MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Tourism officials on Friday launched the new Great River Road Trail, a self-guided driving tour covering 240 miles through six counties and several small towns in West Tennessee.
The trail is made up of existing tourist attractions along the Mississippi River, including museums, parks, historic homes, nature trails and Civil War sites.
About 60 markers will line the trail, suggesting that visitors exit their cars and spend money at the museums, restaurants and shops in Shelby, Tipton, Lauderdale, Dyer, Obion and Lake counties. The trail is connected to the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, a 10-state route starting in Minnesota and ending at the Gulf of Mexico.
“The new byway encompasses virtually everything that’s touched the Mississippi River,” said Regena Bearden, vice president of marketing at the Memphis Convention Visitors Bureau. “Memphis visitors will be able to discover even more of our cultural gems for a truly authentic
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