More than 16,000 Trees Planted Along the Natchez Trace Parkway
TUPELO, MS – The Natchez Trace Parkway is home to more than 16,000 brand new tree seedlings, planted near the new intersection of Highway 6 and Parkway milepost 257. “When the new roadway came through, some forest was removed,” said Dr. Lisa McInnis, Chief of Resource Management. “This project will restore some of that forested habitat, and provide for scenic protection going into the future.”
A mixture of many hardwood tree species and a few shortleaf pines were planted, totaling 23 acres. Plantings were done in accordance to a re-vegetation plan conceived by the Parkway Ecologist, Jesse Burton. “Care was taken to select species that are appropriate for the area and the soil type,” said Burton.
This project is part of the Parkway’s preparation for the National Park Service’s Centennial Anniversary in 2016.
It’s 2015 on the Natchez Trace! America’s most beautiful and historic scenic byway has added another year to its belt. That makes the Trace, let’s say 2,000 years old this January? But why should a person visit the Natchez Trace Parkway in 2015? There are plenty of reasons. Have a New Years resolution? Is it to get in better shape? Spend more time with family? Start a new hobby? In 2015, the Natchez Trace is where its at.
The Sunken Trace at milepost 41.5
If you’re looking to get in shape, the Natchez Trace Parkway has numerous recreational activities to match any interest or experience level. Whether hiking, biking, walking, jogging, or even paddling your kayak, there are countless opportunities to get out and get healthy on the trace. The Trace is a cyclist-friendly route, where commercial traffic is forbidden and on/off ramps mean there is no cross traffic to worry about. If you’d like to work out your arms, try paddling around the Ross Barnett Reservoir and catching a fish or two.
Ross Barnett Reservoir in Ridgeland, MS
Want to spend more time with family? The Natchez Trace Parkway offers excellent opportunities for horseback riding, camping, and having a tasty bite to eat. Southern food, BBQ, seafood…. you name it, you can find it in one of the beautiful Trace communities.
The Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail in Tennessee is one of the four Parkway trails available for horseback riding. Photo courtesy: NPS
Even as you’re traveling to and from your new year’s activities, the Parkway offers beautiful views along the length of the drive. Sure winter time isn’t known for leaves and flowers, but the lack of those will help you peer into your surroundings, spotting the old farmhouses, tractors, and furry inhabitants that usually hide from view in warmer months.
Wildlife along the Parkway
Pick up a new hobby like getting more exercise and enlightenment by exploring history along the Trace. Originally a series of trails that stretched 500 miles through the Chickasaw and Choctaw lands from Mississippi to Tennessee, throughout the years it has accumulated rich layers of history that continue to fascinate visitors who travel in the footsteps of all those who’ve trekked before.
Near Tupelo, Mississippi, you’ll find the Pharr Mounds, large hills built by Native Americans who lived in the area over 2,000 years ago. Evidence of these original inhabitants and hundreds of years of new travelers is still abundant along the 444-mile scenic trail.
Or visit Windsor Ruins in Port Gibson, one of the most photographed site in Mississippi. In 1890 the main structure was destroyed by fire, leaving only stately columns as mute evidence of a glorious, historic past.
Windsor Ruins – Port Gibson, MS
So there you have it – all the excuses you need to make the Natchez Trace Parkway a part of your 2015 trip plans!
To learn more about the Natchez Trace Parkway and plan your trip, give us a call at 866.TRACE56 (872-2356) or visit scenictrace.com. You should also check out helpful information about the Natchez Trace Parkway on National Park Service website here.
Get social and follow the Natchez Trace on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram @TheNatchezTrace
The National Park Service is an agency of the United States federal government that was founded in 1916. NPS manages all of our national parks, many national monuments, and promotes historical preservation and conservation efforts at sites across the country. The agency was created by the National Park Service Organic Act which was signed into law by President Woodrow Wilson.
Let’s take a look at some of the historical highlights from the yesteryear on the America’s most beautiful scenic byway…
Pharr Mounds at milepost 286.7
Way before European settlers found their way to the Trace, Native Americans used the Natchez Trace as a well-trod trading route and set up numerous large settlements along the path. Evidence of these original inhabitants is abundant along the Trace. One of the most impressive is the Pharr Mounds, large hills built by Native Americans who lived near Tupelo, Mississippi nearly 2,000 years ago. The National Park Service excavated these mounds in 1966. Archeologists found fire pits and ceremonial materials from as far away as the Great Lakes. The first Natchez Trace travelers really got around!
Many years later Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto traveled through the area in 1541, while first-known European to trek the entire Natchez Trace was a Frenchman who ambled through it in 1742. Thanks to the preservation efforts of the NPS, you can walk, bike, or drive this same path nearly 300 years later!
The Sunken Trace at milepost 41.5
During the 1800s, action along the Natchez Trace really heated up. Shortly after the Revolutionary War, a new nation sought to expand connections with what was then called the Southwest – the Natchez Trace area. President Thomas Jefferson ordered the Trace to be expanded in 1803, and the trail was expanded sufficiently to handle horse-drawn wagons by the time the War of 1812 broke out. During both the War of 1812 and the Creek War, President-to-be Andrew Jackson commanded troops as they traveled the road to battle the British and Red Stick Creek Indians, respectively.
The Battle of Franklin Reenactment
During the Civil War, both sides used the Natchez Trace to ferry troops and materiel between points of conflict. Along the Trace you can still find Port Gibson, Mississippi, a town General Grant dubbed, “too beautiful to burn.” You’ll also find the grounds of the epic Battle of Franklin.
More recently, numerous musical artists including Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Allman Brothers, the Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton have recorded hits in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. You just can’t drive a mile down the Natchez Trace without running into history!
The Swampers of Muscle Shoals, AL
So as the National Park Service prepares to celebrate its Centennial next year, keep in mind the thousands of years of history that is at your fingertips along the Natchez Trace Parkway. We are lucky and appreciative of the great work the National Park Service has done along the Trace and around the country, and we hope you’ll celebrate the Centennial with all of us on the Natchez Trace Parkway!
Find us on Facebook and Twitter to join the conversation, and follow us on Pinterest and Instagram @TheNatchezTrace to see beautiful photos of the Trace. Download our 2014 Visitors Guide HERE.
For a true picture of the great outdoors on the Natchez Trace, you might paint by numbers like these:
136 types of birds (and still counting), from jewel-toned hummingbirds to lumbering flocks of wild turkey to graceful, long-limbed blue heron. The Parkway is a birder’s delight.
2202 types of plant species, including hardwoods, conifers, old growth and new, from lacy spring dogwood blooms to knobby cypress needs breaking black swamp water to the blaze of fall colors on towering maples and oaks.
205 mammals, herptiles, and fish species, including deer, fox, armadillo and coyote, and eight species federally listed as threatened or endangered. Altogether, a thriving ecosystem protected from commercial encroachment.
15 nature trails for your enjoyment
64 miles of national scenic trails; 28 different hiking and self-guided trails for a total of 100 miles of hiking heaven.
If you wanted to paint a picture of the Parkway outdoors, you might also use a magic-like the disappearing act of the “Sunken Trace,” a portion of the Old Trace pounded so deep by eons of human and animal traffic that riders on horseback could (and did) disappear from view.
Cypress Swamp
Or you might choose mystery-like the curious enchantment of Cypress Swamp, where those knobby cypress knees share dark waters with reclusive alligators, which may be spied upon by diligent detectives from the elevated boardwalk above.
Or maybe you prefer the majesty of endless acres of brilliant blue, from Ross Barnett Reservoir to Colbert’s Ferry to Pickwick Lake, where blue herons skim the surface and bald eagles sail the deep blue canopy overhead.
Magical, mysterious, majestic–however you picture the outdoor beauty of the Natchez Trace Parkway, be sure you picture a spectacular view around every bend, and a place so unspoiled you can easily feel the centuries slip away, not to mention everyday cares and troubles. The natural world of the Natchez Trace is truly picture perfect.
To get the most out of your Parkway explorations, we suggest you bring binoculars and hiking boots. And yes, you’ll want to have a camera to capture all that perfection, and for souvenirs to go with great memories!
The Sunken Trace
Winding 444 miles through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, there are so many places to experience the wonderful nature on the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Find us on Facebook and Twitter to join the conversation, and follow us on Pinterest and Instagram @TheNatchezTrace to see beautiful photos of the Trace.
Download our 2014 Visitors Guide HERE. Visit the National Park Service website to learn more about visiting the Natchez Trace Parkway
HEADQUARTERS, TUPELO, MS: By the end of the year, Natchez Trace Parkway will say “Happy Trails” to 11 employees who have decided to exchange the day-to-day grind for a life of leisure.
“These employees have contributed more than 300 years of combined service to the Parkway, stated Superintendent Mary Risser. “They take with them an incredible amount of institutional knowledge and experience. We will miss them but wish them well.”
Following is a list of our colleagues who are moving on to their next adventures: District Rangers Kim Korthius (29 years) and Patrick Shell (30 years); Rangers Andy Atkins (28 years) and Dave Henry (32 years); District Foremen Terry Stanley (31 years) and Terry Hale (26 years); Maintenance Mechanics Mike Frazier (30 years) and Paul Brown (29 years); Tractor Operators Claude Taylor (19 years) and Mancil Deason (29 years); and Interpreter Mike Hazlip (23 years).
The retirements from the maintenance division have the potential to impact the visitor experience significantly. The men from this division are who make the parkway a pleasant place for visitors to come. They are the ones who make the Parkway neat and clean; they know how to do the best job in the least amount of time; they are dedicated to make this park the best it can be.
Chief of Maintenance Barry Boyd added, “For me, this is also quite a blow. I will miss these men because of how much I have come to appreciate each one of them. I will miss their loyalty, their character, their honesty, and their leadership; but most of all their friendship.”
Chief Ranger Sarah Davis offered, “These employees have left an indelible mark on the National Park Service and the Natchez Trace Parkway. The Parkway will miss their professional expertise, which includes over 120 years of experience from the four rangers. I thank each of them for their service and dedication to the Ranger Profession and for their protection of our National Parks and the people who visit them.“
“Mike has been a critical part of the Mount Locust operation since 1991. He has personally guided thousands of park visitors through the historic site and enjoyed sharing his love of the site and its history with area schoolchildren and the traveling public,” stated Chief of Interpretation Terry Wildy. “Mike enjoyed taking on the persona of “Mike Fink” the boatman and telling the story of the heyday of the old trace when thousands of boatman would return home using the Natchez Trace. His expertise will be missed.”
