An environmental assessment will be prepared in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act to provide a decision-making framework that analyzes alternatives to meet objectives, to evaluate impacts to park resources, and to identify measures to lessen the degree or extent of any impacts.

The public is invited to provide input on the proposed bridge repairs.   Comments received during the scoping period will be used to help define the issues and concerns to be addressed in the environmental assessment.  An open comment period will begin on May 15, 2013. Those wishing to provide comments should submit them in writing as soon as possible, but no later than June 15, 2013 to:  http://parkplanning.nps.gov/natr, to natr_informantion@nps.gov, or to Natchez Trace Parkway, 2680 Natchez Trace Parkway Tupelo, MS 38804.

Respondents should include their name, address and email to be added to the mailing list for more information about this project.  Unless requested otherwise, a list of all those that comment during public review periods, including their addresses, is available upon request.

A second opportunity for public comments will be available after preliminary alternatives have been developed, and a final public comment period will be available when the Little Swan Creek Bridge Replacement Environmental Assessment is released.

All you have to do is enter your email address to enter to win here.

From Visit Music City‘s very beginnings, Nashville grew from a foundation built on music. Music has been the common thread connecting the life and soul of the city and its people. And visitors have ventured here to experience the music that weaves such a fundamental pattern in its cultural, business and social fabric.

When you reach the end of the Natchez Trace Parkway, you will find yourself in Nashville, a city full of things to see and do. Don’t miss out on entering to win this prize from Visit Music City! Just click here to enter to win.

One winner will be chosen May 31, 2013 and announced on our Facebook page. You can also “like” Visit Music City’s page!

Cycling: There’s one thing all riders agree: the Parkway offers an easy-going, easy-to-love experience. The National Park Service has designated the entire 444 miles as a bicycle route, and with light automotive traffic— commercial traffic prohibited—slow speeds (only 50 miles per hour) and no stop signs or intersections, bikers can relax and enjoy an exceptionally scenic roadway, unspoiled by commercial signage or development, and offering up gorgeous vistas at every turn, from forests to farmlands to rivers and lakes. Those who have biked the Parkway suggest that planning is the key to a great experience. Plan your cycling trip and learn more here.

Dogwoods: This is the perfect time to explore the Natchez Trace for dogwood blooms. Dogwoods are their peak in Tennessee so be sure to pull out your camera and snap your own beautiful photos of flowers along the Parkway. Click here to see Common Wildflowers of the Trace.

Potkopinu Trail

Take a walk through history: The 450-mile foot trail that became known as the Natchez Trace was the lifeline through the Old Southwest.  You can experience portions of that journey the way earlier travelers did – on foot.  Today there are five separate trails totaling over 60 miles and they are administered by the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Potkopinu Trail - Experience history as you walk along this quiet, three-mile “sunken” trail, altered by the feet of thousands of travelers. Shallow water crossings.

Rocky Springs Trail - About 30 miles southwest of Jackson, Mississippi, near Port Gibson, the Rocky Springs section offers ten miles of trail.

Yockanookany Trail - The Yockanookany Trail is 24 miles long and passes through a variety of areas of historical significance and natural beauty.

Learn more about the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail here.

Explore the Natchez Trace Parkway’s beauty and fresh air this spring! 

Local car enthusiasts will present over 80 classic vehicles between 9:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Opening ceremonies will begin at 10:00 a.m., with the National Anthem to be sung by renowned mezzo-soprano Dr. Lester Senter. Dignitaries will begin speaking at 10:30. All other activities will begin at 11:00 a.m.

The celebration will include people dressed as historical characters important to the Trace, including a “Kaintuck,” Meriwether Lewis, a War of 1812 soldier, a Confederate soldier, and a Union soldier from the United States Colored Troops. The Tombigbee Pioneer Group, regular presenters at the Parkway Visitor Center, will also share their traditional crafts and skills.

Children will have the opportunity to participate in a mock archaeological dig, find “animals” while “driving” on the Beech Springs Trail, vote for their favorite classic car, and earn a special patch.

The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians will share traditional dancing in between music sets and present displays of traditional clothing and beadwork.

Local musicians will take visitors on a musical history tour. Starting with music played on the dulcimer, leading to bluegrass and gospel, and ending with a rock n’ roll tribute to Elvis Presley, the groups will keep toes tapping as they lead visitors down memory lane.

Many of the Natchez Trace Parkway’s partners will also present exhibits: the Federal Highway Adminstration (Eastern Federal Lands Highway Division), the Natchez Trace Compact, the Mary Stuart Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Mississippi Hills National Heritage Area, and the Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau will all share their connection to the parkway.

Hot dogs and soda will be sold at 1938 prices, thanks to the support of the Natchez Trace Parkway Association.

This event is sponsored by the National Park Service, Eastern National and the Natchez Trace Parkway Association.

On May 18, 1938, Congress passed a bill creating the Natchez Trace Parkway as part of the National Park Service. Since then, the Parkway has commemorated the history, beauty, and culture of the “Old Trace,” and provided a range of recreational opportunities for visitors to enjoy. For more information, please visit www.nps.gov/natr, or call 800-305-7417.

