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.

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