To find out more about upcoming programs and general information about the Natchez Trace Parkway, please visit our website at www.nps.gov/natr.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 398 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov
TUPELO, MS – A special program of dulcimer music will be provided by the North Mississippi Dulcimer Association from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2015, at the Parkway Visitor Center located at milepost 266 near Tupelo, Mississippi.
The North Mississippi Dulcimer Association teaches dulcimer history, tradition, craftsmanship, and music by sharing its knowledge and talents. The Appalachian mountain dulcimer is the first instrument developed in the United States. Dating back to the early 1800s, the dulcimer is an instrument whose very name means “sweet sound.” The National Park Service and the North Mississippi Dulcimer Association invite everyone to listen to the soft sweet sounds of the dulcimer and learn of its extensive history.
HEADQUARTERS, TUPELO, MS: “The National Park Service will celebrate the beginning of its second century on August 28, 2016,” stated Superintendent Mary Risser. “To prepare for the celebration, staff members spent a week landscaping around the visitor center and headquarters building near Tupelo.”
The Tupelo Visitor Center and Headquarters were part of a program titled “Mission 66,” which was a 10-year, billion dollar initiative timed to be completed in 1966 – the 50th anniversary of the National Park Service. The program built numerous visitor centers, expanded campgrounds, widened roads, constructed comfort stations, and hundreds of other facilities in national parks. Over the years, many of the landscaping plants around the Natchez Trace Parkway visitor center died and were not replaced. The result was a relatively barren landscape. “This project reinvigorated the original design intent of the landscape,” stated Landscape Architect Greg Smith. Use of a diverse group of native herbaceous and woody plants in the landscape not only looks attractive but benefits local wildlife.
“This week’s work was truly an inter-divisional effort to complete this project,” continued Risser. “The maintenance and fire management crews were instrumental in prepping the area for the planting. They also planted many of the larger trees throughout the week. On Friday, many of the employees took a break from working on computers and went outside to help with the planting.”
To find out more about upcoming programs and general information about the Natchez Trace Parkway, please visit www.nps.gov/natr
TN, AL, and MS: The Natchez Trace Parkway released its prescribed fire (controlled burning) schedule for 2014-2015. From December 2014 through September 2015, prescribed fire operations will be conducted at various locations along the Parkway (see table below).
Prescribed Fire Name
Milepost
Prescribed Fire Name
Milepost
MP 404 Burn Pile
404.4
Arlington WUI
260.9 – 261.1
Tobacco Farm
401.7 – 403.1
Lakeside WUI
259.9 – 260.8
MP 401 Barrens
400.9 – 401.6
Hernando de Soto
243.2 – 245.9 W
ML Hiking Trails
385.7
Monroe Mission
243.2 – 245.9 E
MP 386 Burn Pile
385.6
Chickasaw Agency
241.0 – 241.6
Old Trace Drive
375.3 – 377.5
MP 231 Burn Pile
231.2
MP 334 Burn Pile
334.0
MP 219 Burn Pile
219.1
MP 309 Burn Pile
309.5
Little Mountain
192.9 – 193.3
Tishomingo State Park
304.0 – 304.9
MP 148 Burn Pile
148.4
Twentymile Overlook
278.3 – 278.6
MP 120 Burn Pile
119.5
Need Center
265.2 – 266.5
West Florida Boundary
107.9 – 108.2
Lakeshire Woodlands
262.4 – 263.8
Boyd Site
106.7 – 107.3
Chickasaw Village
261.4 – 262.0
Rocky Springs
54.1 – 55.8
Prescribed fire is a useful and cost effective tool for managing the forests and grasslands that encompass the Parkway. Prescribed fire reduces the buildup of dead woody material, decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfire, perpetuates fire dependent vegetation, reduces exotic vegetation, provides habitat and forage for animals, and restores the natural role of fire in a healthy ecosystem.
During prescribed fire operations, smoke warning signs will be placed along the Parkway as a precaution. Motorists should travel at a safe speed with headlights on when smoke is visible. Please be aware of park rangers, firefighting personnel, and equipment along the roadway and mow line. If visibility falls below 500 feet, the Parkway may be temporarily closed until smoke has cleared. Some smoke may be visible for several days after initial prescribed fire operations have ended.
TUPELO, MS: Weather depending, the Natchez Trace Parkway plans to conduct two prescribed fires (controlled burns) in Madison County, MS on December 10 and 11, 2014. The prescribed fires are located at:
Prescribed Fire Name
Milepost
Boyd Site
107
West Florida Boundary
108
The parking areas at both sites will be closed during the burns. The hiking trails at the West Florida Boundary will also be closed during the burns.
Prescribed fire is a useful and cost effective tool for managing the forests and grasslands that encompass the Parkway. Prescribed fire reduces the buildup of dead woody material, decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfire, perpetuates fire dependent vegetation, reduces exotic vegetation, provides habitat and forage for animals, and restores the natural role of fire in a healthy ecosystem.
During prescribed fire operations, smoke warning signs will be placed along the Parkway as a precaution. Motorists should travel at a safe speed with headlights on when smoke is visible. Please be aware of park rangers, firefighting personnel, and equipment along the roadway and mow line. If visibility falls below 500 feet, the Parkway may be temporarily closed until smoke has cleared. Some smoke may be visible for several days after initial prescribed fire operations have ended.
For more information about the Natchez Trace Parkway Fire Management Division, please visit
There are many exciting and memorable places to visit along the historic 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway. From Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, you’ll have to the opportunity to take a break, stretch your legs and visit some extraordinary places, filled with beauty and 10,000 years of American history.
Natchez to Ridgeland:
Emerald Mound
Emerald Mound – Located at milepost 10.3, it’s the largest Mississippian period ceremonial mound in the country. It’s also the largest mound along the Parkway. Take yourself back in time and imagine what it was like to live along the Natchez Trace at Emerald Mound.
Mount Locust – Located at milepost 15.5, Mount Locust Inn is the only remaining inn on the Natchez Trace. It’s open year round (except on Christmas Day) and you’ll love learning more about the Trace’s history from the park rangers. Mount Locust allows you to see what the “Kaintucks” may have experienced at the stands.
The Sunken Trace
The Sunken Trace – Located at milepost 41. 5, the Sunken Trace is a highly popular spot. The trail is sunken due to thousands of travelers walking on the eroded soil. Travel the Sunken Trace and imagine what it would have been like thousands of years ago.
Ridgeland to Tupelo:
The Ross Barnett Reservoir is a must-see in the Ridgeland area. This beautiful, man-made body of water parallels the parkway for about eight miles. Relax, watch the sunset on the water and even fish. Enjoy a walk and take in the views at Reservoir Overlook at milepost 105.6.
Cypress Swamp – Located at milepost 122.0, walk on boardwalks through a water tupelo/bald cypress swamp. It’s a great spot for taking pictures!
Cypress Swamp
Little Mountain Overlook at Jeff Busby – This is one of the highest points in Mississippi along the Parkway. Enjoy the picnic area, campground and the stunning overlook, of course.
Bynum Mounds – This period burial mound site is located at milepost 232.4. The archeological site consisted of six mounds, five of which were excavated in the 1940’s. Two of the largest have been restored, and you can see them today. The interpretive exhibits tell the story of early residents of the Natchez Trace.
Chickasaw Village Site – This archeological site is at milepost 261.8 and reflects the village that once lived here. See the outlines of Chickasaw homes and walk a short nature trail and learn about the area. If you’re interested in a longer walk, the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail is available.
Tupelo to North Alabama:
Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center
The Natchez Trace Visitor Center – Visit Tupelo at milepost 266 to learn all about the Parkway! You can find a twelve-minute orientation film, interpretive displays about the cultural and natural history of the Trace and even a bookstore. This is the place where you can get your passport stamps for the Parkway, Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail, Tupelo National Battlefield, and Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield.
The Old Trace – Find 13 Confederate grave sites at the Old Trace at milepost 269.14. The grave sites of these 13 unknown soldiers is an interesting places to stop.
Pharr Mounds
Pharr Mounds – Visit milepost 286.7 to see eight mounds between two – 18 feet high! Over 2,000 years ago, Pharr Mounds may have been filled with a village full of people. Learn about the mound building process and village life in this area.
Colbert Ferry – In the early 1800s, George Colbert operated a stand and a ferry at this spot. Today you can enjoy a picnic by the river, fish and boat on the Tennessee River. Visit Colbert Ferry at milepost 327.3 for a fun time.
Rock Spring Nature Trail – Located at milepost 330.2, this short half mile loop trail takes you past Colbert Creek. Walk the stepping stones and enjoy the beautiful nature.
Rock Spring Nature Trail
Tennessee:
Waterfall at Fall Hollow
Fall Hollow Trail – Love the view and sounds of waterfalls? Take a short walk at milepost 391.9 to view this pretty waterfall on the Natchez Trace.
The Tobacco Farm and Old Trace Drive – Located at milepost 401.4, this is a great place to learn about growing and drying tobacco. The two mile drive on the Old Trace has great views of the forest, and is one of two places you can be on the “Old Trace” without walking.
Jackson Falls – Located at milepost 404.7, this is a popular walk along the Parkway. You’ll find yourself walking down a steep trail into a small gorge – it’s well worth the walk! There are picnic tables and even a short trail to Baker Bluff Overlook.
Birdsong Hollow
Birdsong Hollow – This spot provides spectacular views of the double-arched bridge on the Parkway. Did you know the bridge rises 155 feet above the valley below? It’s a must-see!
Winding 444 miles through Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee, there are so many places to make a stop on the Natchez Trace Parkway! Find us on Facebook and Twitter to join the conversation, and follow us on Pinterest and Instagram @TheNatchezTrace to see beautiful photos of the Trace.
HEADQUARTERS, TUPELO, MS: “The Natchez Trace Parkway experienced a significant increase in November recreational visits in 2014 over 2013 figures,” stated Superintendent Mary Risser. “This year, 747,606 people used the Parkway in November compared to 505,759 who were counted in 2013.”
Month
2014
2013
January
466,706
443,307
February
422,365
422,579
March
491,577
349,273
April
512,813
512,248
May
489,190
535,303
June
518,693
563,565
July
550,032
587,695
August
496,436
533,555
September
728,172
534,955
October
747,606
546,421
November
689,456
505,759
Year to date
6,113,046
5,534,660
These numbers continue to put the Natchez Trace Parkway on track to be among the top ten most visited National Park Service sites. The Natchez Trace Parkway has numerous recreational activities to match any interest or experience level. Whether camping, motorcycling, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, or horseback riding, there are countless opportunities to experience the history, culture, and natural resources of the area.
