Plan Your Visit

Plan Ahead

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  Top Ten Ranger Tips for Your Trip

  Planning Tips from the Insiders

  Plan your trip using tips from the rangers who work at the Natchez Trace Parkway.

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  Camping

  Three Campgrounds on the Natchez Trace

  There are three campground on the Parkway, all first come, first served. Located at mileposts 54.8, 193.1, and 385.9

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  Driving Around in My RV

  Recreational Vehicles

  Many people travel the Parkway in their RVs. Know the limitations of your rig and the park before you head out.

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  PIcnicking

  There are Picnic Tables Along the Trace

  Some are secluded, some right along the road. Choose one that meets your style.

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  Be a Junior Ranger!

  Kids of All Ages can be Junior Rangers

  Our Junior Ranger program is designed for children 6-13, but anyone who is has the curiosity of a child can participate.

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  Pets and BARK Ranger

  Pets are Welcome

  Pets are welcome and dogs (and cats that think they are dogs) are welcome to become BARK Rangers.

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  Experience History

  Imagine You were There Then

  10,000 years of history is a lot to choose from. Pick your favorite places.

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  Hit the Trails!

  Short Walks or Long Hikes on the Parkway

  Stretch you legs on short historic walks, try out a paved trail, or walk in the depths of Potkopinu

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  WHAT ABOUT THE WEATHER?

  Weather & Emergency Information

  Inclement weather can come in many forms. Be prepared. This page will provide emergency information for many types of weather.

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  Other Parks and Towns Nearby

  Camp Out or Eat In Towns

  State and federal parks often have hook ups and electricity. Local visitor centers provide information about restaurants and hotels.

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  Want a Bite to Eat or Sleep in Town?

  Our Partner's Website Covers Trace Towns

  Hundreds of towns are just off the Parkway. You can sleep at 5 star hotels or hang out at the local BBQ place, and everything in between.

 

We highly recommend that you download the free National Park Service app that can be found at this link. You will have virtual access to all national parks.

How do I visit?

• A short afternoon drive, or a walk on a nature trail will provide a taste of what is available to explore along the 444 miles of the Parkway.
• A three day journey from end to end will allow time to sample a variety of the nature and history along the way.
• Five days will provide time to explore your favorite areas in depth.
• Experienced road bicyclists can spend days enjoying 444-miles of scenic byway.
• Hikers of all abilities can explore nature on nearly 100 trails ranging from short and paved to rustic trails 27 miles one way.
• Check out the top ten insider tips for planning your visit.

What to expect.

• By design, there are no food, gas, or lodging services "on" the Parkway. Hidden beyond the trees, in the many communities along the Parkway's 444-mile length, there is everything that you need and many local venues worth exploring.
• The Parkway maintains restrooms along the way.
• Cell phone coverage can be spotty. (save the Natchez Trace Parkway section of the app to your phone)
• The Parkway road is two lane and only 11 feet wide with no shoulder.
• Stopping points include frequent pullouts with interpretive signs about history and nature, and larger acreages of land featuring nature and history.

 

Basic Information

The Parkway roadway is open 24-hours a day, weather permitting. (please avoid the Parkway during bad weather)

Click here for hours, directions, and more basic information.

 

Oops...not open?

Sometimes the extraordinary complexity of the Parkway forces us to close buildings, exhibits, or make partial road closures.. Check here for a current list of What is Open, What is Closed.