Parks

Built in 1848, this monument commemorates the life of Meriwether Lewis of the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery. Lewis died near the monument while traveling the Natchez Trace in 1809. Though questions exist, most historians believe Lewis died of suicide.

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.

Map showing location of park.

A yellow bulldozer sits on a wide, freshly excavated dirt section of the Natchez Trace Parkway, surrounded by tall, leafy green trees. The construction area is bordered by a paved road edge, indicating active roadwork.

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).

White truck with flashing blue and red police lights.

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.

Two excavators on opposite sides of a gap in the bridge. The road is entirely dirt and clay.

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.

Computer model of a two lane bridge deck with a low metal railing on a low concrete wall. there is a larger black metal and mesh fence with evenly spaced posts that are curved inward on the top.

Natchez Trace Parkway's Double Arch Bridge to Close for Construction

2026-04-10

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.

A paved treelined trail with a bridge spanning a dry creek bed. The trail is free of walkers.

Public Comment Period Opens April 3 for Ridgeland Firing Range ReportShape

2026-04-03

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.