To find out more about upcoming programs and general information about the Natchez Trace Parkway, visit www.nps.gov/natr.
2014 Christmas Parades and Festivals Along the Natchez Trace Parkway
Santa is out on the Trace & you should be too! photo credit: Jerry Brinegar
It’s Christmastime along the Natchez Trace Parkway! Eighteen beautiful communities dot the 444-mile scenic byway, and there are plenty of exciting holiday events for one and all. You can find all sorts of events here, but here are a few more you may not have made plans for just yet.
The Natchez Little Theater will present A Christmas Carol, the classic Christmas story of Ebenezer Scrooge, a old cranky man who had his Christmas spirits lifted by visits from spirits of a more ghostly quality. The show will go on Fridays, Saturdays, and Tuesdays at 7:30pm from December 5th – 20th. On Sundays, you can catch A Christmas Carol December 7th, 14th, and 21st at 2:00pm.
If you’re in the mood for a tasty adult beverage, check out Libations at Linden on Saturday, December 20th. Admire the Christmas decorations at Linden and enjoy a famous Natchez Milk Punch. You can find tickets here.
If you find yourself in Central Mississippi, don’t miss the Chimneyville Crafts Festival. The festival runs Friday, December 5th through Sunday, December 7th. Named the “Best Festival in Mississippi,” you can find fine crafts of wood, pottery, glass, metal, jewelry, and just about anything else! The preview party is Friday, December 5th from 7-10pm.
Make a holiday stop in Elvis’s hometown! The 66th Annual Reed’s Tupelo Christmas Parade will be Monday, December 8th on the streets of downtown Tupelo. The parade will begin at 6:30pm at the intersection of Main Street and Front Street.
From December 5th through December 24th, community groups and local individuals will create an alluring exhibition using nine, 12-foot tall spruce and fir trees to tell their stories. At The Trees of Christmas, decorators use a variety of uncharacteristic techniques and materials to carry out both traditional and unexpected trees. A wonderful and visual Christmas pleasure is in store for audiences who attend this one of a kind exhibit.
Join the locals in Historic Downtown Franklin, TN where Main Street will be packed with revelers for the annual Franklin Christmas Parade. The parade starts at 2:00pm on December 6th. Once the parade is over, be sure to check out the excellent choices for food and drink in town!
The nearly world-famous, quirkiest, most charming homegrown Christmas Parade begins at 2:00 pm on December 13th in Leiper’s Fork, TN. Check it out here!
From November 14, 2014 – January 3, 2015, the magic of the Christmas season comes to life at Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas in Nashville, TN. Visitors can enjoy snow slides, ice skating and riveting shows. You’ll find it all here.
You can also celebrate the holidays in Music City with a dinner and show on the General Jackson Showboat! The show will keep you entertained with the Heart of Christmas in the Victorian Theater. A six‐piece show band and six outstanding featured performers fill the stage with colorful production numbers of Christmas favorites like “Sleigh Ride,” “Winter Wonderland” and Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song.” Fill your belly too with a selection of holiday foods from master chefs on board. The show is going on now through December 23rd from 6:15pm to 9:45pm.
Winter is an awesome time to visit the Natchez Trace Parkway (here’s why.)
Frozen Waterfall on the Parkway
Here’s to a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Natchez Trace Compact! To plan your trip, give us a call at 866.TRACE56 (872-2356) or visit scenictrace.com. Get social with us and follow the Natchez Trace on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram @TheNatchezTrace
RIDGELAND, MS: Natchez Trace Parkway officials announce that the restroom located at the Ridgeland Information Cabin, at milepost 102.4, is closed until further notice.
A failed utility line under the building will need to be repaired. Options are currently being considered, and the facility will reopen once the repairs are completed. The next closest restroom on the Parkway is located at milepost 122.6 near River Bend.
For questions regarding the closure, please contact the visitor center at (800)305-7417 or check out www.nps.gov/natr.
HEADQUARTERS, TUPELO, MS: “The Natchez Trace Parkway experienced a significant increase in October recreational visits in 2014 over 2013 figures,” stated Superintendent Mary Risser. “This year, 747,606 people used the Parkway in October compared to 546,421 who were counted in 2013.”
Month
2014
2013
January
466,706
443,307
February
422,365
422,579
March
491,577
349,273
April
512,813
512,248
May
489,190
535,303
June
518,693
563,565
July
550,032
587,695
August
496,436
533,555
September
728,172
534,955
October
747,606
546,421
Year to date
5,423,590
5,028,901
These numbers continue to put the Natchez Trace Parkway on track to be among the top ten most visited National Park Service sites. The Natchez Trace Parkway has numerous recreational activities to match any interest or experience level. Whether camping, motorcycling, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, or horseback riding, there are countless opportunities to experience the history, culture, and natural resources of the area.
To find out more about upcoming programs and general information about the Natchez Trace Parkway, visit www.nps.gov/natr
The last few months on the Natchez Trace Parkway have been good ones. From Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, folks from all over the country made use of the Trace’s numerous parks and communities to spend time with loved ones while the days were warm. Since September, the days have grown steadily shorter as the hardwoods along the Natchez Trace showed off shades of yellow, red, and orange in a beautiful display of fall foliage.
As we shift from fall to winter, the days become shorter, the air becomes chillier, and you may be losing your itch to get out and enjoy the Trace. But don’t do that quite yet! First, let us give you three reasons why the Natchez Trace Parkway is great for visiting during the winter months.
Sunken Trace During Winter
Discover New Sights
During the summer and fall months, the Natchez Trace develops an almost tunnel-like quality, with the winding road surrounded by thick trees and brush on both sides. While it is certainly beautiful, the thick leaves make it hard to see much further than the edge of the road.
During wintertime, the trees let their guard down. You’re far more likely to discover points of interest you wouldn’t notice at other times. Whether it’s a historic farmhouse hidden among the trees, a sunken trail forming the original trace, or a family of whitetail deer, you’ll be able to enjoy all the Trace’s treasures that it keeps to itself during the warmer months.
More Excuses to Indulge in Local Specialties
All along the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway, communities of various sizes populate the trail throughout Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. In sum, eighteen communities offer local foods, drink, lodging, and entertainment of all sorts.
Exploring the Trace on a crisp winter’s day gives you all the more reason to stop at a local coffee shop in the quaint community of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, or take your cup of coffee to explore the ruins of Windsor Plantation near Port Gibson, Mississippi. Make a pit stop for a warm southern hospitality at one of Natchez, Mississippi’s many bed and breakfasts. If you get too chilly, there’s no better way to warm up than get down to live music in Nashville, Tennessee AKA “Music City.” No matter which few miles of the Natchez Trace Parkway you decide to explore, the winter cold will reward you with plenty of reasons to take a break and indulge in local charms.
Click here to check out restaurants, lodging and attractions.
Let It Snow
Generally a common encounter for our northern neighbors, much of the Trace lies in areas where snow is a little more special. You’ll need to slow down for safety, but the Natchez Trace Parkway is a pleasure cruise anyway. So watch the weather this winter, and don’t miss the beauty of this scenic route the way you’ve never seen it before.
Trace Information Cabin Near Ridgeland, MS
Frozen Fall Hollow Waterfall, Milepost 391.9
Now that we’ve made our case on why the Natchez Trace is a fantastic trip to take during the winter months, let us offer one more bonus: You’ll have it to yourself! While the locals and most experienced Trace travelers know the scenic byway is great in the winter, many folks do not. This means that you–the savvy adventurer–can ply the Trace more like its original passengers did hundreds of years ago, and enjoys all the thrills and chills along the way.
To plan your trip, give us a call at 866.TRACE56 (872-2356) or visit scenictrace.com. Get social with us and follow the Natchez Trace on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram @TheNatchezTrace
TUPELO, MS – A special program of dulcimer music will be provided by the North Mississippi Dulcimer Association from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2014, at the Parkway Visitor Center located at milepost 266 near Tupelo, Mississippi.
The North Mississippi Dulcimer Association teaches dulcimer history, tradition, craftsmanship, and music by sharing its knowledge and talents. The Appalachian mountain dulcimer is the first instrument developed in the United States. Dating back to the early 1800s, the dulcimer is an instrument whose very name means “sweet sound.” The National Park Service and the North Mississippi Dulcimer Association invite everyone to listen to the soft sweet sounds of the dulcimer and learn of its extensive history.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile scenic route stretching from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. The terrain along the Trace changes from 70 to 1,100 feet in elevation and passes through five degrees of latitude. It is one of the most beautiful drives for viewing fall foliage, and we can prove it. Actually, our visitors can prove it…
Our social media followers (TheNatchezTrace) love playing photographer. Who could resist taking pictures with amazing fall colors all around? Just for our readers, the Natchez Trace Compact put together a gallery of gorgeous fall color photos taken this fall by Parkway visitors.
A picture is worth a thousand words. Prepare to be speechless when you flip through these:
Did you know VisitSouth recently named the Natchez Trace Parkway a grand fall scenic road trip? What an honor!
Click here to see the latest fall color reports from the National Park Service. Please remember that fall colors can change rapidly, and leaf color will vary widely along the 444-mile length of the Parkway.
In addition to stunning foliage, the Trace offers cyclists a great route for riding, recreational activities, and historic sites and attractions. Along either side of the Natchez Trace Parkway, visitors can stop for a good night’s rest at the quaint B&Bs and hotels available. We can’t forget to mention the delicious (and we mean DELICIOUS) restaurants along the way, too. If you love to eat, be outdoors, and see interesting attractions, the Natchez Trace Parkway is for you.
Want to see more fall foliage photos or upload your own? Give us a follow on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram @TheNatchezTrace
It’s that time of year for gift giving, and the communities along the Natchez Trace Parkway have wonderful local shops where you can fulfill all of your holiday shopping needs!
We encourage travelers along the Natchez Trace Parkway to shop locally and support small town communities this Christmas. From Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, there are many local and family-owned businesses with rare and beautiful gifts you can’t find anywhere else. Purchasing from large corporations could mean ending up with the same ole ole. Buy uniquely and locally!
Do you live in one of the communities along the Trace? Shopping locally benefits you and your very own community in ways you couldn’t imagine. Encourage your family and friends to shop locally this season, too.
