• A curve along the Natchez Trace Parkway with fall colors

    Natchez Trace

    Parkway AL,MS,TN

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  • Sequestration Effects on the Parkway

    On March 1, 2013, the Parkway was required to reduce its annual budget by five percent, in accordance with the sequestration provision of the Budget Control Act of 2011. Click the link to learn about visitor center, restroom, and services impacts. More »

  • Portion of National Scenic Trail Near Tupelo Closed to Hikers

    Part of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail (NOT the Parkway) near Tupelo, MS, has been closed until 2015 due to construction under Tupelo's Major Thoroughfare Construction Project. Parkway travelers may expect delays, but no detours are expected. More »

Laws and Policies

The laws enforced on the Natchez Trace Parkway are contained in two documents:

Federal regulations covering all National Park Service lands are contained in the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 36, Chapter 1, also known as 36 CFR.

In addition, regulations pertaining specifically to the Natchez Trace Parkway are contained in the park's Compendium of Regulations.

Firearms Policy

As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park. It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park.

In addition, Federal law prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park. Those facilities are posted at public entrances to identify them and notify the public that firearms are not allowed in those areas.

As a starting point, please visit the federal Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms website and select the state that you are interested in from the list on the right side of the page.

More specific information about state permit regulations can be obtained on the following websites:

Alabama

Tennessee

Mississippi

Any firearm that is prohibited by State or Federal law is prohibited on the Parkway.

Mississippi State Law Synopsis (Mile Post 1-310)

  • Any Firearm that is legal to possess under state law may be carried in your personal vehicle while traveling the Natchez Trace Parkway.
  • Effective July 1, 2010 in Mississippi, the possession of a handgun permit is required when in possession of a concealed handgun outside your vehicle.

Alabama State Law Synopsis (Mile Post 310-344)

  • Possession of a concealed firearm in the State of Alabama is prohibited without a valid state permit. This prohibition includes possession inside and/or outside of your personal vehicle.

Tennessee State Law Synopsis (Mile Post 344-444)

  • Any firearm that is legal to possess under state law may be carried in your personal vehicle while traveling on the Natchez Trace Parkway, possession of handguns requires a valid state permit.
  • Any firearm that is legal to possess under state law may be carried on your person while outside of your vehicle, handguns require a valid state permit, while within the boundaries of the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Individuals must be in possession of the permit or license at all times while in possession of a concealed handgun in Alabama and Tennessee. Effective July 1, 2010 in Mississippi, the possession of a handgun permit is required when in possession of a concealed handgun outside your vehicle.

Did You Know?

The Sunken Trace at mile post 41.5 on the Natchez Trace Parkway

The "Sunken Trace" at milepost 41.5 on the Natchez Trace Parkway was caused by thousands of travelers walking over the easily eroded loess soil.