National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Natchez Trace ParkwayThe Parkway Visitor Center, Tupelo, Mississippi
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Natchez Trace Parkway
Natchez to Jackson
The one hundred miles between Natchez and Jackson, Mississippi provides numerous opportunities to get out of your car and learn more about the history of the area. From prehistoric American Indian mounds, to a town abandoned in the early 1900's, there are thousands of years of history along the Natchez Trace.  A map can be found here.
 
Emerald Mound is the second largest Mississippian period ceremonial mound in the United States.

NPS Photo

Visitors have the opportunity to see the evidence prehistoric people have left along the Natchez Trace at Emerald Mound. 

Emerald Mound, at milepost 10.3, is the second largest Mississippian period ceremonial mound in the United States, and the largest mound along the Natchez Trace Parkway. The mound provides a glimpse into the story of the Mississippian period people who lived along the Natchez Trace.

 
The Historic Mount Locust Inn

NPS Photo

The Historic Mount Locust Inn, built in 1780.

Mount Locust, at milepost 15.5, is the only remaining inn, or "stand" on the Parkway. This contact station is open from February to November each year, and rangers are available from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm to share information on the historic structure. Mount Locust allows you to see what the "Kaintucks" may have experienced at the road side stands.  Download the Mount Locust Inn and Plantation brochure to learn more about the site. 

 
The Sunken Trace at milepost 41.5 on the Natchez Trace Parkway was created in the highly eroded loess soil.

NPS Photo

The Sunken Trace at milepost 41.5.

The Sunken Trace, at milepost 41.5 is one of the most photographed sites along the parkway. The trace appears sunken in this spot due to thousands of travelers walking on the easily eroded loess soil. This short trail will allow you to walk on the Natchez Trace just as thousands have before you. 
 
The Rocky Springs Cemetery contains old trees covered with Spanish Moss.

NPS Photo

The Cemetery at Rocky Springs is just some of the evidence left behind by residents of this abandoned town.

A short one half mile trail at milepost 54.8 allows you to walk through the abandoned town of Rocky Springs. In addition to the short trail, there is a picnic area, restrooms, and a campground. All campgrounds on the Natchez Trace Parkway are primitive and have no hookups. The sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservations available.

Emblem of the Daughters of the American Revolution  

Did You Know?
The Mississippi Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) played a vital role in the preservation of the Natchez Trace by placing markers in each Mississippi county the old trace passed through.

Last Updated: August 20, 2009 at 12:22 EST