We are fortunate to live close to the Natchez Trace Parkway in Nashville. It’s a true gem in terms of roadways, scenic destinations, and outdoor fun.

Over the past several years, I have spent many many hours hiking, bicycling, picnicking, motorcycling, jeeping, camping, and walking my dog there.

The Trace is one of the National Scenic Byways that passes through Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. Technically, it’s classified as a one of America’s All-American Roads. There are fewer than 40 All-American Roads in the United States.

To be designated as a National Scenic Byway, a road must possess at least 1 of the 6 intrinsic qualities and be regionally significant. These roads are often the “roads less traveled.” To receive an All-American Road designation, a road must possess multiple intrinsic qualities that are nationally significant and have one-of-a-kind features that do not exist elsewhere. The road or highway must also be considered a “destination unto itself.” That is, the road must provide an exceptional traveling experience so recognized by travelers that they would make a drive along the highway a primary reason for their trip. Source

Here are my top 10 reasons to visit the Natchez Trace Pkwy. If you haven’t already, make sure you put it on your bucket list!

Read more: 10 Reasons The Natchez Trace Pkwy Should Be On Your Bucket List

I’m always intrigued by pictures and historical facts, and I love the Natchez Trace Parkway, so I was thrilled to receive an advanced copy of this pictorial history book by the Natchez Trace Parkway Association.

Who better to share photos and fun facts with the public about the Natchez Trace Parkway, right?

The Natchez Trace Parkway Association formed in 1934 to promote the development of a federal parkway commemorating the old road. Through its efforts, President Roosevelt approved the parkway as a New Deal project. The paved road was finally finished in 2005. The Natchez Trace Parkway Association continues to work toward completing the interpretive facilities and amenities to help visitors understand, appreciate, and enjoy the parkway and the story of the old Natchez Trace. Source

Here’s my review of Building The Natchez Trace Parkway…

Read more: Building The Natchez Trace Parkway: A Review

As long as I’ve lived in Middle Tennessee, this is one of the first times that I’ve seen peak autumn colors arrive so early — before the end of October.

Usually, fall begins to show its colors around here somewhere between mid- to late-October, and the fall foliage is typically the most vibrant anywhere from early- to mid-November.

As seen in the following photos however, you can see what a difference a day makes!

The weather throughout the year, as well as recent weather in the immediate area can have a dramatic impact on how colorful the leaves are, when they start changing, and how long they stick around. So it’s difficult to predict exactly when the leaves on the trees will look their absolute best at this time each year.

Case in point: Last night and the night before, we had some serious storms around here — with a lot of wind and rain and several tornadoes in the surrounding areas. Unfortunately, that kind of weather wreaks havoc on delicate colorful leaves!

The same thing happened in various parts of the U.S. this year, including Ohio:

Windy and stormy conditions are bringing the fall foliage season to a close this week. Recent rain and winds have been bringing down a lot of leaves across the state over the last week. Most Ohio state parks and forests are reporting that peak fall color is over and leaves are expected to start or continue falling this weekend. “This year’s fall color season was much different than what we normally expect,” said Casey Burdick, fall foliage expert for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry. “Ohio started with drought stressed trees in mid-September showing early color, then nearly the entire state peaked showing a brilliant display around the second week in October. Lack of rain and strong wind events have shortened our usual 5 to 6 week fall color season. Source

Here’s an update on this year’s fall colors along the Natchez Trace Parkway, along with the fall foliage pictures I took today…

Read more: Sometimes Tennessee Fall Foliage Peaks Early!… (Photos From Natchez Trace Parkway)

The Family Roadtrippers document their many travels together as a family — mom, dad, and 2 kids.

On this particular road trip, the family is venturing down the Natchez Trace Parkway in Tennessee, with a George Jones song playing on the radio.

Author information

Lynnette Walczak

I like to help people find unique ways to do things in order to save time & money — so I frequently write about “outside the box” ideas that most wouldn’t think of. As a lifelong dog owner, I often share my best tips for living with and training dogs. I worked in Higher Ed several years until switching gears to pursue things I was more passionate about. I’ve worked at a vet, in a photo lab, and at a zoo — to name a few. I enjoy the outdoors via bicycle, motorcycle, Jeep, or RV. You can always find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun websites).

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