The Natchez Trace Compact pulled together a list of the communities along the Natchez Trace Parkway to help guide you with more information. Look for local shops where you can find fun, creative and one-of-a-kind items during gift giving time. Don’t forget about gift certificates, as well!
Timberland Park is located at mile marker 437.2 on the Natchez Trace Parkway
More than 14 years ago Williamson County got a hold of 74 acres adjacent to the Natchez Trace Parkway. Now, the county has finished transforming what was once declared surplus property into a public park that all visitors can enjoy.
Perched on hilly, secluded land, Timberland Park is meant to be a recreational spot for Tennesseans and other travelers going through the historic Franklin area along the Trace. The park features hiking trails and an interpretive center that highlights the history of the Natchez Trace Parkway, the native American tribes that called the area home and the more recent history of logging. Don’t worry though, the logging has long passed and the local trees are currently employed as natural artists, painting the sky with brilliant fall foliage this time of year.
See more on fall colors along the Natchez Trace Parkway here.
The project installed a hiking trail, parking areas, picnic tables, a visitor building and other amenities visitors can enjoy. Learn more about recreational activities along the Parkway here. Also, see why the Natchez Trace has the best picnic spots.
The land is full of steep ravines and is far from flat. In fact, the only area that could be called level is a small area where the building and parking areas are located. The hills and gullies make for an excellent hiking area! All sorts of critters are abundant on the property, and they won’t mind you strolling by. Hike and say hi to these little fellows:
Timberland Park has been left relatively untouched for the benefit of its inhabitants.
Upon entering the park, a circular drive includes a paved area for cars and RVs to pull off the road and enjoy the trail, picnic tables and an environmentally green building with a self-sustaining well system, rainwater recapture and a solar-based electrical power system.
You can find the park at mile marker 437.2 on the Natchez Trace Parkway. The park is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. from November until March, and entrance is free. Once warm weather comes back around, the park will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from April through October.
We certainly hope you’ll check out Timberland Park as soon as you can!
To plan your trip, give us a call at 866.TRACE56 (872-2356) or visit scenictrace.com. Get social with us and follow the Natchez Trace on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram @TheNatchezTrace
TUPELO, MS – The Tombigbee Pioneer Group will demonstrate pioneer-era crafts and skills at the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2014. The presentations will show the challenges faced, and creative solutions developed, by those Americans who lived in the area from the 1700s to 1840.
The public is invited to watch pioneer lifestyle activities that often include basket-making, spinning, weaving, knitting, and other traditional craft demonstrations. Leather-working and mountain dulcimer demonstrations are usually offered throughout the day. Children are invited to participate by dressing up in pioneer clothes and trying these activities firsthand.
This program is free to the public. The Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center is located at milepost 266 on the Natchez Trace Parkway, near Tupelo, Mississippi. For additional information, please call 662-680-4027 or 1-800-305-7417.
TUPELO, MS: The Natchez Trace Parkway awarded the annual “Steve Ritter Volunteer of the Year Award” to Tupelo-area volunteer Shirley Scott on Friday, October 17, 2014. Ms. Scott was one of over 60 individual Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) personnel honored at the Natchez Trace Parkway’s annual volunteer appreciation banquet. The Volunteer of the Year award is named after the late Steve Ritter, a dedicated member of the Tombigbee Pioneer Association.
Ms. Shirley Scott received the award in appreciation for over twelve years and almost three thousand hours of dedicated volunteer service to the Natchez Trace Parkway. “Shirley always arrives at the park with a cheerful attitude and has been so generous with her time in assisting us. From organizing the bookstore inventory to putting together visitor information packets; Shirley will complete any task assigned to her with a smile,” said Chief of Interpretation Terry Wildy.
In 2014 over 200 volunteers have donated over eleven thousand hours to assisting staff at the Natchez Trace Parkway. Volunteers donated their time working as campground hosts, musicians, trail crews, visitor center staff and living history representatives. Superintendent Mary Risser states “The National Park Service is very grateful to the thousands of volunteers nationwide who contribute so much to our national parks. Our local volunteers at the Parkway are critical to supporting our paid staff in our effort to provide visitor services and improve trails.”
For more information on becoming a VIP or to learn about VIP opportunities please visit www.nps.gov/volunteer. For more information on the Natchez Trace Parkway, please visit www.nps.gov/natr.
A recreational vehicle in fall along the Natchez Trace Parkway. (NPS Photo)
The Natchez Trace Parkway is popular for RVers, motorcyclists, cyclists, and travelers alike. No commercial traffic is allowed on the Trace, and its smooth roadway and 50 MPH speed limit makes it a leisurely travel experience. The 444 mile scenic route takes you through woodlands, meadows, and hills, past waterfalls, historic sites, and across rivers and streams. Indians, explorers, frontiersmen, soldiers, boatmen, bandits, adventurers, and pilgrims have walked its length. Traveling it with a recreational vehicle (RV) is an exciting and memorable experience.
RVs are a popular way to see the Parkway for many reasons. Frequent pullouts provided at historic and scenic points of interest will accommodate even the largest RV. Plus, there are free campgrounds along the Trace on a first come basis. Commercial campgrounds can be found just off the Parkway all along its route.
Most stops along the Natchez Trace Parkway are accessible to RVs, with the exception of those marked “no circular drive”. The following sites are not accessible to RVs:
Grindstone Ford/Mangum Mound at milepost 45.7 (height restriction of 11 feet 6 inches)
Twenty-mile Bottom Overlook at milepost 278.4
Old Trace Drive at milepost 375.8
Devil’s Backbone State Recreation Area at milepost 394
Old Trace Drive at milepost 401.4
The length restriction for RVs is 55 feet, including a tow vehicle, and the height restriction is 14 feet. The Parkway can accommodate an RV weighing up to 40,000 pounds. Click here to learn more.
So why should you try exploring the Natchez Trace in an RV?
Cyclists on the Natchez Trace
The Nature: If you’re interested in the great outdoors, a RV is a great way to vacation. You can tour famous landmarks, visit state and national parks off the Trace, and simply enjoy fresh air and natural settings. Take a hike. Ride your bike. Get some exercise or simply do nothing, except your surroundings, of course.
Now is the perfect time to visit the Natchez Trace Parkway because you can view the beautiful fall foliage! The maple, hickory, oak and other hardwood trees are changing colors, painting a stunning fall color backdrop for visitors.
Click here to learn more about when and where to see fall foliage.
The Campgrounds: There are more than a dozen campgrounds along the Natchez Trace Parkway corridor, three in the park, and many others just outside the park. The three Parkway campgrounds are free, primitive, and available on a first come, first serve basis. Keep in mind: they do not offer electricity, showers, or dump stations.
Check the complete updated list of all the campgrounds along the Parkway for the locations and services offered by private and public campgrounds.
Jeff Busby Site
The Comforts of Home: With a RV vacation, you can have the best of both worlds. You can enjoy the great outdoors with more comforts than tent camping. Whether you own a RV or try a rental, most RVs are well equipped. You’ll likely have a kitchen with microwave, fridge and stove, television, beds, living and dining areas, and a bathroom with shower. Many RVs have slide out rooms that increase the living area. You can sit outside under your awning, get out of the rain if the weather changes, and turn on the A.C. if it gets too warm.
RV on the Parkway – Fall Foliage
The Family: Family members of all ages tend to connect with each other when they are away from their normal routine enjoying a simpler lifestyle. While the RV is comfortable, it’s a small living area for large families. If you are renting, bear this in mind in choosing the size of your rental RV. During the day, spend time outdoors or in different activities (there are many recreational activities along the Trace).
The Kids: A RV vacation can be a fantastic way to travel with children. They can go out to play or take part in campground activities. There are likely to be other kids to meet and new places to explore. Children of all ages will enjoy an old-fashioned campfire complete with stories, songs and stargazing. And most kids think it’s pretty cool to be in a “home on wheels.” RVing tends to bring the family closer together with more communication and the sharing of good times.
Family Picnic on the Natchez Trace
The Affordability: The question of whether it’s cheaper to take a RV vacation doesn’t have a “one size fits all” answer. It depends on the type of vacation you want to take, as well as the way in which you plan to RV. You can compare the costs of renting a suitable RV to the costs of hotels, airfare or other means of travel. Many visitors like to cook and roast s’mores and hotdogs over campfires–not only is this affordable, but it adds to the RVing experience!
The Driving Experience: Driving yourself gives you control over where you go and the pace of your travel. You don’t have the hassle of airline counters and keeping up with schedules. You can stop and take a break when you choose. You don’t need a special license to drive an RV. Sure, it takes some getting used to — but the number of RVs on the road should tell you that it’s doable. If you feel the need to, practice before you load up your passengers.
The Flexibility: In an RV, you have the flexibility to change locations. It’s easy to find a good balance between seeing different areas, the amount of time spent driving and ensuring you have enough time to relax. An RV can give you a lot of freedom and spontaneity and you can create your own adventure as you go along your way. You can explore the Natchez Trace at your own pace!
To plan your trip, give us a call at 866.TRACE56 (872-2356) or visit scenictrace.com. Get social with us and follow the Natchez Trace on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram @TheNatchezTrace
Dr. Ben Earl Kitchens, MD, as Governor John Marshall Stone, will be in Tupelo from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 30, 2014 at the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area (MHNHA) Exhibit Center located at 398 E. Main Street. As Governor Stone, he will announce his 1889 plea for re-election to his third term as governor.
John Marshall Stone served the State of Mississippi during one of its most critical and tumultuous times following the Reconstruction era and utilized his leadership skills and business acumen to help pull Mississippi out of the depths of social and financial mire. Stone was inaugurated as governor on three separate occasions, and served as governor longer than any other man in Mississippi history. After he left office in 1896, Governor Stone was named president of the Mississippi Agricultural and Mechanical College at Starkville which had been established during his first administration in 1878. He served until his death on March 26, 1900. Stone County, Mississippi is named in honor of Governor Stone.
Kitchens, a local historian, chronicles Stone from his early life to his death in his new Mississippi history book, Governor John Marshall Stone – Mississippi’s Honorable and Longest Serving Governor.“Governor Stone is not a man of many words, what he says are full of meaning, directly to the point and emphasized, simplicity and sincerity.” The Iuka Reporter, October 24, 1889.
Following his announcement for re-election, Kitchens will sign his book which depicts Stone’s life as a businessman, Civil War Colonel, Mayor, Senator, and the longest serving Governor of Mississippi. The public is invited to attend.
