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A drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway is a journey through time, history, and the natural beauty of the American South. Natchez Trace is unique in that it is a national park, that is a ribbon of parkway enveloped by the tranquility of the countryside and sometimes urban areas. The route essentially follows the historical route of the original Trace that was a network of trails used by Native Americans and later by European explorers and traders, maintaining the legacy of these early travelers. Remnants of their presence can still be seen in the form of ancient mounds, historic markers, and interpretive exhibits scattered along the route.
The rolling hills and lush forests serve as a picturesque backdrop as we venture through important river crossings and beautiful landscapes, with scenic viewpoints and short hikes where you can put yourself into the footsteps of thousands of years of human traffic, and in some sections, even drive a little of the original route.
The entire Natchez Trace Parkway runs through three states – Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi – in its 444-mile (715-kilometer) journey from the outskirts of Nashville, Tennesssee, to Natchez, Mississippi. This tour covers 136 miles (219 kilometers) of the Natchez Trace Parkway, stretching through the Tennessee and Alabama sections of the drive.
You can drive the Parkway from north to south or south to north.
Nashville, Tennessee
From its northern terminus just south of Nashville, Tennessee, it’s an easy 40-minute drive from the Nashville International Airport to the start of the Parkway. This major airport is serviced by 22 airlines, including major carriers and regional partners to cities across the US, as well as to Canada and Mexico.
Mississippi – Alabama Stateline
The southern terminus of the tour is at the Alabama-Mississippi state line, with the closest small town being Tishomingo, Mississippi. To access the Parkway from here, the closest airport is Huntsville International Airport (HSV) in Huntsville, Alabama, located one hour and 40 minutes away. American Airlines, United Airlines and Delta Air Lines and several others offer non-stop flights to 14 cities including Chicago, Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Miami and Washington D.C.
The next closest airport is Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM) in Birmingham, Alabama, which is two hours and 10 minutes away. This is the largest airport in Alabama and American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines offer non-stop flights to 17 cities.
Natchez, Mississippi
To drive the entire Natchez Trace Parkway, the southern start to the route is in Natchez, Mississippi. To get there, the Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is just an hour and 40-minute drive away. The Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport in Jackson, Mississippi, is a one hour and 50-minute drive to Natchez. Please keep in mind that if you start at the southern terminus, our tour won’t begin until you reach the Mississippi – Alabama border.
The most common transportation used to explore the Natchez Trace Parkway is by private vehicle, there is no public transportation along the Parkway itself. Driving the Natchez Trace Parkway is fairly simple. You can either drive it north to south, or south to north. Of course, there are a number of attractions near the Parkway, so you’ll find yourself veering on and off the Parkway for short excursions or even overnight stays.
The speed limit on the Parkway is 50 mph. It’s fast enough to keep people moving along, but there are many pull-offs maintained by the National Park Service designed to get you out of the car and out exploring the Parkway’s historic sites, picnic spots and beautiful hiking trails.
In addition, you’ll notice mileposts along the entire 444-mile route. They’re numbered from south to north, starting with milepost 0 in Natchez, Mississippi, and ending with milepost 444 near Nashville, Tennessee.
The parkway is a designated cycling route, and bicyclists are permitted to use the entire lane. It’s important for drivers to slow down and pass cyclists with care.
Recreational vehicles are a popular way to see the parkway. Bear in mind that the length restriction for RVs is 55 feet, including a tow vehicle, and the height restriction is 14 feet.
Driving the Natchez Trace Parkway is free. Despite attracting more than 6 million visitors per year, the National Park Service does not charge admission to drive the Parkway nor to visit its park service-maintained interpretive sites and trails.
At the northern terminus, Nashville in Tennessee is a bustling city filled with lodging for all budgets from high-end hotels to low-budget national chain hotels. Known as Music City, Nashville offers a ton of entertainment options from live music in its bars and concert venues to lively restaurants and cocktail lounges.
From Nashville as you travel south, lodging options depend on where you are. While some small towns offer really limited hotel options, others like Florence, Alabama, have everything from national chains to high-end boutique hotels and vacation rentals.
