If you haven’t already taken that annual photo of the family, and you live anywhere near Nashville Tennessee, then you might want to zip out to the Natchez Trace Parkway for some of the most beautiful colors around.
The bridge itself is always a thrill to see.
It’s one of life’s simple pleasures…
Welcome To The Natchez Trace
There are 2 spots where you can view this particular “official” Natchez Trace State Park sign.
One is at the northernmost entrance, soon after you enter the Parkway and head south.
The other is off of Highway 96, immediately after you turn onto the Parkway right next to the Natchez Trace bridge seen here:
You should know that the best time to shoot outdoor photos is somewhere between 9 to 11 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m. — depending on the time of the year.
The point is to take advantage of the softer sun and unique shadows which result during the late morning and late afternoon hours.
Because, when the sun blaring and directly overhead, your photos will appear more washed out and the colors will be less vibrant.
Everyone Who Was Anyone Was There!
There were a lot of bicyclists on the Trace enjoying the beautiful colors today.
This is probably one of the last “warm” days to enjoy biking in Nashville without wearing lots of heavy gear.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is an RVer’s delight… the speed limit is low (50mph the entire way, except for 40mph as you near Nashville).
There is very little traffic, and it’s a great leisurely drive.
Even dog-owners were photographing their pets in front of nature’s beautiful backdrop today!
Nature’s Beauty…
This year appears to be a particularly colorful Fall along the Natchez Trace.
I did, however, notice that the colors became less vibrant the farther south you traveled on the Parkway.
Big trees with colorful orange leaves — surrounded by a sea of fallen leaves — were a familiar site on the Natchez Trace today.
The Long & Winding Road
According to the National Park Service, the Natchez Trace Parkway is one of America’s 75 National Scenic Byways and one of “21 All-American Roads”.
The big double-arch bridge at the Hwy 96 entrance to the Trace isn’t the ONLY bridge you’ll see along the way.
The Parkway itself is filled with twists and turns, and dozens of smaller bridges that you cross along the way.
Visit Before It’s Too Late…
To enjoy the technicolor woodlands of Tennessee at their brightest, you should visit within the next week.
Normally, peak colors are viewed in late October around here each year.
This year, early November seems to be the rule, largely due to lack of rain late in the summer.
We’ve lived in the Nashville area since 2001 — and all 3 of our houses have been situated relatively close to the Natchez Trace Parkway. To me, the ‘The Trace’ is a hidden gem of Nashville — a place to go when you want to get away from it all and be one with nature. I’ve hiked it, biked it, motorcycled it, walked it with my dogs, and driven my car on The Natchez Trace Parkway more times than I can count! This is where I share some of my favorite things to do along the Natchez Trace Parkway — which runs 444 miles from Nashville Tennessee to Natchez Mississippi and through parts of Alabama. When I’m not enjoying the beautiful outdoors along the Natchez Trace Parkway, you’ll find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).
