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Freedom Hills Overlook: Alabama's Parkway Peak

Hike to the highest point on Alabama's Natchez Trace Parkway for stunning scenic views and a breath of fresh air.

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Freedom Hills Overlook, located at milepost 317 on the Natchez Trace Parkway, offers visitors a scenic vista from the highest point on the parkway in Alabama. A short but steep paved trail leads to the overlook, rewarding hikers with panoramic views, especially vibrant during the fall foliage season.

A brief summary to Freedom Hills Overlook

Local tips

  • Visit during the fall for the most vibrant foliage views.
  • Take your time on the uphill climb; benches are available for resting.
  • Bring a camera to capture the panoramic scenery.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Freedom Hills Overlook is located directly off the Natchez Trace Parkway at milepost 317. From Cherokee, Alabama, head north on the Natchez Trace Parkway. The overlook will be on your right. From Iuka, Mississippi, head east on US Highway 72 until you reach the Natchez Trace Parkway, then head north. The overlook will be on your right. There are no fees to access the Parkway or the overlook.

  • Walking

    Once you're on the Natchez Trace Parkway at milepost 317, the overlook is accessed via a short, paved walking trail. The trailhead is clearly marked from the parking area. The trail is approximately 0.25 miles in length and is a relatively steep climb.

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Discover more about Freedom Hills Overlook

Freedom Hills Overlook marks the highest point on the Natchez Trace Parkway within Alabama. Situated at milepost 317, the overlook is reached via a paved, quarter-mile trail that, while short, presents a moderately steep climb. Benches are available along the path for those who need to pause and catch their breath. At the summit, visitors are treated to an expansive view of the surrounding hardwood forest. The overlook is particularly popular during the fall, when the changing leaves create a colorful panorama. Dogwoods are also abundant in mid-March to mid-April. While the view may not be extraordinary at other times of the year, the walk itself offers a pleasant experience in nature. The Natchez Trace Parkway itself is a 444-mile route that runs through three states and commemorates a significant historical path of the Old Southwest. Originally a natural corridor used by indigenous peoples, it became a vital route for travelers as the United States expanded westward in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Today, the parkway offers a non-commercial, recreational road for leisurely travel and a chance to connect with nature and history.

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