For those who prefer to spend the night in a sleeping bag under the stars or in a tent, the National Park Service maintains three no-frills campgrounds that are first-come, first-served. These campgrounds serve campers and RVers, but there are no hookups or showers there.
On this tour route, sits the Meriwether Lewis Campground in Hohenwald, Tennessee, at milepost 385.9. The other two National Park Service campgrounds are located south of our GuideAlong tour: Jeff Busby Campground at milepost 193.1 and Rocky Springs Campground at milepost 54. In addition, a number of private campgrounds and state park campgrounds are easily accessible from the Parkway.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is open year-round, so it can be visited anytime of year. However, there are certain factors to consider when planning a Natchez Trace Parkway vacation, most importantly weather. Spring is a beautiful time to drive the Parkway because so many trees and flowers are in bloom. Spring temperatures are more mild than in the summer with March highs in the mid-60s and April highs in the low-to-mid 70s.
Summers can be extremely hot in Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi with average temperatures in the 90s. On top of that, high humidity levels can make you feel like you just jumped into a pool, even though you’ve just stepped out of your car. Hiking can be challenging with the heat and insects like mosquitoes, ticks, stinging ants and something called the sweat bee, which is attracted to human sweat.
Conversely, you can avoid all insects and most tourists if you drive the Natchez Trace Parkway in winter. Temperature highs will be in the low to mid-50s in December, January and February, while lows will be in the 30s. While you may need a layer or two for a hike or excursion, you’ll also experience more solitude on trails and exploring the sites.
The downside is you’ll be immersed in a sometimes stark winter landscape. That wintry landscape can include snow or sleet, so be aware of potential winter storms and choose an alternate route in inclement weather. The National Park Service doesn’t plow, salt or sand the Parkway during winter storms, and will close sections of it due to weather.
Fall is a gorgeous time to drive the Parkway because the trees and shrubs along the road explode with reds, yellows and oranges. It’s also the driest time of year in the South. Plus, cooler temperatures make it comfortable to be outside, exploring the Parkway’s trails and historic sites. While September’s high temperatures can hover in the mid-80s, October ushers in temperatures in the mid-70s and November’s high are in the mid-60s.
Our route covers the northern 135 miles through Tennessee and Alabama. It’s doable in a day, but we recommend staying overnight along the way, to be able to walk on the Trace’s hiking trails and see sights both on and just off the Parkway.
If driving the entire 444-mile Parkway, breaking it into three days is common, but some visitors like to really enjoy their exploring and will spend a full week, stopping frequently and also taking time to enjoy the sights just off the Parkway too. Some will also do the Natchez Trace in sections – returning at different times, or different years, to complete lengths not previously drive. Remember that your tour does not expire, so you can return and keep using it.
Unlike other national park sites like Yellowstone or Glacier where traffic can rival a city at times, it’s relatively easy to feel solitude on the Natchez Trace Parkway. Rarely will you find yourself in a traffic jam. Having said that, avoid driving on the Parkway in Tupelo and Jackson, Mississippi, during rush hour. Commuters use the Parkway to get to and from work.
To avoid crowds on popular trails like Jackson Falls or sites like the Meriwether Lewis Monument, aim to get there early in the morning before others arrive or later in the day close to evening time. On longer hikes, you’ll find most people turn around within a mile of the trailhead, making it easy to find tranquility the farther you walk.
The beautiful views and roadside stops along the Natchez Trace Parkway are the main attractions on this road-trip adventure. For the 135 breathtaking miles of this tour, highlights include cascading waterfalls, ancient and early settler sites, fantastic hikes and Civil War history.
Right at the Alabama-Mississippi state line sits Bear Creek Mound, an ancient settlement inhabited sometime between 1100 and 1300. Archaeologists believe that the mound was much larger originally and that farmers tilling the land reduced its size over the decades.
Even Nashvillians who aren’t specifically on a Natchez Trace road trip love to visit Jackson Falls. It is one of the closest waterfalls to the city and the biggest waterfall payoff for the least amount of effort. These falls were named for President Andrew Jackson.
