• 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 »

Getting Around

The Natchez Trace Parkway at milepost 9.

Driving the Natchez Trace Parkway provides spectacular scenery from Natchez to Nashville.

NPS Image

The most popular way to see the Natchez Trace Parkway is by car. All travelers should be aware of the following precautions when traveling.

  • Speed limit is 50 mph, unless otherwise posted
  • The Parkway is a designated bike route. Motorists are reminded to watch for bicyclists on the Parkway.
  • Watch for park wildlife, especially around dusk and dawn.
  • Travel is not advised at night, or during severe weather (heavy rain, ice, sleet, snow, strong wind)
  • The Parkway does occasionally close during hazardous weather.

Recreational vehicles (RVs) are another popular way to see the Parkway. The length restriction for RVs is 55 feet, including a tow vehicle, and the height restriction is 14 feet six inches. Most stops along the Natchez Trace Parkway are accessible to RVs, with the exception of those marked "no circular drive".

Another method of travel along the Natchez Trace Parkway is by bicycle. If you are interested in learning more about bicycling the Parkway, please visit our bicycling pages.

There are numerous access points to the Parkway including major highways. Popular access points include:

  • Liberty Road, off of Sergeant Prentiss Drive in Natchez, Mississippi (Southern Terminus)
  • Highway 61 just North of Natchez, Mississippi
  • Interstate 20, near Clinton, Mississippi
  • Interstate 55 in Jackson, Mississippi
  • Highway 82, near Starkville, Mississippi
  • Highway 6 in Tupelo, Mississippi
  • Highway 78 in Tupelo, Mississippi
  • Highway 72, near Cherokee, Alabama
  • Highway 64, near Lawrenceburg, Tennessee
  • Highway 96, near Franklin, Tennessee
  • Interstate 40 west of Nashville, to exit 192, McCrory Lane (Northern Terminus)

Visit our maps page, to download the Parkway map with these and other access points to the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Did You Know?

Mount Locust Inn along the Natchez Trace Parkway

The Mount Locust Inn and Plantation, dating back to the 1780's, is one of the oldest original structures along the Natchez Trace Parkway.