The Great River Road - TN, AR, KY, MO, IL

[theallans]

Hi - read with interest the threads on this route. I've plotted much of the route for the GRR from various websites into the GPS but have picked up some recommendations to turn off the US61 at Clarksdale and drop onto US1? (not sure whether this is the actual name of the road). This goes all the way down following the Mississippi river through Walnut Grove, Deeson and many more what must only be little places, before rejoining the US61 at at place called Smedes.

My query is whether anyone has followed this route and wouldit be worth the diversion or would we experience lots anyway by staying on the US61? Any advice on this very appreciated - we love the Blues and want to enjoy a fun trip in this area.
Also - if we were travelling down from St Loius on the GRR all the way to New Orleans, how much time would anyone recommend us needing to be able to travel at a reasonable pace with stop offs sufficient to allow time to explore?

[Mark Sedenquist]

Hi - read with interest the threads on this route. I've plotted much of the route for the GRR from various websites into the GPS but have picked up some recommendations to turn off the US61 at Clarksdale and drop onto US1? (not sure whether this is the actual name of the road).

I am not sure where US-1 is (if it exists at all) but the road you are referencing is actually County Route 1. I have followed much of the GRR and I would certainly recommend it -- with this huge caveat: "do you mind the sensation of getting lost"? Following the GRR is much more a metaphysical route than a physical roadway. Although the county road departments have done a pretty good job of identifying roads along the Mississippi as being on the GRR -- it tales diligence and a huge sense of humor to stay on track. It is very similar to attempting to drive US-Route 66 from Chicago to Santa Monica (that is not possible either -- plenty of unpaved gaps exist). Another thing you will discover is that the GRR tends to jump from one side of the river to the other with few leaps of logic -- so, if you are up for the challenge -- go for it. But keep your sense of adventure and humor near by.

My query is whether anyone has followed this route and wouldit be worth the diversion or would we experience lots anyway by staying on the US61? Any advice on this very appreciated - we love the Blues and want to enjoy a fun trip in this area.
Also - if we were travelling down from St Loius on the GRR all the way to New Orleans, how much time would anyone recommend us needing to be able to travel at a reasonable pace with stop offs sufficient to allow time to explore?

US-61 is a pretty cool road -- I would urge you to look at Tim Steil's book about this roadway.

[theallans]

Thanks so much for the reply - and I have to say what a fab website this really is!

We're quite happy to experience getting lost, I think this has to be part of any trip, and the recommended book sounds good so we'll get hold of it before we head over to the States.

Do you have any advice as to how long to allow for the GRR journey from St Louis - based on the mileage I am anticipating perhaps 10-11 days with a 2 day stop in Memphis - and a possible side trip off to Nashville if we have time. Does this sound reasonable or would you suggest allowing longer?

[Mark Sedenquist]

We're quite happy to experience getting lost, I think this has to be part of any trip, and the recommended book sounds good so we'll get hold of it before we head over to the States.

Some of my most memorable trips have included break-downs and being lost. So, I applaud your deering do. Somewhere in this forum (odd I can't find the thread) one of our most intrepid contributors posted his experiences of trying to follow the GRR this Spring and ending up on a dirt road miles from the river. Hopefully, one of you can find that post for me...

Do you have any advice as to how long to allow for the GRR journey from St Louis - based on the mileage I am anticipating perhaps 10-11 days with a 2 day stop in Memphis - and a possible side trip off to Nashville if we have time. Does this sound reasonable or would you suggest allowing longer?

I think the time interval sounds good, but if you could stretch that out to another week, I don't think you will be disappointed.

Mark

[AZBuck]

I believe that the post Mark is refering to can be found Here, but be sure to read down a ways.

{Editor: Good Catch -- the direct link is here, although the entire thread makes for some great roadtrip reading!}

AZBuck