Fantastic news! The Natchez Trace Parkway saw a significant jump in the number of visitors last month compared to September 2013. In September of this year, 728,172 visitors used the Natchez Trace, compared to 534,955 in September 2013.
Year-to-date, the Trace has entertained 4,675,984 visitors compared to 4,482,480 in 2013. These numbers continue to put the Natchez Trace Parkway on track to be among the top ten most visited National Park Service sites.
There’s a reason why people keep coming back for more. The Natchez Trace Parkway has numerous recreational activities to match any interest or experience level. Whether camping, motorcycling, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, or horseback riding, there are countless opportunities to experience the history, culture, and natural resources of the area.
The Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail in Tennessee is one of the four Parkway trails available for horseback riding. Photo courtesy: NPS
In addition to recreational activities, the Parkway offers beautiful views along the way. In fact, right now is one of the best times to visit because people can view the stunning fall foliage. This scenic route is known for its fall colors, extending an impressive 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. See the latest fall color reports here.
Freedom Hills Overlook
Traveling can work up an appetite. Visitors should also enjoy a bite to eat at one of the delicious restaurants along the way. Southern food, BBQ, seafood…. you name it. If your Natchez Trace trip calls for an overnight stay or two, there are plenty of wonderful places to rest up. Whether you’re looking for a quaint B&B or a newer hotel, there are a wide variety of options.
Breakfast at the Loveless Cafe
For a visit to a byway rich in history, drive the Natchez Trace Parkway, established to commemorate the historical significance of the Old Natchez Trace. Originally a series of trails that stretched 500 miles through the Chickasaw and Choctaw lands from Mississippi to Tennessee, throughout the years it has gained a rich history that continues to fascinate visitors who travel in the footsteps of those who’ve gone before.
The Sunken Trace at milepost 41.5
Are you a cyclist? Good news — the Parkway is a cyclist-friendly route. Commercial traffic is not allowed, so this environment allows cyclists to be worry-free of semi-trucks, deliver trucks or dump trucks. There aren’t any stop signs or stoplights–simply pure beauty and the sounds of chirping birds and wind blowing through the trees. Access to the ramp is via on/off ramps, which means there is no need to worry about cross traffic, as well. All of these perks make the Parkway extremely important to the biking audience.
Biking the Natchez Trace Parkway
There’s a reason why so many people love the Natchez Trace Parkway–it’s one of Mississippi, Alabama’s and Tennessee’s best-kept secrets!
To learn more about the Natchez Trace Parkway and plan your trip, give us a call at 866.TRACE56 (872-2356) or visit scenictrace.com. You should also check out helpful information about the Natchez Trace Parkway on National Park Service website here.
Get social and follow the Natchez Trace on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram @TheNatchezTrace
Lewis County Historical Society in Hohenwald, Tennessee, is organizing the 1st Annual Christmas Tour of Hohenwald’s Historic District, on Saturday, December 6. Tickets are $10; $7 ages 12 and under; free for children 3 and under and may be purchased the day of the event at The Emporium, located at 25 E. Main St., in downtown Hohenwald, or in advance at Lewis County Museum of Natural History, Strand Art Gallery or Chamber of Commerce office.
Ticket admission is good for program and tours to Historic District Churches, Lewis County Museum of Natural History, and Strand Theatre’s Winter Wonderland on Saturday, December 6. Church programs and tours will begin at 1pm at First Baptist Church; 2pm at First United Methodist Church; 3pm at Hohenwald Church of Christ; 4pm at Cumberland Presbyterian Church. All churches are located within walking distance of downtown Hohenwald. You will need to pick up a tour program with a map at The Emporium before beginning your tour. On Saturday, December 6, vendors will be set up inside The Emporium 9am-5pm; Lewis County Museum of Natural History will be open 9am-4pm; The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee Welcome Center will be open 10am-4pm; Strand Theatre Winter Wonderland hours will be 10am-8pm.
Register for prizes at Brown’s Variety; Gifts & Moore; Hair, Etc.; Hohenwald Flower Shop; Janet’s Memories; Main Street Fabric & Flowers; Puckett & Maynord; Rosemary’s Flowers; and The Elephant Sanctuary during their normal business hours day of the tour. A $100 grand prize drawing will be given away after Pilot Club Tree Lighting at Wilhelm Tel Platz at 5:30pm.
The 1st Annual Christmas Tour of Hohenwald’s Historic District is sponsored by Rio Colorado, located at 36 E. Main St., and River Rat Grill, located at 35 N. Maple St., in Hohenwald. For more information, contact Barbara Hinson at 931-306-9206 or Annette Peery at 931-212-2219.
HEADQUARTERS, TUPELO, MS: “The Natchez Trace Parkway experienced a significant increase in September recreational visits in 2014 over 2013 figures,” stated Superintendent Mary Risser. “This year, 728,172 people used the Parkway in September compared to 534,955 who were counted in 2013.”
Month
2014
2013
January
466,706
443,307
February
422,365
422,579
March
491,577
349,273
April
512,813
512,248
May
489,190
535,303
June
518,693
563,565
July
550,032
587,695
August
496,436
533,555
September
728,172
534,955
Year to date
4,675,984
4,482,480
These numbers continue to put the Natchez Trace Parkway on track to be among the top ten most visited National Park Service sites. The Natchez Trace Parkway has numerous recreational activities to match any interest or experience level. Whether camping, motorcycling, hiking, biking, boating, fishing, or horseback riding, there are countless opportunities to experience the history, culture, and natural resources of the area.
To find out more about upcoming programs and general information about the Natchez Trace Parkway, visit www.nps.gov/natr.
Southwest Conservation Corps Youth Rehab Tennessee Trails
MAURY COUNTY, TN – A crew of 16 Southwest Conservation Corp (SCC) crews came from across the country to work on the National Scenic Trail at the Natchez Trace Parkway this fall. Most crew members reside in Tucson, AZ, and other parts of the country.
For seven weeks in October and November, the crew will correct erosion problems, remove downed trees, rehab tread surface, and assist Resource Management and Fire Operations with landscape projects. Their efforts will improve conditions for about 30 miles of trails, which will make the trails safer and more enjoyable for visitors.
“The work completed by the SCC crew this fall will greatly improve the trails conditions for years to come,” says Superintendent Mary Risser. “I am impressed by their enthusiasm and contributions.”
SCC offers a diverse set of programs that engage young people, ages 18-25, in meaningful and challenging service to our public lands and waters. Programs vary in length, location, focus and population served. SCC offers several program experiences through AmeriCorps in Colorado, New Mexico, and other parts of the country through partnerships with agencies such as the US Forest Service, National Park Service, and the Bureau of Land Management.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 401 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.
Office of the Superintendent, Natchez Trace Parkway
TUPELO, MS – A special program of dulcimer music will be provided by the North Mississippi Dulcimer Association from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2014, at the Parkway Visitor Center located at milepost 266 near Tupelo, Mississippi.
The North Mississippi Dulcimer Association teaches dulcimer history, tradition, craftsmanship, and music by sharing its knowledge and talents. The Appalachian mountain dulcimer is the first instrument developed in the United States. Dating back to the early 1800s, the dulcimer is an instrument whose very name means “sweet sound.” The National Park Service and the North Mississippi Dulcimer Association invite everyone to listen to the soft sweet sounds of the dulcimer and learn of its extensive history.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 401 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.
TUPELO, MS– The Tombigbee Pioneer Group will demonstrate pioneer-era crafts and skills at the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2014. The presentations will show the challenges faced, and creative solutions developed, by those Americans who lived in the area from the 1700s to 1840.
The public is invited to watch pioneer lifestyle activities that often include basket-making, spinning, weaving, knitting, and other traditional craft demonstrations. Leather-working and mountain dulcimer demonstrations are usually offered throughout the day. Children are invited to participate by dressing up in pioneer clothes and trying these activities firsthand.
This program is free to the public. The Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center is located at milepost 266 on the Natchez Trace Parkway, near Tupelo, Mississippi. For additional information, please call 662-680-4027 or 1-800-305-7417.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 401 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.
October means pumpkin pie, spooky Halloween costumes and of course… beautiful fall foliage views along the Natchez Trace Parkway. From Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, the Natchez Trace Parkway offers motorists, cyclists and all manner of travelers 444 miles of peaceful byway and quaint historic communities. This autumn season, the Trace will be the star of the show!
The exact moment when hardwood tree leaves change can be tricky to pinpoint. Rain, temperature, humidity and all sorts of environmental factors affect the color changes, but you can generally count on a great display of striking yellows and vibrant reds appearing during mid and late October.
Click here to see popular places for fall colors along the Parkway.
So why do the leaves change color? The trees take their cues from the ever-shortening days as the sun spends less and less of the day warming the forests, and prepares for shorter appearances throughout the winter. As the days’ sunlight grows more brief, the leaves begin to scale back their production of chlorophyll, that friendly chemical that give summer branches their pleasant green showing. Therefore, we’re left to enjoy one extravagant blast of color before the leaves give up, falling one at a time to the ground as nutrients for next years’ spring.
There are plenty of places to enjoy this pleasant plant performance along the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Here are few places you should check out this fall:
Water Valley Overlook
For those traveling through Mississippi and Alabama, Freedom Hills Overlook (milepost 317.0) provides a spectacular overlook of a hardwood forest, while Rock Spring Nature Trail is an easy way to get out and see the colors more closely.
*A portion of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail near Tupelo, MS is closed. Click here for details.
Jeff Busby Site
If you’re cruising the scenic Natchez Trace a bit further north in Tennessee, try Old Trace Drive (milepost 375.8), which provides a gorgeous fall foliage backdrop. Metal Ford (milepost 382.8) and Swan View Overlook (milepost 392.5) offer quick stops to view the autumn colors for travelers.
Swan View Overlook
Leisurely walks at the Meriwether Lewis Site (milepost 385.9) or Fall Hollow (milepost 391.9) are great places for those who not only love fall foliage, but who also have an appetite for hiking. Garrison Creek Trailhead (milepost 427.6) or Old Trace (milepost 426.3) are perfect for outdoor hiking.
So if you’ve started to notice the changing fall colors, make sure you don’t miss out while the gettin’ is good! Get out on the Natchez Trace and enjoy this special spectacle while it lasts.
Are you a visual person? Check out fall foliage photos along the Natchez Trace Parkway on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @TheNatchezTrace
To learn more about the Natchez Trace Parkway and plan your trip, give us a call at 866.TRACE56 (872-2356) or visit scenictrace.com. You should also check out helpful information about the Natchez Trace Parkway on National Park Service website here.
