Taking a journey through the Southern United States reveals a tapestry of rich history and captivating stories. The region is dotted with historic routes, each offering a glimpse into its past and a chance to appreciate its beauty and complexity. If you're planning a road trip, consider these historic routes in the South USA that promise a memorable adventure.
1. Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a stunning, 444-mile scenic drive that stretches from Nashville, Tennessee, through Alabama, and ends in Natchez, Mississippi. This historic route follows the Old Natchez Trace, a path used by Native Americans for centuries and later by early European settlers.
Travelers on the Trace can enjoy diverse landscapes, from lush forests to open pastures, while stopping at historical markers, hiking trails, and preserved sites. Be sure to visit the Emerald Mound in Mississippi, and the historic town of Natchez with its beautifully preserved antebellum homes. This trip could be planned as part of a larger journey using our Scenic Drives in the South USA guide.
2. The Great River Road
Following the mighty Mississippi River, the Great River Road is another gem for history enthusiasts. This 3,000-mile route runs through several Southern states, including Louisiana, Mississippi (Mississippi Travel Guide), Arkansas, and Tennessee.
Along the road, you'll find charming river towns, impressive antebellum mansions, and significant Civil War sites. Vicksburg, Mississippi, offers a rich collection of museums and monuments discussing the Civil War's impact in the region. Further south, Baton Rouge and New Orleans provide a deep dive into French and Spanish colonial history.
3. Blue Ridge Parkway
The Blue Ridge Parkway ensures a delightful experience through the mountainous regions of North Carolina and Virginia. This 469-mile road is recognized for its stunning views of the Appalachian Highlands and its proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains. For more information on planning your trip, check out our Virginia Travel Guide.
In addition to its natural beauty, the parkway is rich with cultural history. The Blue Ridge Music Center in Virginia celebrates the area's contributions to American music history, while Moses H. Cone Memorial Park in North Carolina offers a glimpse into the life of a wealthy textile entrepreneur from the turn of the century.
4. Antebellum Trail
For a journey through history and Southern charm, consider the Antebellum Trail that runs through the heart of Georgia. Covering roughly 100 miles, this trail connects several towns that were spared during General Sherman's infamous March to the Sea during the Civil War.
Start in Athens, a vibrant city known for its historic architecture and music scene. Continue through towns like Madison, famously described by Sherman as "too pretty to burn," and end your journey in Milledgeville, once Georgia's capital. Each town on this trail, which you can explore further with our Georgia Travel Guide for Southern Adventures, has its own unique story and beautifully preserved antebellum structures.
5. U.S. Route 11
Stretching 1,645 miles from New Orleans, Louisiana, to the Canadian border, U.S. Route 11 cuts through some of the South's most intriguing landscapes and communities. In the Southern states, the route passes through Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee.
A highlight of this route is the Lookout Mountain Parkway in Alabama, lined with stunning vistas, waterfalls, and quaint towns. In Chattanooga, Tennessee, check out the historic Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park, the oldest and largest of the national military parks.
These historic routes in the South USA offer an engaging way to connect with the region's past while enjoying its natural beauty and hospitality. Each journey presents an opportunity to learn about the events and people that have shaped the South's unique character. For further information on planning your journey along these routes, you might find this source particularly useful.
