It roughly follows the "Old Natchez Trace," a historic travel corridor used by American Indians, "Kaintucks," European settlers, slave traders, soldiers, and future presidents. Today, people can enjoy a scenic drive as well as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping along the Parkway.
Photo: NPS Photo
Natchez Trace Parkway
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile recreational road and scenic drive through three states.
- LocationTupelo, MS
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
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Weather now90°F Cloudy
- Alerts 1 active alert
Overview
Topics
- African American Heritage
- Animals
- Archeology
- Architecture and Building
- Battlefields
- Birds
- Bridges
- Burial, Cemetery and Gravesite
13 more topics
- Civil War
- Enslavement
- Farming and Agriculture
- Fire
- Military
- Native American Heritage
- Night Sky
- Plantations
- Roads, Routes and Highways
- Transportation
- War of 1812
- Wars and Conflicts
- Women's History
Alerts (1)
Park ClosureCurrent Park Closures Closures may occur due to inclement weather, construction projects, or other emergency conditions. Please visit the link… Read more
Closures may occur due to inclement weather, construction projects, or other emergency conditions. Please visit the linked page for information about current closures.
Things to Do
29 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Camping
3 campgrounds listed on Recreation.gov. Check availability and current conditions before you go.
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Jeff Busby Campground, Milepost 193.1
Not reservable on Recreation.gov Campground
Jeff Busby Campground at milepost 193.1, midway on the parkway, includes an 18-site campground, picnic tables, restrooms, trails, exhibits and an overlook atop Little…
Details
Jeff Busby Campground at milepost 193.1, midway on the parkway, includes an 18-site campground, picnic tables, restrooms, trails, exhibits and an overlook atop Little Mountain. Campground sites are on a first come first served basis, no reservations. Pull-through and back-in sites are available. Campgrounds are typically busiest during the spring and fall, especially during holiday weekends. There is no fee for camping. There is a 14 day stay limit. -
Meriwether Lewis Campground, Milepost 385.9
Not reservable on Recreation.gov Campground
The Meriwether Lewis Campground at milepost 385.9, on the northern end of the parkway, includes a 31-sites campground, flush toilets, hiking trails, a section of the Old…
Details
The Meriwether Lewis Campground at milepost 385.9, on the northern end of the parkway, includes a 31-sites campground, flush toilets, hiking trails, a section of the Old Trace, picnic areas, and exhibits. Campground sites are on a first-come, first-serve basis, no reservations. Pull-through and back-in sites are available. Campgrounds are typically busiest during the spring and fall, especially during holiday weekends. -
Rocky Springs Campground, Milepost 54.8
Not reservable on Recreation.gov Campground
Rocky Springs Campground, milepost 54.8, on the southern end of the Parkway, includes a 22-site campground, picnic tables, intermittent restrooms, a section of the Old…
Details
Rocky Springs Campground, milepost 54.8, on the southern end of the Parkway, includes a 22-site campground, picnic tables, intermittent restrooms, a section of the Old Trace, self-guiding walking trails through the old town site. Campground sites are on a first come first served basis, no reservations. Pull-through and back-in sites are available. Campgrounds are typically the busiest during the spring and fall, especially during holiday weekends. No potable water is available. Plan to be self-contained.
Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
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Meriwether Lewis Visitor Information Center Milepost 385.9
Facility
The Meriwether Lewis Visitor Information Center is open seasonally. It is located at milepost 385.9. At this visitor center you can browse exhibits on the last days of…
Tupelo, MS (800) 305-7417 Directions
Details
The Meriwether Lewis Visitor Information Center is open seasonally. It is located at milepost 385.9. At this visitor center you can browse exhibits on the last days of Meriwether Lewis. Volunteers and rangers are on hand to help you plan your visit and discuss the final hours of one of the United States' most famous explorers! The exhibits are open and self-guided in a separate section of the visitor center. -
Mount Locust Information Center Milepost 15.5
Facility
Located at milepost 15.5, the Mount Locust Information Center is at the site of the only remaining inn, or "stand" on the Parkway. During open hours, rangers are…
5182 Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez, MS (601) 445-4211 Directions
Details
Located at milepost 15.5, the Mount Locust Information Center is at the site of the only remaining inn, or "stand" on the Parkway. During open hours, rangers are available to hand out maps, brochures, and answer questions about the historic house, just a short walk up the hill from the information center. Videos are available at https://www.nps.gov/natr/learn/photosmultimedia/videos.htm. Please visit the America's National Parks online store at https://shop.americasnationalparks.org/store/ -
Parkway Information Cabin Milepost 102.4
Facility
The Parkway Information Cabin is closed indefinitely. The Chisha Foka trail parking area is open.
