Natchez Trace National Parkway is a 444-mile-long scenic drive that stretches from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. The parkway follows the historic Natchez Trace, an ancient trail used by Native American tribes, explorers, and traders for hundreds of years.
The Natchez Trace has a rich historical background, serving as a vital link between the Mississippi River and the Tennessee River. It was used extensively by Native Americans, such as the Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes, for hunting and trading. European explorers, including Hernando de Soto and Meriwether Lewis, also traversed this trail during their expeditions.
Today, the Natchez Trace National Parkway offers visitors a chance to experience history while enjoying the stunning natural beauty of the area. Along the parkway, there are numerous historical sites and landmarks that provide insights into the region's past. These include prehistoric mound sites, early settlements, and Civil War battlefields.
Besides the historical significance, the parkway offers a range of recreational activities for visitors. Nature enthusiasts can explore the numerous hiking and biking trails that meander through picturesque landscapes, including dense forests, rolling hills, and peaceful meadows. Several campgrounds along the way provide opportunities for overnight stays amidst nature.
Along the route, there are also visitor centers and interpretive exhibits that provide information on the area's history, culture, and natural resources. These educational facilities offer a deeper understanding of the Natchez Trace and enhance the visitor experience.
Additionally, there are several attractions and destinations near the Natchez Trace National Parkway that are worth exploring. The city of Natchez in Mississippi is known for its historic antebellum homes and the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center. In Tennessee, the parkway passes through Franklin, a charming town with a rich Civil War history and beautiful Main Street lined with shops and restaurants.
In conclusion, Natchez Trace National Parkway offers a fascinating journey through history, with its ancient trail and abundant historical sites. It also provides a range of recreational activities and opportunities to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the area. Whether exploring the parkway's historic landmarks or enjoying outdoor activities, visitors are sure to create lasting memories along this scenic drive.
Natchez Trace National Parkway is located in the southeastern region of the United States, specifically within the states of Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. Covering a distance of approximately 444 miles, this historic parkway winds its way through a picturesque and diverse landscape. Beginning near Natchez, Mississippi, the parkway stretches northeast, passing through scenic forests, rolling hills, and expansive farmlands, before finally reaching its endpoint near Nashville, Tennessee. Along the way, the parkway traverses a stunning natural terrain, dotted with charming small towns and historic landmarks that tell the story of the region's rich cultural heritage. Natchez Trace National Parkway truly showcases the beauty and historical significance of the southeastern United States.
2680 Natchez Trace ParkwayTupelo, MS 38804Driving DirectionsPhone: 6626804027Web: Link
The best time to visit Natchez Trace National Parkway is in April or May. During these months, the average maximum temperatures range from 76°F to 82°F, providing pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Additionally, the average monthly precipitation is relatively low at 4.4 inches and 4.5 inches, respectively, minimizing the chance of rain interrupting your visit. These months also fall within the shoulder season, avoiding the peak visitor months of June, July, and October. This allows for a more peaceful and less crowded experience while exploring the parkway.
Some of the activities you can do in Natchez Trace National Parkway are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Biking Road Biking Camping Car or Front Country Camping Hiking Front-Country Hiking Fishing Auto and ATV Scenic Driving Horse Trekking Horseback Riding Self-Guided Tours - Auto RV Camping Freshwater Fishing Compass and GPS Geocaching
Learn about these topics at Natchez Trace National Parkway: Animals Birds Night Sky Architecture and Building Archeology Native American Heritage Transportation Fire Military African American Heritage Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite Women's History Battlefields Wars and Conflicts Civil War Roads, Routes and Highways Enslavement Bridges War of 1812 Plantations Farming and Agriculture
The Parkway Visitor Center is just north of Tupelo, Mississippi. A ranger is on duty to answer questions and provide information and brochures. Ask and we will be glad to show you our movie. Other videos are available at https://www.nps.gov/natr/learn/photosmultimedia/videos.htm. The bookstore is open from 9am-4:30pm. You can also visit the America's National Parks online store at https://shop.americasnationalparks.org/store/
The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Parkway Visitor Center Milepost 266.
Jeff Busby Campground at milepost 193.1, midway on the Parkway, includes an 18-site campground, picnic tables, restrooms, trails, exhibits and an overlook atop Little Mountain. Campground sites are on a first come first served basis, no reservations. Pull-through and back-in sites are available. Campgrounds are typically busiest during the spring and fall, especially during holiday weekends. There is no fee for camping. There is a 14 day stay limit.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (No fee)
Total Campsites: 18
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round
The Meriwether Lewis Campground at milepost 385.9, on the northern end of the Parkway, has 32 sites. All sites are free and available on a first-come, first served basis. They do not offer electricity, showers, or dump stations. Drinkable water and flush toilets are available on site. Enjoy the Meriwether Lewis site which includes hiking trails, a section of Old Trace, exhibits and picnic areas.
