Stories of the early-American continent and the early United States come to life on the Natchez Trace Parkway.  The park provides an opportunity to experience those stories along the historic landscapes of early America.  It preserves a 444 mile area where early peoples traveled, American Indians established nations, early United States leaders extended their young republic, volunteer U.S. soldiers and American Indians joined to  defend their independence from the British in the War of 1812, and eventually, brother fought brother during the Civil War.

The old Natchez Trace became a cradle of southern culture as settlers moved southwest and built towns along the road. The unique music, food, and traditions they created can still be experienced along the route.  Chickasaws, Choctaws, and Cherokees are renewing interpretation of their own cultures in their historic homelands along the trace.  American Indians’ contributions to the development of southern culture can also be explored on a trip through the park.

The parkway motor road runs through the park to connect the sites by leisurely driving, cycling and hiking. As the ninth most-visited national park site in the U.S., the parkway also contains the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail, as well as numerous side trails, streams, rivers, and waterfalls.  Learn more on this site about how to use the trails to improve fitness and wellness in the outdoors.

Serious cyclists worldwide place the parkway on their “bucket list.”  We are working with Adventure Cycling Association to develop a pilot program to improve the cycling experience on the parkway and to make it safer for both cyclists and motorists.  Select specific topics from the list below to help make the most of your visit to the Natchez Trace Parkway.

The Natchez Trace Parkway Association is honored to have been the friends group for the Natchez Trace Parkway for more than 80 years.  We invite you to join as a member or to make a donation to help.

Explore the new cell phone tour we are developing for the parkway.  Click on “Visiting the Park”, then “Tour Information” above to access the tour.

For more information, please contact us at info@natcheztrace.org or mail us at Natchez Trace Parkway Association, 203 3rd Avenue South, Franklin, TN 37064.