Natchez Trace Parkway
Natchez Trace Parkway
4.5
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:30 AM
About
This 444-mile parkway follows a Native American footpath from Natchez, MS to Nashville, TN.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
65 within 5 kms
Attractions
35 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- malcolmofstanmoreStanmore, United Kingdom19 contributionsBeautiful roadWe did a short section of this road shortly after leaving Natchez heading for Memphis. What a beautiful road and countryside. It was so quiet as well and you could just relax on the journey. I would love to have driven the full parkway all the way to Nashville but gained a small insight into a beautiful part of America.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 13 April 2023
- george bFort Myers, Florida273 contributionsHistory travelWe took the trace from Natchez to close to Nashville. Enjoyed the ride, but one downside was the travel to Port Gibson. It was far from worth it. The pretty part that General Grant said was too pretty to burn is long gone. Everything in the down is very run down, empty, or falling down.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 April 2023
- Tim LJefferson, Georgia1,867 contributionsTake a break and watch the video about the parkway.Located north of I-22 on the Parkway and easily identified. There is no fee with staff & rangers are available to provide information and answer questions. An informative video of the Parkway’s history is available along with gift shop & restrooms. Parkway maps are also available in an outside dispenser even when the center is closed.Visited June 2023Written 26 June 2023
- 323jenniferSeattle, Washington48 contributionsTrust your Atlas not your GPS!We drove south on the Natchez Trace Parkway, from Nashville to Natchez. We were disappointed we had to detour (apparently they are resurfacing a section of it) so we missed about 12 miles of it. It is a gorgeous drive, and such a pleasure to have very little traffic (no commercial vehicles are allowed on it) no billboards and no stop lights. We kept wondering why more people didn’t use it. It’s a great place for cyclists, but be aware they are legally allowed to ‘take a lane’. There is no shoulder for them. The speed limit is 50 mph. The scenery is pretty, even though there isn’t a lot of variety. There are lots of areas to pull off for a picnic or hike, and historical markers give a lot of information. We left the Parkway just south of Colbert Ferry and took hwy 72 to into Memphis for a couple of days, and then returned to the Parkway on the same road. Our GPS kept wanting us to take a different route to and from Memphis, I’m glad my husband agreed with my trusty Atlas!Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 September 2023
- Colleen MAlexandria, Louisiana4 contributionsScenic views, historic stopsPick up a map from National Park Service. It’s 400 plus miles from Natchez in the south to Franklin TN in north. Historic markers along the way. Picnic spots . I like Mount Locus Inn one of many Inns. It’s still remains & is open to visitorsVisited September 2023Travelled soloWritten 9 October 2023
- Natabug736317 contributionsLoved this drive!!We started in Natchez MS and went all the way to the end south of Nashville…. celebrated with dinner at the Loveless Cafe! We did our advance research and noted the stops we wanted to make with mile markers. We found the signage adequate and helpful. Our main issue was encountering several rest rooms closed, so stop and go when ya can!! The ladies at the Clinton MS Visitor Center were so helpful in guiding us to a hotel. Since we didn’t know where we’d end up each day, we rolled the dice in finding hotels each day. Worked out this time! The drive each day was so peaceful, enjoyable and educational. We had perfect weather!!Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 October 2023
- BillUsma7427 contributionsMiddle part of Natchez Trace.Today we drove from Tupelo to Jackson MS. Very pretty and minimal traffic, construction just south of Tupelo meant we got back on @Witches Dance and Byrum Mounds. Both interesting stops. Next favorite was the highest spot in Mississippi at @630 feet. Wonderful view. Very pretty and peaceful drive to JacksonVisited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 October 2023
- TheRovingVetsQuartzsite, Arizona191 contributionsBeautiful peaceful drive!The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 10 hour drive if doing the whole thing from start to finish. It runs from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. I've driven the whole thing. It's 50 mph and no commercial vehicles or red lights. Towards the Nashville end, it is very curvy and slows to 35 mph. We took our 38ft 5th wheel from Hohenwald, TN to Natchez, MS staying at all 3 campground on the Parkway. Having driven the Nashville portion we opted out of taking the camper on that stretch feeling it wouldn't be a comfortable attempt. Definitely drive the Trace!Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,777 reviews
Excellent
1,235
Very good
415
Average
97
Poor
25
Terrible
5
TheRovingVets
Quartzsite, AZ191 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 10 hour drive if doing the whole thing from start to finish. It runs from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. I've driven the whole thing. It's 50 mph and no commercial vehicles or red lights. Towards the Nashville end, it is very curvy and slows to 35 mph. We took our 38ft 5th wheel from Hohenwald, TN to Natchez, MS staying at all 3 campground on the Parkway. Having driven the Nashville portion we opted out of taking the camper on that stretch feeling it wouldn't be a comfortable attempt. Definitely drive the Trace!
Written 2 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raintree_Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand3,818 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We drove only a small part of the Natchez Trace Parkway north of Jackson, but found it to be very pretty and packed with history and natural beauty. The speed limit makes going a bit slow, but that's appropriate to fully appreciate the attractions. Also nice that trucks are prohibited from using the parkway.
