Last updated: July 11, 2024
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Press Kit: Natchez Trace Parkway Safe Driving
NPS / Sherwood Photography
Whether you’re just passing through or planning to explore the park, it’s important to be cautious of your surround environments. Below you’ll find links to safety information within the Natchez Trace Parkway, images, and other useful information. Welcome to the Trace!
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About Natchez Trace Parkway
- The Natchez Trace Parkway was created by Congress in 1938 to commemorate the historical travel corridor known as the Old Natchez Trace. The Old Natchez Trace is one of the oldest transportation routes in North America; its human use dates back as far as 8000 BCE.
- The modern Parkway stretches 444 miles and takes more than 10 hours to drive from end to end—through three states, 25 countries, and 20 communities. The combined residential population of the counties it traverses is over two million. In addition, there are more than 3,000 commercials and private landowners immediately adjacent to the Parkway boundary.
- In total, it takes around 10 hours to drive the Trace. Today, visitors can enjoy a scenic drive as well as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping along the Parkway.
Trip Planning Resources
- Plan Your Visit
- Basic Information
- Bicycle the Natchez Trace Parkway
- Traveling the Trace
- History Along the Trace
- Safety information
How To Have a Safe Trip
- With over 400 miles of scenic parkway, the Natchez Trace is rich with history and views. Visitors can enjoy wildlife, wildflowers, and extraordinary views all from the peace of their car.
- Your safety and protection are our top concern as you visit the Natchez Trace Parkway. Be aware of the distractions and pull over at designated stops to enjoy the scenery.
- While the Parkway is scenic and peaceful, the unique design of the Natchez Trace required visitors to take extra care. No matter the activity or your itinerary, be sure to be aware of your surrounding and follow the speed limit.
- Know that the Parkway’s lanes are narrower than normal roadways and that the road has little to no shoulder for most of the route. When driving on the parkway, be alert to road changes and signage.
- Be on the lookout for bicyclists! The Natchez Trace Parkway is a designated bicycling route. White a lane width of 11 feet and little to no shoulder, remember to slow down, pass with care, and avoid distracted driving.
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NPS / Joe Smith