Natchez Trace Parkway

Natchez Trace Parkway in Early Fall

The Natchez Trace Parkway commemorates a historic travel route that helped build the young United States. The Parkway 444 miles, with plenty of stops to allow you to explore some of the history or enjoy the scenery along the way.

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 not only a scenic drive but also hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping along the Parkway.

Meriwether Lewis Monument (milepost 385.9) on the Natchez Trace Parkway

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.

Double Arch Bridge over Birdsong Hollow (milepost 438) on the Natchez Trace Parkway

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.

Mount Locust Historic House (milepost 15.5) on the Natchez Trace Parkway

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.

Old Trace (milepost 221.4) on the Natchez Trace Parkway

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.

RecAreaDirections

Directions to the Natchez Trace Parkway vary depending on what part of the tri-state Parkway you are trying to reach. There are more than 50 roads that access the Parkway in Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. For specific questions concerning how to get to a certain portion of the Parkway, please call the Visitor Center at 1-800-305-7417.

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Facilities

Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8 Campground

List of Campsites

Rocky Springs Campground at milepost 54.8 on the southern end of the Parkway, includes a 22-site campground, picnic tables, restrooms, a section of the Old Natchez Trace, self-guiding walking trails through the old town site and the spring. Campground sites are on a first come first served basis, no reservations. Pull-through and back-in sites are available. Campgrounds are typically the busiest during the spring and fall, especially during holiday weekends.

Jeff Busby Campground, Milepost 193.1 Campground

List of Campsites

Jeff Busby Campground at milepost 193.1, midway on the Parkway, includes an 18-site campground, picnic tables, restrooms, trails, exhibits and an overlook atop Little Mountain. Campground sites are on a first come first served basis, no reservations. Pull-through and back-in sites are available. Campgrounds are typically busiest during the spring and fall, especially during holiday weekends. There is no fee for camping. There is a 14 day stay limit.

Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9 Campground

List of Campsites

The Meriwether Lewis Campground at milepost 385.9, on the northern end of the Parkway, has 32 sites. All sites are free and available on a first-come, first served basis. They do not offer electricity, showers, or dump stations. Drinkable water and flush toilets are available on site. Enjoy the Meriwether Lewis site which includes hiking trails, a section of Old Trace, exhibits and picnic areas.

Mount Locust Information Center Milepost 15.5 Facility

Located at milepost 15.5, the Mount Locust Information Center is at the site of the only remaining inn, or "stand" on the Parkway. During open hours, rangers are available to hand out maps, brochures, and answer questions about the historic house, just a short walk up he hill from the information center. Videos are available at https://www.nps.gov/natr/learn/photosmultimedia/videos.htm. Please visit the America's National Parks online store at https://shop.americasnationalparks.org/store/

Meriwether Lewis Visitor Information Center Milepost 385.9 Facility

The Meriwether Lewis Visitor Information Center is open seasonally. It is located at milepost 385.9. At this visitor center you can browse exhibits on the last days of Meriwether Lewis and purchase items from the Eastern National sales outlet. Volunteers and rangers are on hand to help you plan your visit and discuss the final hours of one of the United States' most famous explorers!

Parkway Information Cabin Milepost 102.4 Facility

The Parkway Information Cabin is closed indefinitely. The Chisha Foka trail parking area is open.

Parkway Visitor Center Milepost 266 Facility

The Parkway Visitor Center is just north of Tupelo, Mississippi. A ranger is on duty to answer questions and provide information and brochures. Ask and we will be glad to show you our movie. Other videos are available at https://www.nps.gov/natr/learn/photosmultimedia/videos.htm. The bookstore is open from 9am-4:15pm. You can also visit the America's National Parks online store at https://shop.americasnationalparks.org/store/

Recreation Areas and Campground Database