Current Conditions

Corona Virus (COVID-19)

The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis. Based on guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, access to the park is as follows:

Open:

• Outdoor spaces such as roadways, trails, pullouts, and roadside exhibits
• Parkway Visitor Center (mp 266) in Tupelo, MS with limited access to restrooms and park information
• Rocky Springs (mp 54.8) and Jeff Busby (mp 193.1) campgrounds for self-contained camping only
• All bicycle-only campgrounds with no potable water access
• Both Comfort Stations at Colbert Ferry (mp 327.3)
• Comfort Station nearest the motor road at the Meriwether Lewis Site (385.9)

Closed:

• All remaining comfort stations and drinking fountains along the Parkway
• Meriwether Lewis Campground and Contact Station (mp 385.9)
• Parkway Information Cabin (mp 102.4) in Ridgeland, MS
• Mount Locust (mp 15.5)

While the listed areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased, and services may be limited. When recreating, please follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, and avoid crowding and high-risk outdoor activities.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19 and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.

 

Pullout and Trail Closures

Some pullouts and trails are closed due to storm damage and/or unsafe conditions.

Rocky Springs Trail - Partial Closure

Milepost 55 to Milepost 59
Part of the Rocky Springs section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail is closed from Rocky Springs Campground to Fisher Ferry Road. This section of trail is closed to pedestrian and equestrian traffic due to unsafe conditions caused by trail erosion and bridge deficiencies.

Yockanookany Trail - Partial Closure

Milepost 108 to Milepost 131
The Yockanookany section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail is closed to equestrian use due to safety concerns with bridges and boardwalks. The trail remains open to pedestrians.

Cypress Swamp

Milepost 122
Closed due to storm damage sustained in 2020.

River Bend

Milepost 122.6
Closed due to storm damage sustained in 2020.

Myrick Creek

Milepost 145.1
Closed due to storm damage sustained in 2020.

Blackland Prairie Trail - Partial Closure

Milepost 260.8 to Milepost 261.8
The Blackland Prairie section of the Natchez Trace Scenic Trail from West Jackson Street to Chickasaw Village Site is closed to pedestrian and equestrian use due to storm damage sustained in 2020. Pedestrians may access the trail from milepost 261.8 to milepost 266. The entire trail is closed to equestrian use due to lack of horse trailer parking availability.

Cave Spring

Milepost 308.4
Closed due to storm damage sustained in 2020.

 

 

Weather

Mississippi, Alabama, and most of Tennessee are classified as humid subtropical climates. The weather ranges from mild winters to hot summers. Average high temperatures reach into the high 80's in summer, and into the high 40's in winter. Thunderstorms are common in Mississippi, especially in the southern part of the state, and from June through November, the state is occasionally affected by hurricanes moving north from the Gulf of Mexico. Check local forecasts to plan your trip.

Weather Details