A two-way Natchez Trace Parkway stretches for 715 km (444 miles) from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. This road leaves you in awe because of its beautiful landscapes, and it will amaze you, even more, when you learn about its 10,000-year history. The modern road follows The Old Natchez Trace, a historic forest trail, connecting the Cumberland, Tennessee, and Mississippi rivers. The trail was used for centuries by Native Americans. Then early European explorers and traders used it in the 18th century. In general, the Parkway had been a significant trade route before steamboats on the Mississippi River and offered faster transportation.
The road was asphalted in 2005, and it offers an opportunity to travel for 444 miles without seeing traffic lights, commercial buildings or other signs of civilization. Commercial traffic is prohibited along the entire way. The speed limit on this road is 50 mph (80 km/h).
The Natchez Trace Parkway can be used year-round, but the best time to take it is spring and fall. In April and May, you can see a lot of wildflowers and trees blooming along your way.
In the middle of the autumn, you can observe magnificent fall foliage with the hickory, maple, oak, and other hardwood trees as they change their leaf colors to red, yellow and orange. There are a few outlooks along the parkway, like The Old Trace Drive (milepost 375.8), that provide beautiful views of forests.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit the Natchez Trace Parkway?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to visit the Natchez Trace Parkway, as the trees and wildflowers are in bloom, and the changing colors of the leaves offer exceptional scenery. Visitors can enjoy the views of forests from outlooks along the parkway and observe beautiful foliage during fall. Late April and early May, or mid-September to mid-October are the perfect times to visit the parkway. Show more
Where does the Natchez Trace Parkway start and end?
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile long road that connects Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee, following the historic forest trail known as The Old Natchez Trace. Traveling along the parkway offers breathtaking views of the scenic landscape, where the visitors can enjoy nature, away from the hustle and bustle of urban areas and highways. Show more
How long is the Natchez Trace Parkway and when was it asphalted?
One of the great American scenic drives, the Natchez Trace Parkway is 444 miles long and was asphalted in 2005. This historic road is banned from commercial vehicles and has a speed limit of 50 mph. It connects two major rivers, the Cumberland, Tennessee, and Mississippi, and has a rich history of use by Native Americans and early European explorers and traders. Show more
What is the speed limit on the Natchez Trace Parkway and what kind of vehicles are allowed?
The Natchez Trace Parkway has a speed limit of 50 mph and is open for cars, motorcycles, and bicycles. The road is designed keeping in mind natural scenery and peaceful drives for visitors. Due to minimal commercial traffic access, visitors can concentrate on the surroundings and enjoy the beauty of this historic path. The Parkway provides a relaxed atmosphere and a unique opportunity to experience nature with limited interference. Show more
Are there any viewpoints along the Natchez Trace Parkway where visitors can enjoy scenic views of forests and trees?
Along the Natchez Trace Parkway, there are several viewpoints available, which allow the visitors to relish in the stunning beauty of nature. Tourists can stop and pull over at The Old Trace Drive (milepost 375.8) to capture picturesque views of trees during fall. Other than that, visitors can indulge in several recreational activities such as hiking, horse riding, bird-watching, and fishing, relishing the abundant wildlife along the parkway. Show more
