Natchez Trace

[Davidlcyr]

I'd like to drive the entire Natchez Trace in April. I am a 41 foot Dutch Star towing a Chevy Silverado. I think the entire rig is about 65 feet. I've notice that the Trace has a 55 foot limit. Has anyone over 55 feet had a problem with the length limit? Also would be very interested in any Trace advise you guys may have.
Thank you.

[Down South]

I live close to the Trace. I didn't know that there was a length restriction.
Anyway, this link will provide you with more info.
https://www.irv2.com/forums/f42/the-...ay-523718.html

[Glennabbott1]

You've probably already seen ths link.

https://www.nps.gov/natr/planyourvis...is%2014%20feet.


I personally wouldn't want to deal with the law enforcement for being over length. Especially since it's federal.

[momdoc]

We drove most of it two summers ago in our 40 ft DP and towing a Jeep. Probably close to 60 feet and no problem.

[MSHappyCampers]

The only problem you may have is that some of the pull-offs are too small for a big rig, but you can see that if you just slow down and look before making the turn!

[TXiceman]

We talked to the personnel at on of the visitors centers and they said that they didi not go looking for over length rigs. The Trace was designed back when RVs were much smaller and the regs and roads have not been upgraded. They told me that as long as you do not create and problems you would be OK. Also, some of the turn outs might be a problem. We did about 1/2 of the trace and we are close to 60 feet long.

Ken

[creativepart]

It's a lovely trip down the Trace. We did it 4-yrs ago. After driving it I sure wouldn't be concerned about that length of rig. Don't think of camping in one of the NPS campgrounds. Small roads in and out, lots of trees close to the road and smaller sites over all.

There are commercial campgrounds near the various exits from the Trace into nearby towns.

As you get near Jackson, MS the trace is much less pleasant with lots more traffic. There are even Rush Hour drivers that cut though on the Trace. Also, campgrounds near Jackson were full of not only vacationing campers but down on their luck city folks looking for free camping and bath houses. We got off in Jackson so I don't know what it's like further south. We got on in Nashville at the famous Loveless Cafe.

[Teamfoxy]

We did the Trace 2 years ago in a 34' coach without a tow. I would say you will have no issues driving, but we found that we could not fit into most of the pull offs. Suggest that you maybe pick a campground in the middle and explore the Trace in your car.

[hohenwald48]

Length is likely not a problem except at pullouts. However, I find driving on the narrow NT with no shoulders makes for a tiring drive day. I don't find it to be especially scenic either.

[Pigman1]

We've driven it with a 43' rig pulling a full size pickup...74'+-... without problems. Some issues could affect you, however. They don't always trim the trees next to the roadway surface, so you need to watch overhead as well as your other clearances. BTW, there's NO shoulder. Grass right up to your lane. On those turnouts where you may have trouble turning around, there's usually a very small, very low wood sign telling you it'll be tight, but they're very easy to miss. Plenty of other places to get off the road. And even though there may be "No overnight, or no camping," signs, they don't enforce it or chase you. Campgrounds are ALWAYS full (unless you've won the lottery multiple times) and very tight for a big rig. Once you get used to the 55mph, and they do enforce that one, it's a very pleasant drive. Get one of their brochures and stop often at the points of interest.

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by Pigman1

We've driven it with a 43' rig pulling a full size pickup...74'+-... without problems. Some issues could affect you, however. They don't always trim the trees next to the roadway surface, so you need to watch overhead as well as your other clearances. BTW, there's NO shoulder. Grass right up to your lane. On those turnouts where you may have trouble turning around, there's usually a very small, very low wood sign telling you it'll be tight, but they're very easy to miss. Plenty of other places to get off the road. And even though there may be "No overnight, or no camping," signs, they don't enforce it or chase you. Campgrounds are ALWAYS full (unless you've won the lottery multiple times) and very tight for a big rig. Once you get used to the 55mph, and they do enforce that one, it's a very pleasant drive. Get one of their brochures and stop often at the points of interest.

It's 50 MPH! I've had friends get tickets at 55!

[PKI]

While there is no shoulder, there is significant space on each side of the road surface. The exceptions are when trees fall close to the roadway. More of a perceived concern than any real hazard.

What makes the Trace interesting to us is not the scenery, but rather the calm and relaxing pace of driving it (no/few trucks). While it's not the actual specific route of the Trace, for the most part it is representative.

[Pigman1]

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

It's 50 MPH! I've had friends get tickets at 55!

Sorry! You're right, I'll proof closer.

[Davidlcyr]

Thank you everyone. We will be giving it a try in mid April.