One of the outstanding features of the Natchez Trace Parkway is the Arches bridge, located just a few miles south of the northern terminus near Franklin, Tennessee. It is 155 feet high and spans 1648 feet across TN Highway 96 and Birdsong Hollow. It is said to be the nation's first segmentally constructed concrete arch bridge.
I clearly remember when it was completed in 1994; we were so excited that we could go almost all the way to Vanderbilt with little traffic on the Trace. The speed limit on the Trace is 55 or less, unlike the alternate route of I65N where people generally drive anywhere from 80-130 mph.
We were crossing the bridge going south here after driving to the northern end and turning back. I love it when I'm not driving, and can make photos out the car window.
We left the Trace, heading to Franklin on Tennessee 96. The rest of the photos were made just before we got on 96.
It was breathtakingly beautiful. I have been here in the spring, when the roadsides are decked out with redbuds and dogwoods, and it is difficult to decide which I like best. Either one is worth the drive!
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