This historic route generally follows the old Indian trace, or trail, between Nashville, Tennessee and Natchez, Mississippi. This is the longest portion of the parkway as it crosses Mississippi from Natchez to the Alabama state line, a distance of 310 miles. The parkway is a two-lane paved road suitable for all types of vehicles and remains open year-round. A small 17-mile portion running through Tombigbee National Forest is officially designated a National Forest Scenic Byway.
Once trekked by Indians and trampled into a rough road by traders, trappers, and missionaries, the Natchez Trace Parkway is now a scenic 445-mile route traveling from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. In the late 1700s and early 1800s, “Kaintucks,” as the river merchants were called, would float downriver on flatboats loaded with their merchandise to be sold in New Orleans. Since there wasn’t any practical way to return by river, the boats were dismantled and the lumber sold. The Natchez Trace would be the only pathway home.
At that time, the Trace was a dangerous path to take. Travelers waded through swamps and swam streams and fended off attacks by wild animals and poisonous snakes. It was also necessary to keep an eye open for murderous bandits and Indian attacks. The terrain of the trace was rough, too. A broken leg of a lone traveler would often mean certain death. The dangers of the route earned the Trace the nickname “Devil’s Backbone.” Modern-day travelers don’t have these dangers to face as they travel this historic route.
You can begin your drive on the parkway in the historic town of Natchez. Natchez boasts an incredible 500 antebellum structures, including homes, churches, and public buildings. Prior to the Civil War, more than half of the millionaires in the United States lived in Natchez. Several of the beautiful mansions are open year-round for guided tours.
In the picturesque town of Port Gibson you will find numerous historic homes and churches. Port Gibson was a major objective for Ulysses S. Grant in his 1863 campaign for Vicksburg during the Civil War. After over-coming Port Gibson, Grant departed from his “scorched earth” policy, declaring the town “too beautiful to burn.” Today, Port Gibson proudly displays the beautiful homes and churches that prevented Grant from burning the town.
The city of Jackson was torched on three separate occasions during the Civil War, reducing the community to a series of ruins nicknamed “Chimneyville.” There were only a handful of historic buildings that survived the war. Today, Jackson is a large city offering all of the cultural and recreational activities associated with a large city.
On the parkway’s northern end is the city of Tupelo. It is here that the parkway headquarters and visitor center are located. A museum within the visitor center houses artifacts and displays chronicling the history and development of the old Natchez Trace and the modern parkway. Audiovisual programs tell the story of the historic trail. A nature trail is also found here.
Recreational activities are plentiful along the parkway. The Rocky Springs recreation area, north of Port Gibson, offers 22 campsites, a picnic area, and interpretive trails. Jeff Busby Park, west of Ackerman, offers an 18-site campground, picnic area, trails, and an exhibit shelter and overlook atop Little Mountain. At 603 feet in elevation, Little Mountain is one of the highest points along the parkway in Mississippi. The only service station and campstore directly along the parkway are also located here. In addition to the National Park Service campgrounds, several picnic areas have been developed along the route.
A small portion of the Natchez Trace Parkway travels through the Tombigbee National Forest. This 17-mile portion is a National Forest Scenic Byway. The national forest offers the Davis Lake Recreation Area, which provides a 24-site campground suitable for tents or trailers. Some of the campsites have electric hookups. The lake is stocked with largemouth bass, catfish, crappie, and bream. The Witchdance picnic area provides access to hiking and horseback riding trails, in addition to picnic facilities.
There are several state parks located along or a short distance from the parkway. The parks offer numerous campsites for tents and recreational vehicles, many having electrical hookups. Other facilities vary but most offer drinking water, restrooms, picnic areas, and nature trails.
