Natchez Trace Parkway

The Natchez Trace Parkway follows an ancient footpath 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi to just outside Nashville — and it slips right past Lewis County, about fifteen minutes east of The Grove. No trucks, no billboards, a lazy speed limit, and mile after mile of green tunnel: it's a road built for taking your time.

The stretch near us is one of the best of the whole parkway. Metal Ford, where the old Trace crossed the Buffalo River, is a beautiful picnic-and-wade stop just up the road. The Meriwether Lewis site at milepost 385.9 holds the explorer's grave and monument. Keep driving north and you'll hit overlooks and waterfall walks like Jackson Falls.

Cyclists love the Trace for the same reasons drivers do — light traffic and long, rolling miles. Ride a section in the morning, then come cool off in the river across from the store.