Natchez Trace Parkway Scenic Route

The Natchez Trace Parkway, known for it picturesque qualities and historical significance, runs from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tenn. The over 400 mile parkway with no stop lights is open to recreational vehicles such as cars, RVs and bicycles, but no commercial vehicles are permitted. This roadway can be traveled at a leisurely pace stopping frequently to visit the historic sights and marvel at the scenic beauty.
The National Park Service publishes a pamphlet about the Natchez Trace which shows a detailed map describing historic and scenic stops at various clearly marked mileposts. You can use this to plan ahead as to what places you would like to stop.

The well-maintained Trace is a relaxing drive with little traffic. It offers three free campgrounds, various picnic areas, and numerous historic sites.

Free Campgrounds

According to the pamphlet issued by the National Park Service, there are three campgrounds located on the trace although camping is available at towns near the parkway. These areas are beautiful, shady, and serene. Water is available from a common area as there are no individual hook-ups for electric, water, or sewer. At each site is a ring for campfires. And best of all---it is free. There is no charge, just pick a sight, put up the tent or park the RV, and enjoy.

The Meriwether Campground at milepost 385 is named for Lewis Meriwether whose gravesite marked by a monuement is on the grounds. The camp has a ranger station, restrooms, picnic area and 32 campsites. At this campground, there are also exhibits, trails, and a pioneer cemetery.

A second campground area named Jeff Busby Campground is located at mile post 193. The only gas station on the parkway and a camp store are located here. The site was named for Thomas Jefferson Busby who was a Congressman from Mississippi who initiated a bill into Congress that resulted in the survey of the trace. There are 18 sites, picnic tables, exhibits, and trails.

Rocky Springs, a 22 site campground, is the third at milepost 54. At one time this was a busy small community consisting of a church, post office, Masonic lodge and a few stores. The town was overcome by the Civil War, boll weevil, and yellow fever. A church and cemetery mark the site today.

Historic Sites

Along the parkway are various historical sites that are well worth stopping to see.
At milepost 286 is Pharr Mounds, a 90 acre complex of eight burial mounds built about 1800 to 2000 years ago. These grass covered mounds are easily recognizable. At mile 8, the Natchez built what is called the Emerald Mound in 1400. It covers eight acres and there is a hiking trail to the top.

At several mileposts (403,397, 221 198, 8) the Old Trace is visible. At mile 41, a walk through the Sunken Trace along a self guiding trail is to experience the old pioneer trails.

Colbert Ferry at mile 327 was once owned by George Colbert who operated a stand and a ferry. The area includes a ranger station, phone, picnic area, swimming, fishing, and boat launch with a bike-only campground. According to the National Park Service pamphlet, supposedly during the Civil War, George Colbert charged Andrew Jackson $75,000 to ferry his men across the river.

Scenic sites

The parkway is mostly lined by leafy trees and pines. Rhododendron bushes grow along some of the roadway and when in spring bloom, the sight is spectacular. Obviously with the number of trees, a scenic drive in the fall with the smell of pines and the sight of multi colored leaves would be remarkable.

At mile 328-327, the John Coffee Memorial Bridge spans Pickwick Lake which was formed by the Tennessee Dam. It is a beautiful scenic area.

At mile 310 is an overlook across Alabama's highest point on the trace which is 800 feet.

Nearby attractions

The parkway runs in close proximity to Tupelo which houses a visitor center at milepost 266. Of course, Elvis Presley's boyhood home can be found in town. The Tupelo National Battlefield is close by. Jackson, Mississippi, a historic city with interesting shopping is along the trace path as is Natchez where a visit to the Natchez National Historic site and a tour of old Southern homes is a must. Vicksburg National Battlefield, the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, is not too far off the parkway.

History

The trace began as a path way for the Natchez, Chickasaw, and Choctaw Indians. The French, Spanish, and pioneers followed looking for new land. It was a popular return walking route for those who traveled the riverboats from Nashville to Natchez to sell their products. As more people used the trace, small businesses such as inns providing basic shelter and food started. There were many hazards along the way: thieves, swamps, floods, and mosquitoes. In 1812, travel on the trace slowed when the steamer boats became a faster means of transportation.

The modern trace was begun in the 1930's and was built along the old trace. There are various points where the actual Old Trace can be seen and walked. The Parkway is marked with mileposts and a pamphlet about the trace is available from various travel info centers.

In conclusion, traveling along this picturesque Parkway is calming and peaceful as opposed to the traffic clogged nearby highways. With very little traffic, no stop lights and speed at 50, one really can relax and reach destinations only a bit later than if traveling on the stressful I-55. The Trace offers a real opportunity to stop and smell the pines!