Natchez Trace Parkway

Parkway · AL, MS, TN · nps.gov page

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile recreational road and scenic drive through three states. It roughly follows the "Old Natchez Trace," a historic travel corridor used by American Indians, "Kaintucks," European settlers, slave traders, soldiers, and future presidents. Today, people can enjoy a scenic drive as well as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping along the Parkway.

Larger map

News

15-mile Section Reopens as Road Rehabilitation Advances on Natchez Trace Parkway 2026-07-31
The National Park Service will reopen a 15-mile section of the Natchez Trace Parkway on August 3 and begin the next phase of a major road rehabilitation project, requiring a detour around a 24-mile section between state Highway 16 (milepost 135) and state Highway 19 (milepost 159.5).
Speeding Catches Up With You: Follow the Speed Limit on Natchez Trace Parkway to Save Lives 2026-07-06
As a part of the Speeding Catches Up With You campaign, Natchez Trace Parkway Rangers and Mississippi Highway Patrol Troopers will be present along the Natchez Trace to protect the public from aggressive speeding violations.
Natchez Trace Parkway to Close 15-Mile Section for Major Road Rehabilitation Project 2026-06-18
Beginning June 22, the Natchez Trace Parkway will detour motorists around a 15-mile section of parkway between state Route 12 (milepost 165) and state Route 413 (milepost 180) in Attala and Choctaw counties as construction begins on a major road rehabilitation project.

Photos

View of the Double Arch Bridge from Birdsong Hollow — The elegant Double Arch Bridge won the Presidential Award for Design Excellence in 1995. It spans Birdsong Hollow and Tennessee Highway 96. To see it from below, take the TN 96 exit and stop at the pulloff before you get to the highway.Photo: NPS Photo

Mount Locust Historic House — Mount Locust served as a family home and as a stand, or inn, for Natchez Trace travelers. Built around 1780, the home and grounds are open for visitors during operating hours.Photo: NPS Photo

A foggy section of the Old Trace in autumn — The "Old Trace," the historic trail commemorated by the Natchez Trace Parkway today, still survives in segments. The Old Trace was the main road through the Old Southwest, connecting Natchez to Nashville by going through Chickasaw and Choctaw lands.Photo: NPS Photo

Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.