Scenic Drives USA

This historic route generally follows the old Indian trace, or trail, between Nashville, Tennessee and Natchez, Mississippi. This portion of the byway travels 103 miles across central Tennessee from Pasquo to the Alabama state line. The parkway is a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles and remains open year-round.

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.

On the parkway’s northern end lies the historic city of Nashville, which was incorporated in 1806. Early in the 19th century, Nashville became a bustling river port known for shipping cotton. During the Civil War, Nashville was a strategic military post for the Confederacy, but was captured by Union troops in 1862. The Confederates unsuccessfully attempted to retake the city in the Battle of Nashville in December of 1864. Today Nashville is known as “Music City USA,” the place to be for country-and-western musicians and fans.

There are many parks developed by the National Park Service along the route. Most of the parks provide picnic facilities and nature trails; some of the trails follow the original Natchez Trace. Camping is available at Meriwether Lewis Park. This park is the site of Grinder’s Inn where Meriwether Lewis, the noted member of the Lewis and Clark expedition, died of gunshot wounds in 1809. A monument designed as a broken shaft marks his grave. There are 32 campsites for tents or recreational vehicles. A pioneer cemetery, exhibit room, and picnic tables are also found here.

Another option for camping is not too far from the parkway, the David Crockett State Park near Lawrenceburg. The state park offers over 100 campsites for tents and recreational vehicles. A small lake provides fishing, boating, and swimming opportunities. There are also nature trails and bicycling trails.