On this particular road trip, the family is venturing down the Natchez Trace Parkway in Tennessee, with a George Jones song playing on the radio.
 

I was enjoying a leisurely day at the Natchez Trace Parkway with my dog yesterday, when I had a brief conversation with Chris Moore (pictured here on her horse, Molly). 

She was looking for that one place along the Old Trace Hiking & Horse Trail where you cross from one side of the Parkway to the other via a tunnel.

I've hiked that path before, but it was hard for me to describe how (while standing at the Garrison Creek area) how she would have to backtrack to get to that tunnel -- by way of the creek itself.

If you're not from around here, then you might be wondering if ticks are a problem.

Ticks are definitely something you should take into consideration when hiking around the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Here's the scoop...

I'm sharing the ones that provide helpful information that I think others might benefit from -- should they, too, decide to venture along the Natchez Trace Parkway.

No, not the Garrison Creek comfort station with restrooms and water fountains (though those are nice too)... but rather the tiny little creek that becomes a rapidly moving stream at certain times of the year.

Here's why I think the Garrison Creek area is so special...

Peak colors are only days away, folks!

Compare today's photos with last week's photos. Then compare those with last year's peak fall foliage on the Natchez Trace Parkway...

Peak Fall foliage colors are right around the corner, but they're not here yet.

To give you some idea, this is the tree (on the left, near the utility boxes) in my neighborhood that I always gauge "peak season" from -- in Franklin, TN. The first photo was taken this morning. The other 2 were taken at the end of last year's Fall foliage season.

That said, according to Pater47:

Yes, the Natchez Trace Parkway is indeed a National Park and is officially off-limits. That being said, there are a few along the trace within park bounds and many more just outside park bounds.

And seconded by Mtn-Man:

This is correct. Officially, they are not allowed there unless you get permission. In some areas, they will allow them.

Yep, on the Natchez Trace Parkway you can be one with nature, wildlife, and cows!

...But this one's only for the "serious" cyclists!

Following are some of the gas stations, convenience stores and restaurants that you'll find if you exit the Trace at milemarker 391 near Hohenwald, TN and turn left (west) or right (east) onto Highway 412.

 

Following are some of the gas stations, convenience stores and restaurants that you'll find if you exit the Trace at milemarker 408 near Centerville and turn left (east) or right (west) onto Highway 50.

 

Here are some of the best videos which show bicyclists riding along the Natchez Trace Parkway -- either as part of an organized ride, or on their own.

Enjoy!