Written 30 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BillUsma74
27 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Today we drove from Tupelo to Jackson MS. Very pretty and minimal traffic, construction just south of Tupelo meant we got back on @Witches Dance and Byrum Mounds. Both interesting stops. Next favorite was the highest spot in Mississippi at @630 feet. Wonderful view. Very pretty and peaceful drive to Jackson
Written 19 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natabug7363
17 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We started in Natchez MS and went all the way to the end south of Nashville…. celebrated with dinner at the Loveless Cafe!
We did our advance research and noted the stops we wanted to make with mile markers. We found the signage adequate and helpful. Our main issue was encountering several rest rooms closed, so stop and go when ya can!!
The ladies at the Clinton MS Visitor Center were so helpful in guiding us to a hotel. Since we didn’t know where we’d end up each day, we rolled the dice in finding hotels each day. Worked out this time!
The drive each day was so peaceful, enjoyable and educational. We had perfect weather!!
We did our advance research and noted the stops we wanted to make with mile markers. We found the signage adequate and helpful. Our main issue was encountering several rest rooms closed, so stop and go when ya can!!
The ladies at the Clinton MS Visitor Center were so helpful in guiding us to a hotel. Since we didn’t know where we’d end up each day, we rolled the dice in finding hotels each day. Worked out this time!
The drive each day was so peaceful, enjoyable and educational. We had perfect weather!!
Written 19 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colleen M
Alexandria, LA4 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
Pick up a map from National Park Service. It’s 400 plus miles from Natchez in the south to Franklin TN in north. Historic markers along the way. Picnic spots . I like Mount Locus Inn one of many Inns. It’s still remains & is open to visitors
Written 9 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
323jennifer
Seattle, WA48 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We drove south on the Natchez Trace Parkway, from Nashville to Natchez. We were disappointed
we had to detour (apparently they are resurfacing a section of it) so we missed about 12 miles of it.
It is a gorgeous drive, and such a pleasure to have very little traffic (no commercial vehicles are allowed on it) no billboards and no stop lights. We kept wondering why more people didn’t use it. It’s a great place for cyclists, but be aware they are legally allowed to ‘take a lane’. There is no shoulder for them. The speed limit is 50 mph. The scenery is pretty, even though there isn’t a lot of variety. There are lots of areas to pull off for a picnic or hike, and historical markers give a lot of information. We left the Parkway just south of Colbert Ferry and took hwy 72 to into Memphis for a couple of days, and then returned to the Parkway on the same road. Our GPS kept wanting us to take a different route to and from Memphis, I’m glad my husband agreed with my trusty Atlas!
we had to detour (apparently they are resurfacing a section of it) so we missed about 12 miles of it.
It is a gorgeous drive, and such a pleasure to have very little traffic (no commercial vehicles are allowed on it) no billboards and no stop lights. We kept wondering why more people didn’t use it. It’s a great place for cyclists, but be aware they are legally allowed to ‘take a lane’. There is no shoulder for them. The speed limit is 50 mph. The scenery is pretty, even though there isn’t a lot of variety. There are lots of areas to pull off for a picnic or hike, and historical markers give a lot of information. We left the Parkway just south of Colbert Ferry and took hwy 72 to into Memphis for a couple of days, and then returned to the Parkway on the same road. Our GPS kept wanting us to take a different route to and from Memphis, I’m glad my husband agreed with my trusty Atlas!
Written 24 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gillian D
hexham11 contributions
Jun 2023
A bit boarding road but if your wanting to stay off the motor ways and big wagons it’s fine, we thought there would be a lot more to see but you have to go off at difficult bits to see things.
Written 4 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pitt-Duq
Pittsburgh, PA749 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
A beautiful drive that was both scenic and historic. There are various pullouts where they information about the trace.
Written 12 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tim L
Jefferson, GA1,867 contributions
Jun 2023
Located north of I-22 on the Parkway and easily identified. There is no fee with staff & rangers are available to provide information and answer questions. An informative video of the Parkway’s history is available along with gift shop & restrooms. Parkway maps are also available in an outside dispenser even when the center is closed.
Written 26 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
blueman66
Willow Springs, MO831 contributions
May 2023
what little we have seen, it was great can not wait to be able to travel the whole thing, this is a must
Written 23 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CMC
Herne Bay, United Kingdom695 contributions
We are driving from New Orleans to Memphis and would like to drive a part of the Trace on the way there. We are doing it in one day later this month (February), leaving around 5am on Wednesday. Which is the more enjoyable drive, or better option for any other reason from these 2 routes?:
1 - New Orleans / Natchez / Jackson / The 55 to Memphis
2 - New Orleans / Jackson / Tupelo / The 22 to Memphis
Thank you.