Controlled Burning along the Natchez Trace Parkway
TUPELO, MS: Weather depending, the Natchez Trace Parkway is planning to conduct two prescribed fires (controlled burns) in Lee County, MS between October 8 and October 10. The prescribed fires are located at:
Prescribed Fire Name
Milepost
Chickasaw Village
262
Lakeside WUI Pile Burning
260
The National Scenic Trail at the Chickasaw Village site will remain open during the burns.
Prescribed fire is a useful and cost effective tool for managing the forests and grasslands that encompass the Parkway. Prescribed fire reduces the buildup of dead woody material, decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfire, perpetuates fire dependent vegetation, reduces exotic vegetation, provides habitat and forage for animals, and restores the natural role of fire in a healthy ecosystem.
During prescribed fire operations, smoke warning signs will be placed along the Parkway as a precaution. Motorists should travel at a safe speed with headlights on when smoke is visible. Please be aware of park rangers, firefighting personnel, and equipment along the roadway and mow line. If visibility falls below 500 feet, the Parkway may be temporarily closed until smoke has cleared. Some smoke may be visible for several days after initial prescribed fire operations have ended.
For more information about the Natchez Trace Parkway Fire Management Division, please visit
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 401 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.
Office of the Superintendent, Natchez Trace Parkway
TOURISM OFFICE WILL HOST TWO PUBLIC EVENTS IN OCTOBER
Dulcimers Oct. 16 and Haunted History Oct. 18
The new Florence/Lauderdale Tourism & Visitor Center in McFarland Park will host two events in October which are free and open to the public.
The Tennessee Valley Strummers will play dulcimer music in the Visitor Center’s Gallery from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 16. The dulcimer, a word which means “sweet sound,” is a four-stringed instrument developed in the 1700s in the southern Appalachian Mountains. The featured players use a tablature system of playing, based on fret numbers, which enables them to play with others – even if they have never met before. Visitors are encouraged to come out and enjoy the music and tour the new center.
The second event, “Haunted History,” is set for Saturday, October 18 at 11 a.m. Local author and ghost tour guide Debra Glass will tell historically-based tales from her hometown of Florence and the Shoals area. Glass is the author of more than 35 books, including the “Skeletons in the Closet” ghost story collections. Since childhood she has been fascinated by “things that go bump in the night.” Her books will be available in the Visitor Center Gift Shop, as well as information on her walking tours. Since its beginnings in 2002, the Haunted History of the Shoals Ghost Walk Tour has become a perennial favorite during the Halloween season.
For more information, contact the Florence/Lauderdale Tourism office at 256-740-4141.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile drive through exceptional scenery and 10,000 years of American history. You wouldn’t get the full experience of the Parkway if you didn’t stop at one of the many scenic overlooks. When traveling the Natchez Trace you will encounter breathtaking attractions and overlooks.
Mississippi:
Twentymile Bottom Overlook near Tupelo, MS, is located on the Natchez Trace Parkway at milepost 278.4. Twentymile Bottom, now cultivated, was typical of the many low areas along streams through which the Natchez Trace passed. From the overlook you can see the bottom land of Twentymile Creek. This land is typical of the terrain encountered by early travelers of the Natchez Trace.
In 1812, Reverend John Johnson stopped at old Factors Stand near this bottom and wrote this account of bottomland travel, “I have this day swam my horse five times, bridged one creek, forded several others besides the swamp we had to wade through. At night we had a shower of rain. Took up my usual lodging on the ground in company with several Indians.”
Twentymile Bottom Overlook
Reservoir Overlook – This 50 square mile reservoir is formed by an earth filled dam.
At the beautiful Reservoir Overlook, bicyclists, walkers and joggers can access the Multi-Use Trail from Reservoir Overlook’s parking area. This is the northern section of the trail.Walk or bike with family and friends for miles and miles. This route helps bicyclists avoid heavy car traffic through the Jackson/Ridgeland/Madison area. The greenery along the Multi-Use trail allows visitors to truly enjoy the outdoors.
Reservoir Overlook
Old Town Overlook – At Old Town Overlook, located at milepost 263.9, hikers can continue north for 2 miles to reach the Parkway Visitor Center, or continue south for 2 miles to reach the Chickasaw Village Site. This section of Scenic Trail is open to hikers only, and requires walking on the Parkway for road and creek crossings. The Old Town Overlook parking area provides parking and access to the Tupelo section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail.
Black Belt Overlook: Ages ago this area was under an arm of the ocean. Shells and other marine organisms were deposited to form limestone. Exposure of the limestone to all types of weathering gradually changed it into a heavy fertile soil of various colors. The dominant black soil has given the area the name black belt, or black prairie. The black belt extends south beyond Columbus, MS then heads eastward across nearly all of Alabama. Formerly one of America’s great cotton areas, it is now considered excellent pasture for livestock.
Black Belt Overlook
Alabama:
Freedom Hills Overlook: On the way up the trail there are two benches where you can stop and rest before continuing on up the hill. Another bench is placed conveniently at the top of the trail.
Freedom Hills Overlook
Tennessee:
Baker Bluff Overlook: The Family Farm Working in Harmony With the Environment. The plaque is a depiction of what you see from the bluff of farm land, river and fields. A trail leads from Bakers Bluff to Jackson Falls.
Baker Bluff Overlook
Birdsong Hollow and HWY 96 Double-Arched Bridge:
Completed in 1994, the double-arched bridge carries Trace travelers 1,648 feet across the valley and Tennessee Highway 96.
The bridge can be viewed from two locations. Just north of the bridge there is a parking area with a view of the bridge and the valley below. Just south of the bridge is an exit ramp that takes you down to Tennessee Highway 96. At the bottom of the hill there is a parking area with a view looking up at the entire length of the bridge.
Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge over Birdsong Hollow
Swan View Overlook: This overlook is located on the Natchez Trace Parkway at milepost 392.5. From here you can see the water tower in Hohenwald, Tennessee, the highest town between New Orleans and Chicago.
Photo taken at Swan View Overlook
Water Valley Overlook: Water Valley Overlook is located at milepost 411.8. Take the time to pull off the Trace and drive up the short road to the top of the ridge. From the top you will be rewarded with a 180 degree view of Water Valley.
Water Valley Overlook
So come unwind and enjoy the beautiful scenic overlooks this fall on the Natchez Trace Parkway. To learn more and plan your trip, give us a call at 866.TRACE56 (872-2356) or visit scenictrace.com. Follow the Natchez Trace on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram @TheNatchezTrace
TUPELO, MS: Weather depending, the Natchez Trace Parkway is planning to conduct a prescribed fire (controlled burn) in Tishomingo County, MS between September 24 and September 26. The prescribed fire is located at:
Prescribed Fire Name
Milepost
Tishomingo
304
Prescribed fire is a useful and cost effective tool for managing the forests and grasslands that encompass the Parkway. Prescribed fire reduces the buildup of dead woody material, decreases the risk of catastrophic wildfire, perpetuates fire dependent vegetation, reduces exotic vegetation, provides habitat and forage for animals, and restores the natural role of fire in a healthy ecosystem.
During prescribed fire operations, smoke warning signs will be placed along the Parkway as a precaution. Motorists should travel at a safe speed with headlights on when smoke is visible. Please be aware of park rangers, firefighting personnel, and equipment along the roadway and mow line. If visibility falls below 500 feet, the Parkway may be temporarily closed until smoke has cleared. Some smoke may be visible for several days after initial prescribed fire operations have ended.
For more information about the Natchez Trace Parkway Fire Management Division, please visit
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 401 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.
HEADQUARTERS, TUPELO, MS: The National Park Service and its partners, the Natchez Trace Parkway Association and Adventure Cycling Association, announce the beginning of a campaign to “Share the Parkway.” The campaign will kick-off with three focus group meetings next week during which participants will discuss specific questions about enhancing user safety on the Parkway.
“You have a national park is your own backyard!” reminds Superintendent Mary Risser. “Congress established the Natchez Trace Parkway as a part of the National Park Service system in 1938. The Parkway commemorates the historic travel corridor known as the Natchez Trace, which is one of the oldest transportation routes in North America. The Parkway’s narrow lanes are integral to the designed landscape and a leisurely driving experience – for which the Parkway was created.”
In 2013, there were 6 million people who used and visited the Parkway, which makes it the 8th most visited National Park Service site in the nation. When the commuters in the Tupelo and Ridgeland area are included in the equation, more than 14.7 million people used the Parkway – all of whom are visitors to this unique National Park Service unit.
The “Share the Parkway” campaign will strive to create an atmosphere of responsibility and ownership of the Natchez Trace Parkway as a unit of the National Park Service and as a recreational treasure that should be shared safety by all Parkway users. Three focus group meetings will be held to gain an understanding of the perspectives about safety and shared use of the Parkway from various road users and the general public.
In the Ridgeland/Jackson area, the focus group meeting will be:
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Indian Cycle Bike Shop
677 S. Pear Orchard Road
Ridgeland, MS
3 pm until 7 pm
In the Tupelo area, the focus group meeting will be:
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Bancorp South Conference Center
387 East Main Street
Tupelo, MS
3 pm until 7 pm
In the Nashville area, the focus group meeting will be:
Friday, September 26, 2014
Warner Park Nature Center
7311 Highway 100
Nashville, TN
10 am until 2 pm
At the focus group meetings, participants will discuss specific questions, such as “What are some ways that cyclists and motorists can safely share the Parkway? What is the significance of the Natchez Trace Parkway for you? How can we increase cooperation, understanding, and respect between cyclists and motorists? What are the best ways to reach out and educate local and visiting motorists and cyclists about sharing the road safely? What are participant’s impressions of the sharrows? Signs?
Information from the focus groups will be used to help develop a comprehensive project to enhance safety on the Parkway for all of our visitors.
If you would like to participate, but cannot attend one of the focus group meetings, send written comments to:
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 398 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.
HEADQUARTERS, TUPELO, MS: The National Park Service and its partners, the Natchez Trace Parkway Association and Adventure Cycling Association, announce the beginning of a campaign to “Share the Parkway.” The campaign will kick-off with three focus group meetings next week during which participants will discuss specific questions about enhancing user safety on the Parkway.