It’s so easy for a chance to win a $50 gift card to the Loveless Cafe, two Loveless Cafe adult t-shirts, two Loveless Cafe hats, 2 coffee mugs, preserves (3 assorted jars), and biscuit mix (one 2lb bag.) Just click here!

When you reach the end of the Natchez Trace Parkway in Nashville, you must stop by the Loveless Cafe, known for their delicious Southern food (especially the scrumptious, buttery biscuits!) You’ll find homecooked country breakfast served all day, every day. Is your mouth watering yet? 

One random winner will be chosen May 31, 2013. Good luck! Follow the Natchez Trace on Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

You can find the Loveless Cafe on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram, too!

For more information on the Natchez Trace Parkway, visit www.nps.gov/natr, or call 800-305-7417.

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.

In order to meet the required financial reductions, the Parkway is reducing costs in the areas of permanent and seasonal employment, overtime, training, travel, and supply purchases.  Within the next 2-6 weeks the adjustments listed below will be taken to implement the sequestration cut.

While these reductions are necessary to comply with sequestration, the park remains open, welcoming visitors and continuing to protect the resources entrusted to our care.  Please visit our web site at www.nps.gov/NATR to obtain the most current information on operational changes and closures.

Staffing:

·         Five (5) vacant Permanent Positions will not be hired

·         Fifteen (15) Seasonal Employee Positions will not be hired

Park Operations: Reduced staffing will result in changes to park operations in the following areas:

·         Parkway Visitor Centers: There will be a change in operating hours for the Visitor Centers along the Parkway at the following mileposts (MP).

o   Meriwether Lewis Visitor Center (TN, MP 386):  Operating hours will be reduced from 5 days/week full time to 2 days/week full time (Saturday/Sunday) and 3 days/week part time (Wednesday-Friday).

o   Colbert Ferry Visitor Center (AL, MP 328):  Will remain closed for the 2013 season.

o   Tupelo Visitor Center (MS, MP 266):  Operating hours remain unchanged; open 7 days/week.

o   Ridgeland Visitor Center (MS, MP 102):  Operating hours will be reduced from 5 days/week to 2 days/week (Friday/Saturday).

o   Rocky Springs Visitor Center (MS, MP 55): Will remain closed for the 2013 season.

o   Mount Locust Historic Site (MS, MP 15): Operating hours remain unchanged; open 7 days/week but with minimum staffing on 4 of those days. Operating hours may be reduced to 5 days/week in late fall.

·         Parkway Comfort Stations:  There will be a change in operating hours for the comfort stations along the Parkway:

o   Eight (8) Will Remain on Current Schedule:

MP 386 Meriwether Lewis Parking Lot

MP 386 Meriwether Lewis Campground

MP 266 Tupelo Visitor Center

MP 193 Jeff Busby Service Station

MP 193 Jeff Busby Campground

MP 102 Ridgeland Visitor Center

MP 55   Rocky Springs Campground A

MP 15   Mount Locust

o   Four (4) Will Remain Closed for 2013 Season:

MP 193 Jeff Busby Picnic Area

MP 193 Jeff Busby Little Mountain

MP 55 Rocky Springs Campground B

MP 55 Rocky Springs Picnic Area

o   Fourteen (14) Will Be Closed Two Days per Week:

Closed Monday a.m. through Wednesday a.m.:

MP 386 Meriwether Lewis Little Swan

MP 378 Jack’s Branch

MP 364 Glenrock

MP 233 Witch Dance

MP 55 Rocky Springs Visitor Center

MP 17 Coles Creek

Closed Wednesday a.m. through Friday a.m.:

MP 428 Garrison Creek

MP 408 Gordon House

MP 405 Jackson Falls

MP 328 Colbert Ferry Visitor Center

MP 328 Colbert Ferry Boat Ramp

MP 287 Pharr Mounds

MP 154 Holly Hill

MP 123 River Bend

·         Parkway Landscape Maintenance:  There will be a change in the landscape maintenance of the Parkway.

o   The road shoulder area will be mowed 15-30 feet wide as needed to provide a safe pull-off area for motorists.

o   Intersections, turnouts, and around buildings will be mowed on an as-needed basis.

o   The remaining grassed areas of the Parkway will be mowed 1-2 times, and the wood line and agricultural fields will be mowed once.

o   Trash pickup will be reduced by one day per week.

The morning will begin with the National Anthem, sung by Jackson, Mississippi’s Dr. Lester Senter, Mezzo Soprano. Dr. Senter’s vocal repertoire extends to over 60 roles, and she has appeared with leading opera companies and symphonies across America and abroad.

The North Mississippi Dulcimer Association will lead off the musical sets showcasing the first stringed instrument developed in the United States. The dulcimer, a name that means “sweet sound,” has roots that can be traced back to the early 1800s. The group is dedicated to preserving the arts of making and playing the instruments.

Pickin’n Grinnin’, a Tupelo bluegrass band from St. Luke United Methodist Church, will play a style of American-roots music inspired by the sounds of Appalachia. With fiddles, banjos, guitars, bass, and vocals, the group will have visitors tapping their toes.