Taking in the view from the top of the falls is satisfying, but walking at least halfway down the path is even better. Continuing to the bottom reveals a clear pool and the beauty of the water stepping down a limestone outcropping.
John Coffee Memorial Bridge is nearly a mile long, making it the Parkway’s longest bridge. It was built in 1964 and is named after John Coffee, who fought with Andrew Jackson in the Battle of New Orleans.
The bridge crosses what was once the location of the Colbert Ferry Stand Site. George Colbert operated a ferry that took travelers across the Tennessee River from 1800 to 1819 here. George’s father was Scottish and his mother was Chickasaw, and being Chickasaw gave George the right by treaty to run the ferry. Today, you can walk along a path to see where Colbert’s inn stood and look at Native American exhibits.
A 5-minute side trip off the Parkway takes us to a small but stylish community and Leiper’s Fork. While exploring the small selection of stores, restaurants and galleries, you might even spot some of country music’s biggest names. The community is the home for some true headliners!
Meriwether Lewis was of course the leader of the famed Lewis and Clark expedition who were tasked with finding out what lay west of the Mississippi River – at the time a wholly unknown place to the young United States. The 8,000 mile journey changed the USA forever. The location contains the Monument to Lewis, as well as a reproduction of Grinder’s Stand, the lodging where Lewis’ life came to an end. It’s not a sad place to visit – it’s very interesting! It’s also the site of a major campground, and there some pleasant short trails available to hike.
This fascinating region is just too close to the Natchez Trace Parkway to not include a sidetrip to visit the major highlights of the Quad City area. There are five places of interest and you can choose to visit one, all, or just a few. It would be easy to fill a day to see everything if we have the time. It takes approximately 20 minutes to drive off the Trace to visit the closest site. Those interesting places are: Ivy Green (the Helen Keller childhood home), the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Muscle Shoals’ two iconic recording studios, the Florence Mound and Museum, and the Rosenbaum House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
The last major addition that completed the Parkway’s uninterrupted path – and perhaps the most visually stunning! Spanning 145 feet over woods and a state highway, this bridge was uniquely constructed with two concrete arches that span over the valley. This is a photo you will want to stop and take on your Natchez Trace journey.
One of the few places on the Parkway where we can drive (rather than walk) on the true, original Trace route. This section is a narrow, one-way journey of 2.5 miles that enjoys some excellent views, as well as following the historic path. A very worthwhile short detour!
A simple and quick location to visit, with idyllic scenery punctuated by the square stepping stones that cross Colbert Creek on the trail to the natural spring.
The Parkway is full of spots where the original Old Trace, worn by decades of horse hooves, wagon wheels, footsteps and erosion, have created permanent sunken ruts. At the Sunken Trace, three different pathways come together, revealing how travelers had to stray from the main route to avoid getting stuck in mud.
The Trace was an effective route to move troops and cavalry, and that’s what Andrew Jackson did in 1813. The Memorial stands to honor those who marched the route and particularly those lost their lives, and were buried in unmarked graves.
The late Tom Hendrix spent more than 30 years building what has become the largest unmortared wall in the country. Just off the Parkway, the mile-long wall is a monument to Hendrix’s great-great grandmother, Te-lah-nay, and her journey on the Trail of Tears. Each stone, hand-placed by Hendrix, symbolized a single step Te-lah-nay took during the Trail of Tears. Visitors can walk along the maze-like wall.
Technically, Devil’s Backbone State Natural Area is a park adjacent to the Trace, not actually on it. The area’s only trail is a 3.2-mile moderate-effort loop that runs along a ridgeline before dropping to a creek and then back to the ridge. Even so, there’s only about 200 feet of elevation change, making for a few short steep areas.
These falls are popular for good reason – and partly because they are one of the closest “wow-factor” waterfalls to Nashville. Follow the trail to the bottom of the falls is conditions are not muddy. To turn this into a longer hike, consider adding a round trip hike from Jackson Falls to Bakers Bluff, a 1.5 mile out and back hike to some pretty awesome views.
The Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail is composed of five different trails totalling more than 60 miles. In Tennessee, the Leiper’s Fork District of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail runs 20 miles, starting up near milepost 427 and ending at milepost 408, where TN‑50 crosses the Parkway. This trail, which is part of the larger Highland Rim Trail, is one of several preserved sections of the Old Trace. Walk for as long as you want along the 20-mile Highland Rim Trail that’s mostly flat. The most popular, and therefore crowded, access point for the Highland Rim Trail is from Garrison Creek Trailhead.
Get out into nature on a short half-mile loop on the Rock Spring Nature Trail, which leads to a bubbling spring called Rock Spring. The terrain is easy, with picturesque square stepping stones that cross Colbert Creek. It’s possible to see beavers, ruby-throated hummingbirds, and salamanders here. In the late summer and early fall, there are tons of wildflowers, like jewelweed, which grows between two to five feet high and has a small bright orange spotted flower.
Sweetwater Branch offers a half-mile loop hike, which is alive with wildflowers in the spring. It’s a quiet area along the creek banks, with lots of shade. The walk includes some stairs and hilly terrain to get to the trail itself, so it isn’t appropriate for wheelchairs, but it isn’t particularly strenuous once hikers reach the riverbank itself.
Minutes from the Alabama-Mississippi border, the Natchez Trace Parkway crosses through Tishomingo State Park, and it’s known for its 13 miles of hiking trails. The Outcroppings Trail is a beautiful two-mile loop that runs along a ridge of large rock outcroppings that are popular with rock climbers. Along the way, there are views of the valley and caves where Chickasaw people lived. The trailhead starts at Swinging Bridge built in 1938.
One of two waterfalls along the Natchez Trace Parkway, Fall Hollow Falls is a small accessible waterfall, making it great for families. There’s an easy, paved path that leads to a wooden bridge and platform about halfway down the falls. Depending on the conditions, getting to the bottom of the falls can be muddy. Even so, it’s one of the prettiest places on the Tennessee section of the Trace.
Not strictly on the Trace – but since you are so close….. Known for hosting some of country music’s most famous singers, the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee, offers country music shows multiple nights a week. These weekly performances can include music greats like Keith Urban and newer country singers just establishing themselves. The Opry also offers several types of state-of-the-art special backstage tours.
Visit Ivy Green in Tuscumbia, Alabama, the childhood home of Helen Keller who met 12 presidents, was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, and helped establish the American Civil Liberties Union. Keller became blind and deaf at age two, but with the help of her teacher, Anne Sullivan, she overcame many obstacles and spent her life advocating for the visually and hearing impaired.
Just three miles from the Parkway, Laurel Hill Lake is a great place for families to fish or rent kayaks and explore the lake by paddle. There’s even a 16-and-under, youth-only fishing area, and you can buy a state fishing license at the nearby Laurel Hill Tackle and Deli. Depending on the time of year, you may catch bass, bluegill, crappie and catfish.
A charming town just 45 minutes south of Nashville and just off the Parkway, Leiper’s Fork offers families a fun stop to explore one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants and galleries. While small, it’s big on personality and known for its resident celebrities like Faith Hill, Nicole Kidman and Justin Timberlake.
When people used to travel on the Old Trace, Metal Ford was a popular place to cross the Buffalo River. Today, it makes for a great swimming hole. The riverbank is just steps away from the parking lot, as are a few picnic tables. Because of the rocky river bottom, water shoes are recommended.
Close to the Parkway in Hohenwald, Tennessee, the sanctuary is a non-profit that cares for Asian and African elephants. While the sanctuary is not open to the public, travelers can visit the Elephant Discovery Center in downtown Hohenwald to learn more about the elephants, see presentations by staff and watch the elephants on webcams. Hohenwald is about six miles west of the Parkway on Highway 412.
Located a quarter of a mile from the northern terminus of the Parkway in Nashville, Tennessee, this iconic landmark has been serving hungry travelers since 1951. Known for its biscuits, the restaurant serves Southern style breakfast, lunch and dinner with a large dose of southern hospitality.
