There is such a relaxed feel here. As you drive be sure to switch on the radio and listen to the Jazz, Blues, Country, Rock’n’Roll and Soul there are synonymous with the Deep South. Tennessee conjures up many pictures from the awesome, snowy Smoky Mountains, to a sultry place where the mighty Mississippi lazily winds its way towards the Gulf Coast and the Gulf Islands. Just across the bay are the coastal towns of Gulf Shores and Orange beach where white sands await you. The Georgia Coast stretches approximately 100 miles between the Savannah and St. Mary’s Rivers where you can wander isolated beaches, tranquil marshes and cobblestone streets. We have listed below a sample of byways and beaches to visit throughout the Deep South.
Byways...
Alabama
Natchez Trace Parkway (Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee)
Native Americans, Kaintuck boatmen, post riders, government officials and soldiers
all moved across this trail, creating a vital link between the Mississippi Territory
and the fledgling United States. Pass through forests, cypress swamps and farmland
to meander through the rock-studded hills of Tennessee, cotton fields in Alabama,
and Mississippi's marshes.
Selma to Montgomery March Byway
Journey through history along the trail that marks one of the major historic
events in 20th Century American history, the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March,
led by Martin Luther King, Jr. Wind through the streets of Selma; pass through
countryside where marchers spent the night on their way to Montgomery.
Talladega Scenic Drive
Talladega Drive offers a bird's-eye view of scenic mountains, rock outcroppings,
and small rural settlements within the Talladega National Forest. Heading towards
Cheaha State Park and Alabama's highest peak, with an elevation of 2,407 feet,
travel the backbone of Horseblock and Cheaha Mountains, the southernmost extension
of the Appalachian Mountains.
Georgia
Russell-Brasstown National Scenic Byway
Surrounded by the beauty of the Chattahoochee National Forest, the byway winds
through the valleys and mountain gaps of the southern Appalachians. From the
vistas atop Brasstown Bald, to the cooling mists of waterfalls, scenic wonders
fill this region. Hike the Appalachian Trail or fish in a cool mountain stream.
Louisiana
Creole Nature Trail
Known as Louisiana's Outback, the Creole Nature Trail meanders through marshes,
prairies, and along the Gulf of Mexico. View alligators and birds up close and
in the wild, along with colorful wildflowers and rare cheniers shaped by salty
winds, as you loop through Calcasieu and Cameron parishes in Southwest Louisiana.
Mississippi
Great River Road (Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri,
Wisconsin)
Throughout history, the Mississippi River influenced many lives: the Dakota,
Chippewa and Hopewell cultures; early French voyagers; African-Americans seeking
freedom on the Underground Railroad; and many more. Through its charming river
towns and metropolitan cities, historic sites and cultural artifacts, today's
Great River Road still links resources, people and history.
Lower Mississippi Great River Road (part of Great River Road)
This one-hundred-mile-plus route paralleling the Mississippi River is a virtual
diary of American history, capturing multiple sites of historical significance.
It tells the story of Antebellum America, the Civil War, and its aftermath. Without
these legacies, we could not truly appreciate the tragedies and triumphs that
created our nation.
Natchez Trace Parkway (Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee)
Native Americans, Kaintuck boatmen, post riders, government officials and soldiers
all moved across this trail, creating a vital link between the Mississippi Territory
and the fledgling United States. Pass through forests, cypress swamps and farmland
to meander through the rock-studded hills of Tennessee, cotton fields in Alabama,
and Mississippi's marshes.
Tennessee
Cherohala Skyway (North Carolina, Tennessee)
The Skyway offers the cultural heritage of the Cherokee tribe and early settlers
in a grand forest environment in the Appalachian Mountains. Enjoy mile-high vistas
and brilliant fall foliage, as well as great hiking opportunities and picnic
spots in magnificent and seldom seen portions of the southern Appalachian National
Forests.
Natchez Trace Parkway (Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee)
Native Americans, Kaintuck boatmen, post riders, government officials and soldiers
all moved across this trail, creating a vital link between the Mississippi Territory
and the fledgling United States. Pass through forests, cypress swamps and farmland
to meander through the rock-studded hills of Tennessee, cotton fields in Alabama,
and Mississippi's marshes.
Beaches...
Alabama
Alabama may not have much in the way of oceanfront
property, but what it does have is fantastic. From the stony harbours
of historic Dauphin Island to the sugary white sands of beautiful Orange
Beach, visitors are sure to have an unforgettable time on the wonderful
Alabama beaches on the Gulf of Mexico.
Dauphin Island
Alabama’s Dauphin Island has got it all: fascinating history,
tourist amenities and outdoor recreation for the whole family.
Orange Beach
Surf, swim, sunbathe or bury your friends in the sand (if that’s
your idea of a good time) at Orange Beach, Alabama’s premier
vacation destination.
Gulf Shore
Gulf Shore is one of Alabama’s best beaches, with sand, surf
and top-notch hotels and resorts.
The Shoals
Visit the famous shoals of Alabama, form Muscle Shoals to Tuscumbia,
and find out what Lynard Skynard were on about.
Georgia
The best beaches in Georgia are often found on the state’s many islands,
like Jekyll Island or St. Simons Island, but the beaches found on the Cumberland
National Seashore are not to be missed either. Whether you want water sports,
salt-water fishing or just a sandy stretch to sunbathe on, Georgia beaches can
provide the all.
Cumberland National Seashore
Cumberland’s wild horse run free on the beaches; come see it before developers
turn it into a golf course.
Jekyll Island
Resorts and sea-turtle nests vie for space and your attention on Jekyll Islands
beautiful beaches.
Sapelo Island
Take a tour of Sapelo Islands beaches and wetlands and enjoy its laid-back southern
charm.
St Simons Island
St. Simons offers recreational beaches in addition to marina’s and 4-star
hotels.
Tybee Island Beach
Come to Tybee Island for it’s beaches, stay for its proximity to historic
Savannah, Georgia.
Mississippi
Bouncing back from hurricane Katrina has been difficult for the entire gulf coast,
but Mississippi beaches are once again open to visitors, with great beaches like
Biloxi beach and the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the Gulf Islands. Check them
out!
Gulf Islands
Visitors to the Gulf Islands can enjoy its 19th century forts, shaded picnic
areas and hike its nature trails.
Mississippi Gulf Coast
There’s no better place to go kayaking in Mississippi than the gulf coast.
Bay St Louis
Fun, friendliness and fabulous scenery await in Bay St Louis.
Biloxi Beach
Biloxi beach is bouncing back after Katrina.
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