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.
Visit the National Park Service website to learn more the Natchez Trace Parkway.
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
Download our 2014 Visitors Guide HERE