Natchez Trail, The Natchez District Travel Guide

The Natchez Trace Parkway offers a unique journey through 10,000 years of history and natural beauty. This 444-mile parkway roughly follows the Old Natchez Trace, a historic path that connected the Mississippi River to central Tennessee. Originally a network of trails used by American Indians, the Trace became a vital trade route in the early 1800s for boatmen, also known as "Kaintucks", who floated goods down the Mississippi River to Natchez and New Orleans.Today, the parkway provides a scenic driving route with no stop lights or stop signs, limited to private passenger vehicles and motorcycles. The speed limit is 50 mph, encouraging a leisurely pace to explore the numerous pullouts, historic sites, and natural wonders along the way. Many sections of the original footpath are still visible and accessible for hiking.Key highlights along the Natchez Trace Parkway include ancient Native American mounds like Emerald Mound, the second-largest ceremonial mound in the United States. Visitors can also explore historic stands like Mount Locust, one of the few remaining frontier inns from the early 1800s. The Parkway also includes the burial site of Governor Meriwether Lewis. The Natchez Trace Parkway offers a blend of history, culture, and outdoor recreation.