Take a deep dive into Alabama’s music history at the Alabama Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia, Alabama. The state is home to many singers, including Nat King Cole, Emmylou Harris, Hank Williams and Lionel Richie and the exhibits here tell so many stories. The hall of fame is a 15-minute drive from the Parkway.
The Florence Mound in Florence, Alabama, and hundreds of others across the Southeast were part of ancient cultural centers. The Florence Mound measures 145 feet by 95 feet near its top. Archaeologists believe it was built between 100 and 500 AD. Visitors can walk up the stairs on this sacred mound and visit the museum that houses ancient jewelry, pipes, spear points, necklaces and more.
About 25 minutes off the Parkway, Muscle Shoals is known for its two famous recording studios. Opened in 1959, FAME Studio brought black and white musicians together to create and record music. This was especially daring back in the days of segregation. Rival studio Muscle Shoals Sound Studio popped up afterwards and together they gave rise to so many classic songs sung by the likes of Aretha Franklin, Bono, Keith Richards, Alicia Keys and Jimmy Cliff. Both studios offer tours.
While Tennessee is known for its whiskey distilleries, there are several wineries not far from the Parkway. Amber Falls Winery & Cellars in Nashville is all about novelty fruit wines, plus some dry reds. Grinder’s Switch Winery in Centerville is housed in a log cabin and makes sweet and dry reds and whites. Keg Springs Winery in Hampshire is minutes from She Boss Place on the Parkway and has sweet wines and live music. Natchez Hills Vineyard, also in Hampshire, focuses on sustainable growing using Old World techniques.
Located in Collinwood, Tennessee, across from the Wayne County Welcome Center, The Dragonfly sells antiques, gits, handbags, jewelry and coffee and smoothies. It’s a true emporium experience and an iconic Trace stop.
Architect Frank Lloyd Wright designed a number of buildings and homes during his career. One of his homes, The Rosenbaum House, is open to the public in Florence, Alabama. It’s a Usonian-style house and the design style is right in the name – Usonian – United States of North America. Wright designed Usonian homes to be affordable for middle-class American families but simultaneously innovative. Explore the Rosenbaum House’s open floor plan and see the furniture he designed.
Seasonal Layers: The type of clothes you pack depends on the season, so check weather temperatures for when you will be visiting. It’s always a good idea to pack clothes that will be comfortable whether you decide to pull over and do a short hike or tour a historic site. Bringing layers allow you to regulate your temperature easily.
Footwear: Comfortable, sturdy shoes like hiking boots or sneakers are ideal for exploring the Natchez Trace Parkway. No one wants to navigate a woodsy trail in work shoes.
Daypack: You may want a comfortable daypack or small backpack for day hikes.
Sun Protection: Pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
Bug Spray: It can get very buggy in the South when the weather is warm, so pack bug spray and have it easily accessible for hikes, picnicking and any time you venture out of the car.
Picnic Kit: Having lunch at one of the Parkway’s pull-offs is a must-do, so pack a cooler, tablecloth, utensils, plastic plates and a sponge for cleaning up afterward.
Sports Gear: If you’re planning on outdoor adventures, pack the gear you may need like spare bike tubes, fishing tackle, or your kayak.
Water Bottles: Bring along a water bottle for the drive as well as for any hikes you do. If you pack a refillable water bottle, you’ll save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
Trekking Poles: Light-weight hiking poles are nice to have if you plan on doing short or long hikes. They help provide a sense of balance over uneven terrain.
Maps: While GuideAlong helps you navigate, it’s always nice to have a road map for Tennessee, Alabama and Mississippi. Plus, make sure to grab a Natchez Trace Parkway Map and information pamphlets when you stop at visitor centers.
Phone Charger: If you’re taking pictures with your phone, running out of batteries may result in missed opportunities. A DC car charger is best, so that you can charge your phone while driving.
Plastic Bag: We always carry plastic bags with us, so we have a place to put our car trash, as well as to collect any trailside trash. If we all pick up a few pieces of trash along the Parkway’s pull-offs and trails, we’ll leave it better than we found it.
