Natchez Trace Parkway
Photo: US Government, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
The Natchez Trace is a 444-mile-long (715 km) national parkway that runs from Nashville in Central Tennessee to the town of Natchez in Mississippi. The route has been in use from pre-Colonial times and includes exceptional scenery, Indian burial mounds, overlooks, hiking trails, nature exhibits, and sites of historic interest. There are no commercial vehicles allowed on the road, making the route a laid-back journey through the Southeast. Although its length is impressive, the park averages only 800 feet (about 240 m) in width.
UnderstandThe parkway follows the old Natchez trace from Natchez to Nashville. The trace originated as a footpath used by Native Americans and early explorers to travel across the region.
Fees and permitsThere are no fees for entering the parkway, nor for any of the visitor centers, exhibits, or campgrounds along the route.
PrepareThere is no food or gas located on the parkway itself, but over its 444 mile length there are numerous options to exit the parkway and make use of services in the many towns located within a short drive of the parkway.
Get inThe combination of low speed limits and no commercial traffic makes for a very relaxing and enjoyable drive - popular with bicyclists, motorcyclists, and motorists.
DriveThe parkway mileposts start at Natchez (milepost 0) and end near Nashville at milepost 444.
SleepThere are no hotels located on the parkway itself, but numerous lodging options can be found in the many towns that are along the route.
Stay safeThe parkway speed limit is 50 miles per hour in most areas, and this is enforced by park rangers.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Natchez Trace Parkway" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: US Government, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons