An Intro to the Natchez-Trace Parkway

Only slightly shorter than the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Natchez-Trace Parkway is 444 miles (715 kilometers) long and one of the longest units in the National Park Service (NPS) system. It runs from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, also passing through Alabama on the way; and essentially follows the course of the historic Native American “Old Natchez Trace”. For those booking an RV or Motorhome rental, the route is ideal for people booking a campervan vacation between Houston or Dallas and Washington DC, Baltimore or New York City on the East Coast of the USA.

An official All-American Road, this wonderful two-lane road is a haven for road trippers, RVers and cyclists, lined with historic and natural attractions. If you want to learn more about this historic travel corridor; make sure to visit the Natchez-Trace Parkway Visitor Center at milepost 105.6.

There are over 50 access points along the road. The speed limit is 50 mph; a couple of section have a speed limit of 40 mph. Note that covering the entire road is not impossible in just one day. You’ll be driving the whole time, without time to stop and explore sights along the way if you do that. So therefore, you should really try and take your time. A day or three is ideal. Some cyclists even dedicate ten days to two weeks for the entire thing—the ultimate immersive road experience.

Historic Sites Along the Natchez-Trace Parkway

Itself a significant historic road, the Natchez-Trace Parkway boasts numerous fascinating historic sites. There are myriad Native American and pioneering sites for you to visit and explore. Consider stopping by the Meriwether Lewis Museum, Mount Locust stand, the Mississippi Craft Center and the Historic French Camp.

The second-biggest Native American ceremonial mound, Emerald Mound is a major highlight as well. So are a couple of Civil War battlefields, such as Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site and Tupelo National Battlefield, which are also managed by the NPS. Yet another great attraction is the ghost town of Rocky Springs.

Natural Attractions

When it comes to nature, the Natchez-Trace Parkway has plenty to offer you, too. There’s a reason that this scenic drive attracts so many road lovers travelling by RV rental or campervan hire, and that reason is its beautiful, soul-soothing nature.

Noteworthy highlights include the Sunken Trace, the Cypress Swamp, lots of fine overlooks, hiking trails and a bunch of waterfalls (the majority of which are found in Tennessee).

Have you ever driven the Natchez-Trace Parkway, or a section of it? Let us know in the comments below!