Fees (US$): 0.00 (No fee)
Total Campsites: 31
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Yes - year round
Rocky Springs Campground at milepost 54.8 on the southern end of the Parkway, includes a 22-site campground, picnic tables, restrooms, a section of the Old Natchez Trace, self-guiding walking trails through the old town site. Campground sites are on a first come first served basis, no reservations. Pull-through and back-in sites are available. Campgrounds are typically the busiest during the spring and fall, especially during holiday weekends. Potable water may be an issue. Check "What's Open What's Closed"
Fees (US$): 0.00 (No fee)
Total Campsites: 22
Toilets: Flush Toilets - year round
Showers: None
Potable Water: Water
With a stay at Monmouth Historic Inns and Gardens in Natchez, you'll be in the historical district, just a 1-minute walk from Mississippi River and 12 minutes by foot from Natchez National Historical Park. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services.
Address: 1358 John A. Quitman Blvd, Natchez, Mississippi 39120
Web: Link
A stay at FairBridge Inn Express places you in the heart of Natchez, steps from Mississippi River and a 3-minute drive from Rhythm Night Club Museum. Featured amenities include a business center, luggage storage, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 337 Devereaux Dr, Natchez, Mississippi 39120
Web: Link
With a stay at Red Carpet Inn in Natchez, you'll be steps from Mississippi River and a 3-minute drive from Rhythm Night Club Museum. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 271 D'Evereaux Drive, Natchez, Mississippi 39120
Web: Link
With a stay at Travel Inn Natchez in Natchez, you'll be steps from Mississippi River and a 3-minute drive from Rhythm Night Club Museum. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 271A Devereaux Drive, Natchez, Mississippi 39120
Web: Link
With a stay at Dunleith Historic Inn in Natchez, you'll be a 1-minute walk from Mississippi River and 12 minutes by foot from Temple B'nai Israel. Featured amenities include a computer station and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 84 Homochitto Street, Natchez, Mississippi 39120
Web: Link
With a stay at Linden Bed and Breakfast in Natchez, you'll be next to a golf course, just a 1-minute walk from Mississippi River and 11 minutes by foot from Natchez National Historical Park. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 1 Conner Circle, Natchez, Mississippi 39120
Web: Link
With a stay at Twin Oaks Guest Rooms in Natchez, you'll be a 1-minute walk from Mississippi River and 13 minutes by foot from Temple B'nai Israel. Featured amenities include express check-in and express check-out. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 71 Homochitto St, Natchez, Mississippi 39120
Web: Link
With a stay at Monmouth Historic Inn & Gardens in Natchez, you'll be a 1-minute walk from Mississippi River and 14 minutes by foot from Natchez National Historical Park. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 1358 John A. Quitman Blvd, Natchez, Mississippi 39120
Web: Link
With a stay at Concord Quarters in Natchez, you'll be steps from Mississippi River and a 2-minute drive from Zion Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 301 Gayosa Avenue, Natchez, Mississippi 39120
Web: Link
With a stay at Sunnyside Bed & Breakfast in Natchez, you'll be steps from Mississippi River and a 2-minute drive from Rhythm Night Club Museum. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 102 Rembert St, Natchez, Mississippi 39120
Web: Link
| Date issued | Details |
|---|---|
| 2026-04-15 | 2026 - Double Arch Bridge Closed The Double Arch Bridge near Nashville is closed for construction. There is a 7.5 mile detour from MP 437 to MP 440. Visitors can access the Northern Terminus to Big Tree Overlook (MP 440) as an out-and-back. The bridge will be closed to motor vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists until spring 2027. More |
| 2026-04-10 | Natchez Trace Parkway's Double Arch Bridge to Close for Construction On April 15, Natchez Trace Parkway will close Double Arch Bridge near Nashville and begin construction to install a permanent pedestrian safety barrier. The bridge will be closed to motor vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists until spring 2027. More |
| 2026-04-03 | Public Comment Period Opens April 3 for Port Gibson Firing Range ReportShape On April 3, the National Park Service will release a report and administrative record file about the former Port Gibson Firing Range on Natchez Trace Parkway for public review and comment. More |
| 2026-04-03 | Public Comment Period Opens April 3 for Ridgeland Firing Range ReportShape On April 3, the National Park Service will release a report and administrative record file about the former Ridgeland Firing Range on Natchez Trace Parkway for public review and comment. More |
| 2026-02-10 | 12/12/2025 Update - Parkway and Campground closed from MP 181-204. The parkway is closed to all traffic from MP 181-204. The section of the parkway, including the Jeff Busby Campground and day use area, has been closed since June 9, 2025, to allow for the removal and replacement of failed pavement and culverts. While the project was initially expected to be completed by the end of summer, unforeseen site conditions and weather delays have extended the timeline. A definitive reopening date is not available at this time. Construction will continue into 2026. More |
| 2026-01-23 | Winter Storm to Impact Travel on Natchez Trace Parkway The National Park Service will close Natchez Trace Parkway between TN Highway 46 (milepost 429) and the northern terminus (milepost 442) south of Nashville, Tennessee at approximately 8 PM Central Standard Time today, Jan. 23. Additional closures along the parkway may occur during the storm. More |