“You have a national park is your own backyard!” reminds Superintendent Mary Risser. “Congress established the Natchez Trace Parkway as a part of the National Park Service system in 1938. The Parkway commemorates the historic travel corridor known as the Natchez Trace, which is one of the oldest transportation routes in North America. The Parkway’s narrow lanes are integral to the designed landscape and a leisurely driving experience – for which the Parkway was created.”
In 2013, there were 6 million people who used and visited the Parkway, which makes it the 8th most visited National Park Service site in the nation. When the commuters in the Tupelo and Ridgeland area are included in the equation, more than 14.7 million people used the Parkway – all of whom are visitors to this unique National Park Service unit.
The “Share the Parkway” campaign will strive to create an atmosphere of responsibility and ownership of the Natchez Trace Parkway as a unit of the National Park Service and as a recreational treasure that should be shared safety by all Parkway users. Three focus group meetings will be held to gain an understanding of the perspectives about safety and shared use of the Parkway from various road users and the general public.
In the Ridgeland/Jackson area, the focus group meeting will be:
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Indian Cycle Bike Shop
677 S. Pear Orchard Road
Ridgeland, MS
3 pm until 7 pm
In the Tupelo area, the focus group meeting will be:
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Bancorp South Conference Center
387 East Main Street
Tupelo, MS
3 pm until 7 pm
In the Nashville area, the focus group meeting will be:
Friday, September 26, 2014
Warner Park Nature Center
7311 Highway 100
Nashville, TN
10 am until 2 pm
At the focus group meetings, participants will discuss specific questions, such as “What are some ways that cyclists and motorists can safely share the Parkway? What is the significance of the Natchez Trace Parkway for you? How can we increase cooperation, understanding, and respect between cyclists and motorists? What are the best ways to reach out and educate local and visiting motorists and cyclists about sharing the road safely? What are participant’s impressions of the sharrows? Signs?
Information from the focus groups will be used to help develop a comprehensive project to enhance safety on the Parkway for all of our visitors.
If you would like to participate, but cannot attend one of the focus group meetings, send written comments to:
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 398 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.
TUPELO, MS – A special program of dulcimer music will be provided by the North Mississippi Dulcimer Association from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 4, 2014, at the Parkway Visitor Center located at milepost 266 near Tupelo, Mississippi.
The North Mississippi Dulcimer Association teaches dulcimer history, tradition, craftsmanship, and music by sharing its knowledge and talents. The Appalachian mountain dulcimer is the first instrument developed in the United States. Dating back to the early 1800s, the dulcimer is an instrument whose very name means “sweet sound.” The National Park Service and the North Mississippi Dulcimer Association invite everyone to listen to the soft sweet sounds of the dulcimer and learn of its extensive history.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 401 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.
RIDGELAND, MS: The Natchez Trace Parkway recognized the contributions of long-time seasonal employees to the operation of the Parkway. Seasonal employees join the National Park Service’s workforce during the busiest time of the year to augment the efforts of permanent employees. Depending upon the Parkway’s budget, they can work up to 1,039 hours each year.
“Our seasonal employees are often said to be the backbone of the National Park Service workforce,” stated Superintendent Mary Risser. “They come on board during the busiest time of the year and heavily contribute to getting essential tasks done. Here, on the Parkway, most seasonal employees work for maintenance and are responsible for mowing, weed-eating, and keeping the Parkway in the amazing condition that our visitors get to enjoy on a daily basis.”
Throughout the National Park Service, seasonal employees also present campfire talks, lead hikes, conduct backcountry and river patrols, fight wildland fire, provide for search and rescue operations, monitor threatened and endangered species, etc. Most work during the summer months. A few seasonal employees are able to pick up work in parks whose primary busy season is in the winter.
“The Natchez Trace Parkway is very fortunate to have a cadre of seasonal employees who have been returning for many years,” continued Risser. “Some, such as Charlie Robinson who works out of the Port Gibson office, have worked on the Parkway for nine seasons – some in the North District have worked on the Parkway even longer. It’s a privilege to present our seasonals with plaques to recognize their service.”
Following is a list of employees who have received awards:
Name
Number of
Seasons
Thomas Miller
5 seasons
Christopher Ellington
6 seasons
Johnny Fowler
6 seasons
James Goss
6 seasons
Amy Williams
6 seasons
Emily Davie
8 seasons
Willard Chism
8 seasons
Frank Cooks
9 seasons
Ronald Gray
9 seasons
Tommy Parkerson
9 seasons
Charlie Robinson
9 seasons
Charles Bean
10 seasons
Cornelius Tenner
10 seasons
Connie Calton
11 seasons
Michael Perkin
11 seasons
Harold Wyatt
12 seasons
Jimmy Johnston
13 seasons
Cleophus Southward
15 seasons
Pictured left to right: James Goss; Thomas Miller; Christopher Ellington; Cornelius Tenner; and Charlie Robinson
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About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 398 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.
Tupelo, MS: To commemorate National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Natchez Trace Parkway will host a living history encampment representing the expedition of Hernando de Soto on Saturday, September 27, 2014.
The encampment will be set up outside the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Through stories, demonstrations, and hands-on activities, visitors can learn about Hernando de Soto’s interactions with the Chickasaw Indians along the historic Natchez Trace during the winter of 1540-41.
The living history encampment will also be available for local schools on Thursday and Friday, September 25th & 26th. Space is limited, and interested classes should contact the Parkway Visitor Center to make reservations.
National Hispanic Heritage Month provides an opportunity to honor the contributions of Hispanic Americans and to celebrate the cultural traditions of our Hispanic American community.
This program is free to the public. The Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center is located along the Parkway at milepost 266, near Tupelo, Mississippi. For more information about this and other Parkway programs, please visit our website at www.nps.gov/natr, or call 1-800-305-7417.
Tupelo, MS – Natchez Trace Parkway officials announce that two-way traffic will be shifted to the southbound lane on the bridge over Town Creek near Tupelo, MS on September 10, 2014. Work continues on the bridge to perform concrete repair, embankment armoring, and painting of the structural steel. The contractor for this project is Sweat, LLC of Pensacola, FL. Work should be completed by late December of 2014.
Parkway visitors are encouraged to use caution due to construction traffic around the work area and to anticipate short delays.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 401 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.
TUPELO, MS– The Tombigbee Pioneer Group will demonstrate pioneer-era crafts and skills at the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 27, 2014. The presentations will show the challenges faced, and creative solutions developed, by those Americans who lived in the area from the 1700s to 1840.
The public is invited to watch pioneer lifestyle activities that often include basket-making, spinning, weaving, knitting, and other traditional craft demonstrations. Leather-working and mountain dulcimer demonstrations are usually offered throughout the day. Children are invited to participate by dressing up in pioneer clothes and trying these activities firsthand.
This program is free to the public. The Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center is located at milepost 266 on the Natchez Trace Parkway, near Tupelo, Mississippi. For additional information, please call 662-680-4027 or 1-800-305-7417.
Ahh… picnics. They’re defined as “a meal that is eaten outdoors especially during a trip away from home; a trip or party that includes a meal eaten outdoors: something that is pleasant or easy.” How could anyone not love them with a description like that? Picnics are a refreshing, old-fashioned activity that gives travelers the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors with a delicious sandwich–or something equally as simple and tasty–in hand.
Whether you enjoy a big blanket spread or relaxing at a wooden bench beneath the trees, the Natchez Trace Parkway offers some of the best picnic spots. In fact, the Tennesseean asked their readers and social media followers to name their favorite picnic places, and there’s no question the Natchez Trace made the list. Readers said “Any of the stops along the Natchez Trace are good picnic points,” while some described it as “a progressive picnic with one course at various stops along the route.”
Because this historic 444-mile route provides gorgeous scenic views in a calming atmosphere, it’s the perfect place for a fantastic picnic experience. There are over 90 sites along the Natchez Trace Parkway, with many providing multiple picnic tables in shaded areas.
Here are available picnics spots and milepost numbers along the Parkway:
Tennessee:
Garrison Creek – 427.6
Old Trace – 426.3
Burns Branch – 425.4
Water Valley Overlook – 411.8
Jackson Falls – 404.7
Meriwether Lewis – 385.9
Metal Ford and Buffalo River – 382.8
Jacks Branch – 377.8
Glenrock Branch – 364.5
Cypress Creek – 342.5
Alabama:
Lauderdale – 328.7
Colbert Ferry – 327.3
Bear Creek – 313.0
Mississippi:
Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway – 293.2
Pharr Mounds – 286.7
Chickasaw Council House – 251.1
Chickasaw Village Site – 261.8
Monroe Mission – 245.6
Hernando de Soto – 243.3
Witch Dance – 233.2
Ballard Creek – 201.3
Jeff Busby Creek -193.1
Bethel Mission – 176.3
Holly Hill – 154.3
Robinson Road – 135.5
River Bend – 122.6
West Florida Boundary – 107.9
Dean Stand – 73.5
Rocky Springs – 54.8
Owens Creek Waterfall – 52.4
North Fork Coles Creek – 23.0
Mud Island Creek – 22.0
Coles Creek – 17.5
Mount Locust – 15.5
Turpin Creek – 12.1
Whether it’s a ham and cheese sandwich brought from home or meatloaf and mac n’ cheese from your favorite Southern restaurant along the Trace, there’s no better time to visit the Natchez Trace Parkway for a picnic. Ready-made meals in a lovely spot with good company? Yes, please!
Don’t forget to pack these things on your next picnic:
Napkins, utensils and plates
A cooler to store cold food items and beverages
Bug spray
Blanket or spread to sit on
Trash bag for your garbage
Come unwind and create your own fun memories this fall on the Natchez Trace Parkway. To learn more and plan your trip, give us a call at 866.TRACE56 (872-2356) or visit scenictrace.com. Follow the Natchez Trace on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @TheNatchezTrace
TUPELO, MS: The Natchez Trace Parkway will present a short film on the fascinating story of Loreta Janeta Valezquez, a Cuban immigrant from New Orleans who dressed as a man and fought in the Civil War on behalf of the Confederacy. This 18-minute film will be shown upon request in the Parkway Visitor Center during Hispanic Heritage Month, September 15 through October 15.
Shrouded in mystery and long the subject of debate, the amazing story of Loreta Velazquez is one of the Civil War’s most gripping forgotten narratives. As one of the estimated 1,000 women who secretly served as soldiers during the Civil War, her existence has been questioned for over a century. But contemporary historians have discovered evidence indicating that she did exist, including documentation of her also spying for the Union.