Tupelo, MS (800) 305-7417 Directions
Details
The Parkway Information Cabin is closed indefinitely. The Chisha Foka trail parking area is open. -
Parkway Visitor Center Milepost 266
Facility
The Parkway Visitor Center is just north of Tupelo, Mississippi. A ranger is on duty to answer questions and provide information and brochures. Ask and we will be glad…
Details
The Parkway Visitor Center is just north of Tupelo, Mississippi. A ranger is on duty to answer questions and provide information and brochures. Ask and we will be glad to show you our movie. Other videos are available at https://www.nps.gov/natr/learn/photosmultimedia/videos.htm. The bookstore is open from 9am-4:30pm. You can also visit the America's National Parks online store at https://shop.americasnationalparks.org/store/
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Open 24 hours, daily · Natchez Trace
Hours details
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Natchez TraceOpen 24 hours, daily
The Natchez Trace Parkway motor road is open all year, day and night. Operating hours for information centers and some locations do vary. Severe weather resulting in washouts and downed trees can cause temporary road closures. Questions about road condition should be directed to the Parkway's visitor center by calling 1-800-305-7417.
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Weather
90°F
Cloudy · feels like 88°
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Today
96° 65°
Sunny17% rain -
Tomorrow
92° 71°
Overcast36% rain -
Saturday
92° 70°
Overcast82% rain
Updated 3 hr ago
What to expect by season
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 90's in summer and often heat indices are over 100°F. Winters are mild with daytime temperatures around 50°F but lows below freezing are not uncommon. Thunderstorms are common in the southeast and the southern part of Mississippi is occasionally affected by hurricanes. Check local forecasts to plan your trip.
Contact the park
Upcoming Events
9 coming up-
Movies on the Trace: Migration | Parkway Visitor Center (MP 266)
About
Settle in under the stars and enjoy a laid‑back Mississippi evening on the Natchez Trace with our outdoor movie series. Pick out your favorite spot on the grass and take in a movie framed by Southern pines. Perfect for anyone who loves summer nights outside with family & friends.
Bring a flashlight to help find your way, blanket or lawn chair for maximum coziness, and snacks if you want ‘em. And remember: practice Leave No Trace Principles and pick up after yourselves.
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North Mississippi Dulcimers Performance | Parkway Visitor Center (MP 266)
About
Experience the sweet sounds of tradition! Join us this Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Parkway Visitor Center near milepost 266 for an inspiring musical event featuring the North Mississippi Dulcimer Association! Step into the world of the Appalachian mountain dulcimer, the first instrument developed in the United States, and discover why its name translates to “Sweet sound”. You’ll enjoy a live performance while learning about the dulcimer’s history and traditions that have kept this unique instrument beloved since the early 1800s. Whether you’re a music lover, history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful and uplifting way to spend a Saturday morning, this public program is the perfect opportunity. Come listen, learn, and let the gentle tones of the dulcimer brighten your day! -
Movies on the Trace: Land Before Time | Parkway Visitor Center (MP 266)
About
Settle in under the stars and enjoy a laid‑back Mississippi evening on the Natchez Trace with our outdoor movie series. Pick out your favorite spot on the grass and take in a movie framed by Southern pines. Perfect for anyone who loves summer nights outside with family & friends.
Bring a flashlight to help find your way, blanket or lawn chair for maximum coziness, and snacks if you want ‘em. And remember: practice Leave No Trace Principles and pick up after yourselves.
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Hands-on-History: Skills of Yesterday with the Tombigbee Pioneers | Parkway Visitor Center (MP 266)
About
Feeling like you practically need to be a computer programmer just to get through everyday tasks? If you’re craving a break from screens and passwords, come reconnect with real, hands‑on skills with the Tombigbee Pioneers living history group, who join us at the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center (milepost 266) on the fourth Saturday of the month throughout the summer and fall!
Try traditional activities like basket weaving, spinning wool, making old‑fashioned dolls, woodworking, early American musical instruments, doily tatting, and more. It’s a chance to slow down, create something tangible, and enjoy the kinds of skills people once used every day—no tech support required.
