, and right back at ya!
LOVED THIS VERY INFORMATIONAL RIDE MY HUSBAND AND DADDY WORKED ON THE TRACE IN THE 90S
Very cool! We'll have the rest of the trip down the Trace for you over the next 2 episodes, premiering each Wednesday at 9pm Eastern.
We are doing this trip in March. Starting at Natchez and going to Nashville. Looking forward to it. Thanks for sharing your experience!
You're most welcome, and have a great trip! We'll have the rest of the Trace for you all the way down to Natchez over the next 2 Wednesdays, with the city of Natchez itself the following week.
We did the full trace last March, if you can put off to April, you should. In especially the north nothing as bloomed so it’s all brown and greyish, not to mention many places still seasonably closed.
@@norm4907 good advice, thank you for that.
We really enjoyed this episode Marc. Been wanting to drive the trace for a long time. Gotta do this! Particularly since you’ve done such a great job of showing the TN side. Thanks…and safe travels.
Thanks Gerald! Highly recommended. It's such a relaxing drive, too. Next Wednesday we'll cover the stretch from the AL/TN line down to Tupelo, with the last part from Tupelo down to Natchez the week thereafter.
Great video
Thank you Tom! And thanks for watching.
Those first few miles south of Nashville is a little curvy
Yes it is, although not extreme by any means. Then the speed limit goes up to 50 mph and it's smooth sailing all the way down to Natchez. I generally dislike towing with the cruise control on, but with very little traffic, the long radius curves and the excellent pavement, I did so on this trip and it was very relaxing.
@@GrandAdventure we got on it at Nashville and rode to Tishimingo, Ms. in June. Got on it in Jackson and headed North in 2021 and headed to Tishimingo, Ms and just after we got on it in Jackson we hit a bad spot not marked and it blew out our big window in our slide-out.
@rvfuntimes6144 whoa! Now THAT'S a bad spot! I'm happy to report that we found nothing like that in 2024, excellent roadway throughout.
Thanks Marc. Lovely views along the Tenne-trace.
Very interesting about Meriwether Lewis. Two shots aye! I bet the first one was to the head... and if you still have your wits about you, a second to the chest, for good measure.
Even if the first one was to the chest... the massive shock and trauma is going to make a second to the head very difficult, if not improbable.
Sounds like poor Meriwether was eliminated for some reason.
Nice camp ground. It sure looks like they try to make it as easy as possible to travel the Trace... except for low overhangs with little to no warning.
Looking forward to the next two adventures along this great route.
Gord
@@gorrdd this was a wonderful campsite. As mentioned in the video the layout is a little odd, but I'm very happy to have been in the site that we were.
The whole two shots thing is what really got me. Hey listen, I've obviously never shot myself, but I would think that the headshot had to be the second one if it was at his own hand. I would think that you could be stunned for a bit but still survive a few moments with a chest shot. I would expect that the head shot would be instantly lethal.
@GrandAdventure Indeed, Marc. But there is more to the story that I just heard, since I wrote that comment.
Apparently, Meriwether was robbed and all of his stuff was taken including all of his papers. And prior to that there was a terrible argument and shouting that was reported by others.
If that is true, it really throws the weight onto him being killed.
Gord
@gorrdd agreed. Those elements of the story hadn't reached me.
@GrandAdventure Here's what's funny about that.
I subscribe to another TH-cam channel that had a video of three bicycle riders riding the Natchez Trace, at the same time you were traveling the Trace.
In one of your videos, you videoed them passing by in the opposite direction. Crazy... aye? 😂
Bryan who video publishes his rides on his TH-cam channel, also does a bit of 'famous people' history. And he covered the Meriwether Lewis story like you did, and had that additional information.
How bizarre... aye? 🤔
Gord
@gorrdd aye!
The DOT needs to be scolded for not putting up a sigh BEFORE the exit while you still have the opportunity no Not exit.
How dumb! Good on you for being observant and not destroying your 5th wheel.
Agreed completely, Mark, especially as the Thousand Trails is just on the other side of that bridge. Of course, just as I was preparing to back up a cop showed up, and he just sat there in his car and watched me. 🤦
Enjoyed the video great info but it’s pronounced “Natches” not Na Chez. There is also Natchez Mississippi also pronounced NATCHES. It’s sounds like matches but Natches. It’s a southern thing.
@@HighTones thanks for the correction! We've had a few people make that comment.
Natchez Trace....Gnat-chess Trace. To speak like the locals, check with the locals.
Let us know when you come to Utah.
We've been a couple of times. Might get back out there, we'll definitely look you up if we do.