TheRovingVets
Quartzsite, AZ191 contributions
We've driven the whole trace. We actually stayed at all 3 campgrounds on the trace last month, January of 2024. We full time RV and we enjoyed Tupelo. There are plenty of things to do in Tupelo and lots to do in that area. We've recently made the trip so if you want to see things to do in the areas along the trace, We've made videos of all the things we did on youtube. Look up "TheRovingVets" on there. You can see all 3 free campgrounds plus all the things we did. None if the videos of the trace are over 15 minutes so it might give you some ideas of why to pick 1 route vs the other based on what you think peaks your interest the most.
StephanieSTJohn
Wilmington, NC307 contributions
We are thinking of driving the Natches Trace from Natches to Port Gibson. We will then drive from Port Gibson to Vicksburg, so as near as I can tell, we will leave the Trace in Port Gibson. I would like to know what there is to see on that section of the parkway and if it is easy to get on in Natches and off in Port Gibson. TYIA
cajunfun
New Iberia, LA155 contributions
Not sure about Port Gibson but getting on and off is easy. You may be several miles from a given place but sit back and enjoy the drive. So so nice! Enjoy your trip! I’m kinda jealous but we go at least once a year! Take it slow and easy. Beautiful lazy drive. We have stopped many times for a nap while on the Trace!😎
BobCat1984
Durham, NC19 contributions
Hey yall, I will be traveling the entire parkway start from Natchez the last week in Apirl 2021 and I'm wondering about lodging. I have already secured my stay in Natchez but I'm not sure about lodging along the way...would you recommend booking in advance or are accommodations readily available? If booking in advance what is a good halfway point between Natchez and Nashville? I'm traveling by car so camping is out of the question. Thank for any advice.
cajunfun
New Iberia, LA155 contributions
Tupelo
praedewald
Fort Wayne, IN211 contributions
Just how hard is it really to bike the Natchez Trace especially the first 100 miles out of Nashville? We will be carrying our gear on our bikes and staying at hotels and B&Bs. We’d like to ride about 50 miles a,day. We’d like to bike the Trace the 3 or 4th week of March also. What’s the weather like in March? Thank you.
Wendy T
Evansville, IN123 contributions
We did the Trace in an RV but there were many riders on the Parkway. A bike would be a great way to see everything. I would check local weather reports but I would think March would be ideal. The Parkway is more curvy than hilly and very well maintained. The Area around Jackson, MS needs some paving done. Get a Trace Parkway map before you go.
Racerjoe
Birmingham, AL
Trying to schedule a quick trip along the Natchez Trace later this week. If starting at Natchez (just drive time not including any stops).... what is approximate drive time for these
1) from Natchez to Jackson
2) from Natchez to Tupelo
Thank you
Cyndi G
Avon, CT211 contributions
Agree with the others on times and ease. Should be smooth drive.
MIDave_8
Menominee, MI65 contributions
What part of April was it when you drove the parkway? We are planning to drive it this spring, but want to make sure the trees are "leafed out" and other plants are in bloom. Thanks, Dave
Mike I
Tupelo, MS43 contributions
actually Im on it all the time, since it runs right through my town. I wold say that by April it should be pretty much in full bloom
How much time does it take to drive from Natchez to Tupelo without any stops, or very few?
Tom B
Phoenix, AZ74 contributions
If you check Google maps, it won't put you on The Trace unless you specify bicycle. Then it predicts about 24 hours of travel time. Literally anyone could do this on an e-bike, which can go about 30 miles on a charge. Works out to about 10 days in theory. Why would anyone take the NTP without stopping? That misses the point and probably is a hazard to cyclists and cars coming on and off from the turnouts. Anyway, driving an open road at 50 is not an American thing. Most cyclists, even seniors like myself, could easily cover 50 miles per day with stops for sights and lunch. There are bike tours that focus on sections of the road. My wife was the "sag"support for the sections that I biked.
kim
5 contributions
I’m thinking of driving and photographing along the parkway in the fall. I’m a single black female. Is this a safe proposition for me?
My father says I’m crazy, but his views of Mississippi and the south in general are from his time in the struggles in the sixties, and understandably negative.
I would be traveling only in daylight, and staying in adjacent towns. I am a seasoned solo traveler, though I’ve spent more time abroad than in the south.
What do you think?
Thank you.
B0bK
United States19,468 contributions
You will be fine and you will love the ride. Take your time and explore the various sights along the way. Do be careful of bicycles that will share the road with you.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Natchez Trace Parkway
- Hotels near Natchez Trace Parkway:
- (1.10 km) Campground at Barnes Crossing
- (3.18 km) Hampton Inn & Suites Tupelo/Barnes Crossing
- (6.62 km) Holiday Inn & Suites Tupelo North, an IHG Hotel
- (3.52 km) Best Western Plus Tupelo Inn & Suites
- (8.20 km) Hotel Tupelo
- Restaurants near Natchez Trace Parkway:
- (4.62 km) Blue Canoe
- (5.58 km) Neon Pig Cafe
- (8.12 km) Cafe 212
- (8.13 km) Fairpark Grill
- (8.92 km) Harveys