Show 5 more events
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North Mississippi Dulcimers Performance | Parkway Visitor Center (MP 266)
About
Experience the sweet sounds of tradition! Join us this Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Parkway Visitor Center near milepost 266 for an inspiring musical event featuring the North Mississippi Dulcimer Association! Step into the world of the Appalachian mountain dulcimer, the first instrument developed in the United States, and discover why its name translates to “Sweet sound”. You’ll enjoy a live performance while learning about the dulcimer’s history and traditions that have kept this unique instrument beloved since the early 1800s. Whether you’re a music lover, history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful and uplifting way to spend a Saturday morning, this public program is the perfect opportunity. Come listen, learn, and let the gentle tones of the dulcimer brighten your day! -
Welcome the Holiday Season with the North Mississippi Dulcimers! | Parkway Visitor Center (MP 266)
About
Experience the sweet sounds of the holiday season with the North Mississippi Dulcimer Association! Join us this Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM for a festive musical event at the Parkway Visitor Center near milepost 266!
Step into the world of the Appalachian mountain dulcimer, the first instrument developed in the United States, and discover why its name translates to “sweet sound”. Enjoy a live performance of holiday music while learning about the dulcimer’s rich history and traditions that have kept this unique instrument beloved since the early 1800s.
Whether you’re a music lover, history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful and uplifting way to spend a Saturday morning, this public program is the perfect opportunity. Come listen, learn, and welcome the holiday season with the gentle tones of the dulcimer. All are welcome!
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North Mississippi Dulcimers Performance | Parkway Visitor Center (MP 266)
About
Experience the sweet sounds of tradition! Join us this Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Parkway Visitor Center near milepost 266 for an inspiring musical event featuring the North Mississippi Dulcimer Association!
Step into the world of the Appalachian mountain dulcimer, the first instrument developed in the United States, and discover why its name translates to “Sweet sound”. You’ll enjoy a live performance while learning about the dulcimer’s history and traditions that have kept this unique instrument beloved since the early 1800s.
Whether you’re a music lover, history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful and uplifting way to spend a Saturday morning, this public program is the perfect opportunity. Come listen, learn, and let the gentle tones of the dulcimer brighten your day!
-
North Mississippi Dulcimers Performance | Parkway Visitor Center (MP 266)
About
Experience the Sweet Sounds of Tradition! Join us this Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Parkway Visitor Center near milepost 266 for an inspiring musical event featuring the North Mississippi Dulcimer Association! Step into the world of the Appalachian mountain dulcimer, the first instrument developed in the United States, and discover why its name translates to “Sweet sound”. You’ll enjoy a live performance while learning about the dulcimer’s history and traditions that have kept this unique instrument beloved since the early 1800s. Whether you’re a music lover, history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful and uplifting way to spend a Saturday morning, this public program is the perfect opportunity. Come listen, learn, and let the gentle tones of the dulcimer brighten your day! -
North Mississippi Dulcimers Performance
About
Experience the sweet sounds of tradition! Join us this Saturday from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the Parkway Visitor Center near milepost 266 for an inspiring musical event featuring the North Mississippi Dulcimer Association! Step into the world of the Appalachian mountain dulcimer, the first instrument developed in the United States, and discover why its name translates to “Sweet sound”. You’ll enjoy a live performance while learning about the dulcimer’s history and traditions that have kept this unique instrument beloved since the early 1800s. Whether you’re a music lover, history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful and uplifting way to spend a Saturday morning, this public program is the perfect opportunity. Come listen, learn, and let the gentle tones of the dulcimer brighten your day!
Photos
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The "Old Trace," the historic trail commemorated by the Natchez Trace Parkway today, still survives in segments. The Old Trace was the main road through the Old Southwest, connecting Natchez to Nashville by going through Chickasaw and Choctaw lands. — NPS Photo
Getting There
Tupelo, MS 38804
Directions to the Natchez Trace Parkway vary depending on what part of the tri-state Parkway you are trying to reach. There are more than 50 roads that access the Parkway in Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi.
Full directions
For specific questions concerning how to get to a certain portion of the Parkway, please call the Visitor Center at 662-680-4027.
Mailing address: 2680 Natchez Trace Parkway, Tupelo, MS 38804
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