Today the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail consists of five separate sections–over 60 miles–developed for hiking and horseback riding . Portions of scenic trail follow segments of the original Old Natchez Trace. Like the Natchez Trace Parkway, the scenic trail is best enjoyed at a leisurely pace.
How long does it take to do the Natchez Trace Parkway?
The Parkway is 444 miles long with an end-to-end driving time of about 10 1/2 hours (speed is 50 MPH, and lower in congested areas). It travels near major and smaller cities, and near many small towns. Add time so you can stop and enjoy the sites. For each nature trails add about 30 minutes.
How do I get on the Natchez Trace?
- Highway 100 about 17 miles southwest of downtown Nashville.
- Follow I-40 to west of Nashville and take exit 192, McCrory Lane. Travel on McCrory Lane for about 5 miles to the entrance to the Natchez Trace Parkway.
What is the prettiest part of the Natchez Trace?
The Sunken Trace – Milepost 41.5
The Sunken Trace is one of the most photographed sites along the Parkway. The Trace appears sunken in this spot due to thousands of travelers walking on the easily eroded loess soil. This short trail will allow you to walk on the Natchez Trace just as thousands have before you.
Is the Natchez Trace safe?
While the Parkway is scenic and peaceful, the unique design of the Natchez Trace requires visitors to sometimes take extra care to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. No matter the activity or your itinerary, be sure to keep these safety precautions in mind. Always wear your seat belt. Obey posted speed limits.
Can you drive on the Natchez Trace parkway?
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile recreational road and scenic drive through three states .
Is the Natchez Trace Open 2021?
The Natchez Trace Parkway and nearby Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail will close to all traffic including vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians beginning July 19, 2021 . A detour will be implemented from Milepost 257 to 262.
What is special about the Natchez Trace?
John Coffee Memorial Bridge The Natchez Trace became the major trade route between the eastern states and the southern frontier. It was the only reliable land link between the eastern United States and the trading ports along the Mississippi River in Mississippi and Louisiana .
When should I visit Natchez Trace?
April, May, September, October ... those would be my favorites! Spring is when wildflowers are blooming and everything is green — Fall when the leaves are turning! And take some time to visit Natchez, MS — it’s a beautiful town!
What is the speed limit on the Natchez Trace?
Throughout the Parkway the speed limit is 50 mph , unless otherwise posted.
What is the halfway point on the Natchez Trace Parkway?
Spending a Weekend in Tupelo, Mississippi
Tupelo is roughly the halfway point If you are traveling the whole Natchez Trace Parkway. There is also an abundance of dining opportunities from upscale to blue-plate with over 160 restaurants in town.
What states does the Natchez Trace go through?
Natchez Trace Parkway, scenic and historic roadway, extending 444 miles (715 km) through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee , U.S. It begins in Natchez, Mississippi, and, generally following a Native American trail in a northeasterly direction, ends near Nashville, Tennessee.
What towns are along the Natchez Trace Parkway?
- Nashville. Franklin. Columbia. Hohenwald. Hampshire. Linden. Lawrenceburg. Clifton.
- Florence. Tuscumbia.
- Corinth. Tishomingo. Belmont. Baldwyn. Tupelo. Pontotoc. Houston. French Camp. Canton. Jackson. Raymond. Vicksburg. Port Gibson.
How many stops are on the Natchez Trace?
There are over 90 sites along the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Where does the Natchez Trace start?
Starting in Nashville, Tennessee , and ending in Natchez, Mississippi, the Natchez Trace Parkway is widely recognized as one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the U.S. While you won’t see any strip malls or fast food joints along the way, you will come upon lovely waterfalls, historic structures, rugged hikes, and ...
Are there bears at Natchez Trace State Park?
While black bear have been confirmed on the Parkway, due to their large habitat requirements, a bear sighting is extremely rare . For those interested in seeing mammals at a slower pace, a short walk on a nature trail will provide an opportunity to get off the roadway and see things that many visitors miss.
Why is it called the Natchez Trace?
The Trace was first officially known as the “Columbian Highway.” The name was given by President Thomas Jefferson, who ordered expansion of the trail to build links to the distant Mississippi territory .
Can you pull a camper on the Natchez Trace?
| Milepost Height Clearance Road | 419.1 14′ 7′′ Old Trace Drive |
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How high is the Natchez Trace Bridge?
| Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge | Height 145 ft (44 m) | Longest span 582 ft (177 m) | Clearance below 107 ft (33 m) | History |
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How long is the Natchez Trace Bridge?
Completed in 1994, the double arch bridge that spans Birdsong Hollow received the Presidential Award for Design Excellence in 1995 for its innovative design that rises 155 feet above the valley. The bridge carries Trace travelers 1,648 feet across the valley and Tennessee Highway 96.
Is part of the Natchez Trace closed?
The Blackland Prairie section of the Natchez Trace Scenic Trail from West Jackson Street to Chickasaw Village Site is closed to pedestrian and equestrian use due to storm damage sustained in 2020 . Pedestrians may access the trail from milepost 261.8 to milepost 266.
Is the Natchez trail open?
Open daily from 9 am to 4:30 pm . All Comfort Stations have been reopened except for five (see below) All RV/tent campgrounds – Rocky Springs (milepost 54.8), Jeff Busby (milepost 193.1) and Meriwether Lewis (milepost 385.9) are open.
Is Natchez Parkway open?
The Natchez Trace Parkway is open to through traffic from Milepost 115 to 135 .
Who owns the Natchez Trace?
| Natchez Trace Parkway | Established May 18, 1938 | Visitors 6,124,808 (in 2020) | Governing body National Park Service | Website Natchez Trace Parkway |
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What kind of food did the Natchez eat?
As a farming people, the Natchez depended on the crops they raised as their main diet. They grew corn, beans, pumpkins, watermelons, and squash that they used in dishes such as cornbread, hominy, and soups. Women had more than forty different recipes for corn, and they made bread from walnuts, chestnuts, and acorns.