Secret Soldier explores the amazing discovery of this important figure and is now available free to educators online and to the general public in screenings at National Park Sites around the country.
To request a free online copy of Secret Soldier and to download free additional educational material, go to rebeldocumentary.com and click on the “resources” tab.
This program is free to the public. The Parkway Visitor Center is located along the Parkway at milepost 266, just north of Tupelo, Mississippi. For more information about this and other Parkway programs, please visit our website at www.nps.gov/natr, or call 1-800-305-7417.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 401 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.
TUPELO, MS – The Natchez Trace Parkway invites children and their families to “Whose Track is That?” a special Junior Ranger program held at the Parkway Visitor Center on Saturday, September 20, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. Junior Rangers will look for signs of wildlife, and make a plaster track to take home.
This program is free of charge. The Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center is located along the Parkway at milepost 266, just north of Tupelo, Mississippi. For additional information, please call the visitor center at 662-680-4027 or 1-800-305-7417.
About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America’s 401 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov.
TUPELO, MS: The Natchez Trace Parkway debuted a new orientation film on Friday, August 29 at the Parkway Visitor Center in Tupelo, MS. Funded through the National Scenic Byways Program and produced by Great Divide, Inc., the film showcases the beauty and history of the Natchez Trace.
“In addition to highlighting the history of the Old Trace, the film includes some outstanding aerial footage and beautiful shots of the Parkway’s diverse natural and scenic beauty. We were also very fortunate to find a wonderful narrator in Amy Grant, who generously donated her time and distinctive voice to this project,” says Superintendent Mary Risser.
The film incorporates footage taken in cooperation with classic car clubs, bicycling clubs, and local reenactors. Chief of Interpretation Terry Wildy noted that “The Parkway encompasses over 10,000 years of history, and it was a challenge to choose what stories to highlight while keeping the film concise. We are grateful for the support of our partners, staff, volunteers and Parkway visitors in making this a successful project.”
The 17-minute film will be supplemented by individual short films, or “shorts” that will offer additional footage and interviews on the American Indian perspective, travelers on the Old Trace, Meriwether Lewis, recreation, and the Parkway’s natural resources. The film and its associated “shorts” will be placed online in the coming weeks to reach a wider audience.
The film is free and can be viewed upon request at the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center, located along the Parkway at Milepost 266, near Tupelo, Mississippi. For additional information, please call the visitor center at: 662-680-4027 or 1-800-305-7417.
French Camp Academy’s Bed and Breakfast is one of the few B & Bs located adjacent to the Natchez Trace Parkway. In 1986, French Camp Academy moved two clerestory log cabins built between 1840 and 1870 from Eupora, Mississippi, to French Camp, Mississippi.
Bed & Breakfast Inn
French Camp, originally known as the Frenchman’s Camp, was founded circa 1810 when Louis LeFleur and his family opened a tavern. His son, Greenwood LeFleur, changed the spelling of his last name to LeFlore. Folks traveling down the Natchez Trace can see how early American life was lived by walking or driving through French Camp Academy’s Historic District. A wooden boardwalk extends through the entire district from the Log Cabin Gift Shop to the Bed and Breakfast Inn. If you need to rest overnight, the Bed and Breakfast Inn provides a quiet respite.
It’s the perfect getaway for those who want to be off the beaten path and enjoy the beauty of the Natchez Trace Parkway. Known for its country comfort and bountiful breakfast, the B & B is just the place to find solace and rest. Make reservations online here.
Council House Cafe
We all know a lovely weekend stay wouldn’t be complete without delicious food. The Council House Café, owned and operated by French Camp Academy, offers guests a great place to eat, either inside the rustic dining area or while enjoying the view outside on the deck or on the lawn beneath the oaks. The restaurant offers generous-size sandwiches, homemade soups and crisp salads. Finish with either their famous Mississippi Mud Cake or bread pudding. Yum Yum!
If this sounds like a place you would enjoy this fall, you are in luck. The Natchez Trace Compact teamed up with French Camp Historic District to give away a $100 gift card to the Bed and Breakfast Inn and the Council House Café! You’re only a click away from entering to win (only takes one step!)
Just click HERE for your chance to win this fantastic prize.
One lucky winner will be chosen on September 12, 2014 and announced on our Facebook page. Don’t forget to follow The Natchez Trace on Twitter and Instagram @TheNatchezTrace
Want to learn more about visiting the Natchez Trace Parkway? Give us a call at 866.TRACE56 (872-2356) or visit scenictrace.com. View photos of French Camp Academy’s Bed & Breakfast Inn and Council House Café below:
JOHN MARSHALL STONE, Mississippi’s Honorable and Longest Serving Governor
by Ben Earl Kitchens
John Marshall Stone served the State of Mississippi during one of its most critical and tumultuous times following the Reconstruction era and utilized his leadership skills and business acumen to help pull Mississippi out of the depths of social and financial mire. Little has been written about the scope of the monumental services he provided to Mississippi, all of which were performed in the exemplary and professional manner of a true statesman.
Stone was 25 years of age when he planted his feet on the firm graveled soil of the hills at Eastport, Mississippi, in 1855 where he worked as a clerk in the mercantile establishment of Col. W. R. Price, the largest landowner and merchant of the prosperous village by the river.
He moved to Iuka in the fall of 1857 and shortly thereafter found a job in the new railroad depot. By then, Iuka was thriving, as was Tishomingo County as a whole. Stone served as mayor of Iuka from 1866-1868. Later in the same year, 1866, he was elected county treasurer of Tishomingo County.
During the Civil War, he served in the Confederate Army, achieved the rank of colonel, and participated in the important battles of Antietam, Gettysburg, and the Wilderness. After the war, he entered politics in Mississippi, was elected to the Mississippi State Senate, and eventually served three terms as governor of Mississippi.
During his tenure as governor, Stone set standards for honesty, integrity, and good government that have rarely been matched by other Mississippi politicians. At times he even encouraged the State Legislature to pass laws that would improve the condition of the former slaves.
Not only is this American History dialogue recommended as an educational tool for high school and college history classes, it conveys a knowledge of Mississippi’s rich heritage in the minds and homes of all readers.
TUPELO, MS: Join a park ranger on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center (milepost 266 on the Natchez Trace Parkway near Tupelo, Mississippi) for a Night Hike. This one-hour program will give families the unique opportunity to walk on a paved nature trail at night. Visitors will use all of their senses to discover more about some of the animals that make the park come alive after the sun sets. A flashlight and comfortable walking shoes are encouraged.
This program is free to the public. For more information about this and other parkway programs, please visit our website at www.nps.gov/natr or call 1-800-305-7417.
TUPELO, MS: The Natchez Trace Parkway will celebrate the 98th birthday of the National Park Service on Monday, August 25th at the Parkway Visitor Center.
In 1872, Yellowstone National Park was established as the world’s first national park. There were 37 national parks in the United States when President Woodrow Wilson signed legislation to create the National Park Service on August 25, 1916.
Today, there are 401 national parks throughout the country and each one tells an important part of the American story. Some commemorate notable people and achievements, others conserve magnificent landscapes and natural wonders, and all provide a place to have fun and learn.
“Birthdays are a time to celebrate and we want everyone to join the party so come have cupcakes at the visitor’s center.” said Natchez Trace Parkway Superintendent Mary Risser. “National parks belong to all Americans and offer something for everyone. Come visit the Natchez Trace Parkway and wander a trail, take in the scenery, and enjoy a leisurely drive.”
The Natchez Trace Parkway was established in 1938 to preserve the Old Natchez Trace footpath that was used for centuries by Native Americans then by early European and American explorers, traders and emigrants in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The parkway extends 444-miles through 41 county and municipal jurisdictions in the states of Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi.
Last year, more than 14.1 million people visited the parkway, adding $138.9 million to the local economics and supporting 1,698 area jobs.
The mission of the National Park Service also extends beyond park boundaries. Community partnerships help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. To see what is happening in Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi go to:
Along the way visitors can enjoy leisure travel on a beautiful stretch of road, the history, hiking, biking, the attractions, scenic views, places to stay, and delicious restaurants. There’s a reason why so many people love the Natchez Trace Parkway–it’s one of Mississippi, Alabama’s and Tennessee’s best-kept secrets! If you visit our Facebook page, you’ll see all of the great things our visitors say about the Trace.
Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge over Birdsong Hollow
One of the most popular spots of the Trace is the bridge that hovers over the Tennessee River. The Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge is the nation’s first segmental constructed concrete arch bridge. Spanning over 1600 feet, the double arch structure offers motorists a view from 150 feet above the valley floor and is one of the final links in the Natchez Trace Parkway project. The arches are designed to support the deck without evenly spaced columns, resulting in a picturesque appearance.
The Natchez Trace is a cyclist-friendly route. Commercial traffic is not allowed, so this environment allows cyclists to be worry-free of semi-trucks, deliver trucks or dump trucks. There aren’t any stop signs or stoplights–simply pure beauty and the sounds of chirping birds and wind blowing through the trees. Access to the ramp is via on/off ramps, which means there is no need to worry about cross traffic, as well. All of these perks make the Natchez Trace Parkway extremely important to the biking audience.
Cycling along the Parkway
You can also hike off of the Natchez Trace. Hiking trails and self-guided nature walks can be found along the entire length of the Parkway. Some of the short walks take you through some of the natural wonders found along the Trace. There are several places where you can walk a preserved section of the Old Trace. You can even horseback ride along the Natchez Trace. Four horse trails have been developed adjacent to the Parkway in Mississippi and Tennessee, in connection with the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail. The Natchez Trace also provides access to the Witch Dance Horse Trail on the Tombigbee National Forest.
The Battle of Franklin Sesquicentennial
History buff? The Natchez Trace Parkway is your key to Civil War history, and you can be a part of the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Franklin, which took place 150 years ago on November 30, 1864. Click here to check out the Sesquicentennial Events taking place along the Trace that you can be a part of.
If you love the beauty of the outdoors, be sure to visit the Natchez Trace this fall to see the fall foliage. The fall colors are absolutely gorgeous! You can view photos of fall foliage on our Pinterest board, or visit our blog about fall colors along the Parkway.
Get social with us and follow The Natchez Trace on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @TheNatchezTrace! Want to learn more? Give us a call at 866.TRACE56 (872-2356) or visit scenictrace.com
Remember to shop locally this Christmas! You’ll be sure to find unique gifts for your loved ones this holiday season.
TUPELO, MS: The Natchez Trace Parkway will celebrate the 98th birthday of the 
