The northern terminus of the Natchez Trace Parkway begins just west of Nashville and stretches 444 miles to Natchez, Miss., passing through Alabama, Tupelo and Jackson, Miss.
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.
Who owns the Natchez Trace?
The current parkway encompasses more than 45,000 acres and is managed by the National Park Service , which maintains numerous historical sites along its length, including the Meriwether Lewis Museum, the Meriwether Lewis Memorial, and a visitor’s center in Tupelo, Mississippi.
Is Natchez Trace the Trail of Tears?
Cherokee removal—Trail of Tears—Water Route Overlook, Natchez Trace. Official trail of tears routes crossed the the Old Trace in several places . There is no known documentation of exactly how the Old Trace was used to move tribes to access points.
How long does it take to drive the entire 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.
Can you drive on the Natchez Trace Parkway?
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile recreational road and scenic drive through three states .
Can you hike the trail of tears?
To hike the entire Trail of Tears National Historic Trail, you must get permission for the areas that are on private property . Other areas of the trail are located in state parks, city parks and on road right-of-ways.
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.
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.
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!
Can you walk the Natchez Trace Bridge?
Walking along the bridge from the adjacent parking lot is very much worth a stop , to see this beautiful part of Middle Tennessee. When friends visit from out of town, we always make a point of taking them to see this spot and at least some of the Natchez Trace Pkwy.
Where is the halfway point on the Natchez Trace?
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 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.
What is the speed limit on the Natchez Trace?
Throughout the Parkway the speed limit is 50 mph , unless otherwise posted.
What is special about the Natchez Trace?
Though the Natchez Trace was used as a major United States route only for a brief span, it served an essential function for years. The Trace was the only reliable land link between the eastern states and the trading ports of Mississippi and Louisiana .
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.
Where does the Natchez Trace start in Mississippi?
The southern part of the original Natchez Trace and the Natchez Trace Parkway travel through the state of Mississippi from the Alabama state line (milepost 308.9) to Natchez (southern terminus at milepost 0).
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 highway number is the Natchez Trace?
Natchez Trace Parkway Intersection. US Highway 49 accesses the Natchez Trace Parkway at milepost 92 in Jackson, Mississippi.
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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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 .
