Stretching from the Mississippi River in Natchez, Mississippi through the Shoals area in Alabama and across the Tennessee Valley to Nashville, the Old Trace was first used by American Indians. In the early 1800's it became the main route to the Ohio Valley for traders and pioneers. In 1801 President Thomas Jefferson designated the Trace as an official post road to be used for mail delivery between Nashville and Natchez. Inns and stands were established along the route by early travelers to provide lodging, food, and drink for other travelers.
Today The Trace is a 444 mile National Scenic Byway, administered by the National Park Service. It provides a non-commercial (no big trucks allowed!) unhurried drive through historic and scenic landscapes. Speed limit on most of The Trace is 50 mph.
We left The Shoals on November 16, 2015 and picked up The Trace off US Hwy 72 in Alabama. We drove 227 miles south to an exit north of Jackson, MS...our campsite was near Ross R. Barnett Reservoir in Brandon, MS.
Along The Trace we stopped to investigate some of the wayside exhibits and historic markers. Indian Mounds, campgrounds, and a Cypress Swamp (photo right) were just a few examples of the variety to be found.
After a couple days in camp waiting for severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, flash flooding, and tornadoes to pass to the East, we followed The Trace a few more miles to I-20, where we headed West.
Today The Trace is a 444 mile National Scenic Byway, administered by the National Park Service. It provides a non-commercial (no big trucks allowed!) unhurried drive through historic and scenic landscapes. Speed limit on most of The Trace is 50 mph.
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