Driving from New Orleans to Nashville (houses, construction, live)

[10ofus]

Hi All, I understand that there are two main routes from New Orleans to Nashville (eastern route and western route). I actually live on the west coast, but am considering flying to visit someone in New Orleans, and then driving from there to see someone else in Nashville. My main question: are there any mountainous/high elevation areas to cross when driving from New Orleans to Nashville?

[annie_himself]

It's probably one of the flatter parts of the country. There's no mountains.

[Borntoolate85]

I did this drive back in 2011, and honestly, outside of Birmingham where I'd recommend stopping as you'll find more dining options, as well as where there are some low mountains nearby, there really isn't too much interesting along the way, and the interstates only traverse rolling hills near them. Typical Bible Belt drivel on most of the exits alongside most of the way with lots of Jesus-themed billboards and Waffle Houses at every other exit. Western Alabama and Mississippi is especially boring and featureless, with lots of "pine tunnels". You pass right through Meridian shortly after entering MS and also worthy of a quick dining stop, but there isn't too much to do there honestly. Traffic isn't usually too bad since you don't have too much traffic coming from major regions like Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, or Florida. But once you enter Louisiana, the swamps and bayous quickly come into view, and soon, you enter the New Orleans sphere of influence at Slidell, drive over a causeway, and the city comes into view.

[shinestx]

You can blow through every town along the way and get there in less than 8 hours. I wouldn't stop for anything but gasoline. Try to get through Birmingham before midday, as that city's expressways are antiquated and get overly congested. The towns in Mississippi are not worth stopping for anything but gas and bladder relief. Go speed limit, those backwater towns are notorious for being speed traps. Fortunately, after Birmingham, there's nothing to see, and very little traffic. You can leave Nashville by 9:00 am and be sitting for dinner at Antoine's easily by 5:30-6:00.

[jcp123]

Originally Posted by Borntoolate85

I did this drive back in 2011, and honestly, outside of Birmingham where I'd recommend stopping as you'll find more dining options, as well as where there are some low mountains nearby, there really isn't too much interesting along the way, and the interstates only traverse rolling hills near them. Typical Bible Belt drivel on most of the exits alongside most of the way with lots of Jesus-themed billboards and Waffle Houses at every other exit. Western Alabama and Mississippi is especially boring and featureless, with lots of "pine tunnels". You pass right through Meridian shortly after entering MS and also worthy of a quick dining stop, but there isn't too much to do there honestly. Traffic isn't usually too bad since you don't have too much traffic coming from major regions like Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, or Florida. But once you enter Louisiana, the swamps and bayous quickly come into view, and soon, you enter the New Orleans sphere of influence at Slidell, drive over a causeway, and the city comes into view.

But hey, Waffle House is a real gem of the South. $10-ish gets you a really filling (not healthy), satisfying meal. Waffle House should be everywhere.

I get Jesus-themes billboards in a lot of places, not just the south.

The drive is kinda boring and not that compelling. Most likely you’ll take 40 out of Nashville til you hit the double nickel in Memphis and just go south. Only the trees will change much, if you’re looking out for it. Some cedars up near Nashville, they disappear in northern LA, and you’ll see a lot more water down in LA.

[verve57]

Either route you take will not have any mountains. If you take the route through Birmingham, you'll encounter some hills but nothing significant. Birmingham lies near the end of the foothills of the Apalachian Mountains. It is a beautiful drive in that area.

[danielj72]

All the mountainous terrain is well to the east of Nashville. It’s a relatively flat drive with a few hills when you get into Tennessee.

[arr430]

The Natchez Trace Parkway runs pretty much all the way from Natchez, you can get on at Jackson MS., and follow it to Nashville. . Don't expect miracles, but's a nice drive. Speed limit 45, no trucks. no towns or services. . Check out construction calendar, because for road works, they close access exit-to-exit.

Online maps probably ignore it, but in you sensibly use paper maps for the whole picture , there might be sections you can use.

https://www.nps.gov/natr/index.htm

[danielj72]

Originally Posted by arr430

The Natchez Trace Parkway runs pretty much all the way from Natchez, you can get on at Jackson MS., and follow it to Nashville. . Don't expect miracles, but's a nice drive. Speed limit 45, no trucks. no towns or services. . Check out construction calendar, because for road works, they close access exit-to-exit.

Online maps probably ignore it, but in you sensibly use paper maps for the whole picture , there might be sections you can use.

https://www.nps.gov/natr/index.htm

I’ve done this drive and it is very nice…….if you don’t mind the lack of services. It’s a scenic byway.