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Natchez Trace
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Oct 23, 2014 07:22:11   #
THISTLE Loc: Reidsville NC
 
We are going to be traveling the Natchez Trace from Nashville to Natchez in three weeks. Are there any particularly photogenic spots that it would be a shame to miss?
We will also be visiting Vicksburg and Clarksdale, the home of Delta Blues.
Thanks in advance

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Oct 23, 2014 07:31:54   #
dennis2146 Loc: Eastern Idaho
 
I don't know if this will help or not as I have never been to the Nachez Trace but if it was me going there I would look for information on exactly where famed, "Corps of Discovery", pioneer and co leader, Meriweather Lewis committed suicide on the Nachez Trace. Supposedly, according to the book, "Undaunted Courage", he was in an inn and took his own life.

Dennis

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Oct 23, 2014 07:39:43   #
THISTLE Loc: Reidsville NC
 
Thanks Dennis, good to know

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Oct 23, 2014 08:27:02   #
JCam Loc: MD Eastern Shore
 
As I recall my history, the trave was originally the mule and horse path along the river and canal. There should be some interesting old buildings along it, and canal shots can be spectacular.

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Oct 23, 2014 08:32:57   #
dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia
 
You might want to ask Harry at bullrunnings. He can point you in good directions. Tell him Dennis sent you. Then ignore any cursing. While he focuses on Bull Run, he knows a lot about anything related to the CW.

http://bullrunnings.wordpress.com/

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Oct 23, 2014 08:55:50   #
Gitchigumi Loc: Wake Forest, NC
 
THISTLE wrote:
We are going to be traveling the Natchez Trace from Nashville to Natchez in three weeks. Are there any particularly photogenic spots that it would be a shame to miss?
We will also be visiting Vicksburg and Clarksdale, the home of Delta Blues.
Thanks in advance

While I haven't been there yet, it is definitely on my bucket list. There are many historical sites and fabulous antebellum plantations to visit along the way. And, the Vicksburg National Military Park is nearby your route... The whole route is filled with history and scenery. I hope you have great weather and get some great shots! :thumbup:

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Oct 23, 2014 09:23:44   #
Bill Houghton Loc: New York area
 
You can go to there website, and ask them to send you thee travel guide. They will be more then happy. There also many interesting towns along the way.

A note of caution. Check ahead and make sure there isn't any flooding along away. Some spots tend to flood during heavy rains.

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Oct 23, 2014 11:12:33   #
brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky
 
I've been up and down the Trace more than once, and it helps to do some homework before your trip. You'll be able to build a list of "must sees" from your homework.

In the early days, sailing up river was not an option, yet much was floated down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers on log rafts. Once the farmers/trappers got to Natchez and sold their wares, they had to walk home with pockets full of money. It happened so much that a trail was created up through MS, AL and TN that brought all those folks back home. It was a dangerous trek, rife with robbers and murderers, as well as the native Indian tribes.

Meriwether had been summoned to Washington to explain the use of some of the money the government had awarded to him and Clark. Seems he may have been despondent about the possibility of having to pay some money back and took his life on the Trace. There's a monument there, along with the cabins.

My most favorite spot on the Trace is where it crosses the Tennessee River in the northwest corner of Alabama. It's beautiful there and I would certainly recommend spending some time there for photography.

Incidentally, many of the old homes in the Natchez area were built from the logs that floated the wares down river as they were sold along with the cargo.

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Oct 23, 2014 17:29:23   #
THISTLE Loc: Reidsville NC
 
Thanks for the info guys. It looks like I have a lot of homework to do

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Oct 23, 2014 18:10:20   #
minniev Loc: MIssissippi
 
THISTLE wrote:
We are going to be traveling the Natchez Trace from Nashville to Natchez in three weeks. Are there any particularly photogenic spots that it would be a shame to miss?
We will also be visiting Vicksburg and Clarksdale, the home of Delta Blues.
Thanks in advance


I live along the mid-part of the trace and have traveled it regularly my entire life. It is a fascinating place with lots of history, and plenty of photo ops though it can sometimes be frustrating when you see a pretty thing and there's no pull off nearby (I sometimes make my own on the shoulder if it looks safe, and have not got in trouble for it yet).

My favorites:
1. The area around the north terminus - Jackson Falls, the Gordon house, the old tobacco barn
2. Jeff Busby State Pk in North MS should be in good fall color when you come by, take the short drive up "little mountain"
3. French Camp is a good place to have lunch, if you're lucky there may be interesting things like syrup-making going on - at any rate, interesting buildings and farm type scenery
4. The cypress swamp right before you get to Jackson is my own favorite. I shoot there in every season and weather, if you look at my posts for anything with the word Swamp in the title you'll get the idea. It's been good to me, I've won some pretty nice awards for photos I've shot in there.
5. Rocky Springs - the old church is the only building left from the ghost town site, but it's very photogenic and usually open, the cemetery as well. The creek itself is a photo op if you're willing to walk in it (it's shallow and, well, rocky)
6. If you have time, get off at Lorman, eat at the Lorman country store (take your camera in with you and be ready to photograph the proprietor when he sings), and explore the ruins of Windsor, the nearby church, and/or Rodney ghost town (great photogenic buildings)
7. Mount Locust, old historic inn just before you reach Natchez.
8. Emerald Mound and the Village of the Natchez Indians, near and in Natchez are the most photogenic of the many mounds along the trace.
9. All the wonderful historic sites of Natchez - old homes, churches, cemeteries (old Natchez city cemetery is great fun), the river itself.

If you have particular questions, feel free to ask.

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Oct 23, 2014 18:40:31   #
James56 Loc: Nashville, Tennessee
 
Lots to see along this roadway. Be sure and keep your tank at least half full because entrances and exits are not as common along this road. Also the speed limit I believe 50mph and strictly enforced. Many of the points of interest have signs...there's a lot of them. The Natchez trace goes through Meriwether Lewis State Park in Tennessee. This is where he is buried. It also has clearly marked signs. One of the prettiest bridges you will cross is the double ached concrete bridge over Hwy 96. You will have to exit to get a good look at the bridge from below, but getting back on the Trace is no problem. There is also a pullover and overlook of the bridge just before you cross it (if traveling southbound). Below is a link with lots of good information. It's a beautiful road...you will have a blast.

http://www.nps.gov/natr/index.htm

Double Arched bridge over Hwy 96
Double Arched bridge over Hwy 96...
(Download)

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Oct 24, 2014 03:36:21   #
THISTLE Loc: Reidsville NC
 
Once again, thanks. I knew that this was the place to ask for hints

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Oct 24, 2014 06:31:02   #
dpullum Loc: Tampa Florida
 
In the 90s a lady friend and I would bike down the Natchez Trace from Nashville to Franklin have lunch and bike back. Signs "yield to bikes" and beautiful stone works (fences). Those fences with age and vegetation are in themselves photogenic.

Thanks for bring back memories.

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Oct 24, 2014 10:50:55   #
bparr1 Loc: Carthage, TN
 
THISTLE wrote:
We are going to be traveling the Natchez Trace from Nashville to Natchez in three weeks. Are there any particularly photogenic spots that it would be a shame to miss?
We will also be visiting Vicksburg and Clarksdale, the home of Delta Blues.
Thanks in advance


At the start of Natchez Trace is the Loveless Café. What better way to start down the Trace than a full tummy and a camera, unless it's on a Harley. Have a great trip!

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Oct 24, 2014 11:25:00   #
bigd7200
 
The Trace passes through Tishomingo State Park in the northeast corner of Mississippi. There are stone bluffs, a suspension bridge and small waterfalls there. The leaves may be colorful now.

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