Redoak Grove Missionary Baptist Church choir, an 18-person group directed by Choir President Mary Rainey, will perform a variety of traditional gospel songs. The spiritual movement has had a strong influence on music—past and present.

To round out the musical talent, Jack Curtis, an Elvis Presley stylist, will present “The Wonder of Elvis.” Curtis will recreate the energy and excitement of Elvis’ hits in a tribute that will have everyone reminiscing about a special period in Parkway traveling days. Curtis has been performing for over 20 years, and placed in the top five in the “World Images of Elvis” competition.

Visitors are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs for the free open air concert. Music will be presented from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

The Natchez Trace Parkway was established as part of the National Park System on May 18, 1935. It will celebrate its 75^th anniversary on May 18, 2013, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The family-friendly event is free, and will be held at the Parkway Visitor Center, just north of Tupelo, MS, at milepost 266 on the Natchez Trace Parkway. For more information on this and other events, visitwww.nps.gov/natr, or call 800-305-7417.

www.nps.gov

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.

This program is free.  For additional information, call 662-680-4027 or 1-800-305-7417.

-NPS-

Like fine dining and delicious food? If you do, you are in luck! The Natchez Trace Compact and Park Heights Restaurant in Tupelo, MS have teamed up to give away a $100 gift certificate to a lucky Facebook fan. Enter HERE!

Check out the Park Heights website to see their menu and more information.

One winner will be announced April 30, 2013.  Good luck everyone! Follow us Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for updates on the Natchez Trace Parkway, photos, giveaways and more.

Week One: Free 4 pack of cupcakes

Week Two: Free Dozen Minis

Week Three: Free 4 pack of cheesecakes

It’s so easy for a chance to win delicious sweets from Gigi’s Cupcakes in Tupelo, MS on our Facebook page. Travel the Natchez Trace Parkway and stop in Tupelo to visit the Parkway headquarters for a fun and informative experience, then satisfy your sweet tooth at Gigi’s! 

We will have three winners and will be contacted via email. The promotion ends April 30, 2013. Good luck everyone! Follow us Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest for updates on the Natchez Trace Parkway, photos, giveaways and more.

EXPEDITION NATCHEZ 1813: BECOMING OLD HICKORY

“From Natchez Under The Hill to The Hermitage”

April 12 – 21, 2013

Sponsored by:

Natchez Trace Parkway Association and 7th U.S. Infantry Living History Association

PUBLIC EVENTS:

Friday, April 12

5:00 pm. A Bicentennial Hickory Tree Planting Natchez Chapter DAR at the DAR
Marker on the Bluff.

6:00 p.m. Landing and Parade of General Jackson and the Troops Through
Natchez. Sponsored by the City of Natchez. Main Street.

6:30 p.m.. Reception for General Jackson and the Mayor of Natchez at the
exclusive Prentiss Club with period music and heavy hors d’oeuvres. This ticketed
reception is sponsored by Natchez Downtown Development Association. See
below for ticket information.

Saturday, April 13 NATCHEZ

8:30 a.m. A Bicentennial Hickory Tree Planting at Historic Jefferson College by
Pathfinder Chapter DAR.

NATCHEZ

9:00 a.m. A Bicentennial Hickory Tree Planting at Elizabeth Female College by
James Gilliam Chapter DAR.

9:00AM – 5:00PM. Natchez Expedition 1813 and Washington Community
Faire with 50 camps of living history demonstrators at Historic Jefferson College
Admission $5 for ages 12 and older. Portrayals of General Jackson’s encampment
with marches, parades, drills and camp life demonstrations in the territorial
capital of 1813 Washington, Mississippi Territory. Area craftsmen, musicians,
gunsmiths and others have traveled to town to demonstrate their talents on the
1813 Saturday. Admission $5 for ages 12 and older.

10:00 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. War of 1812 Lectures at Historic Jefferson College.

10:00AM – Mr. James Parker, Director, Fort Toulouse/Fort Jackson, Alabama.
“Happenings Along the Gulf Coast and Their Influence on Natchez 1804 – 1813″
11:00AM – Mr. Tom Kanon – Tennessee State Library and Archives, Nashville,
Tennessee. “The War of 1812 and the Problem of Causation”
1:00PM – Mr. Clay Williams – Director, Old Capitol Museum, Jackson, Mississippi.
“Frontier in Flames: The Creek War Begins!”
2:00PM – Mr. Tony Turnbow – Attorney, “The Natchez Expedition that made Andrew
Jackson “Old Hickory”
3:00PM – Mr. Bud Clark – Great great great grandson of Capt. William Clark.
“William Clark and the War of 1812 in the West”

3:00 p.m. Ladies’ 1813 Tea at 1812 Auburn Historic House. The ladies of the 7th
U.S. Infantry Living History Association portray Natchez society at a tea at the
grand Natchez home newly constructed in 1813. $7 admission at the door.

6:00 p.m. Fife and Drum performance by the Lewis and Clark Fife and Drum
Corps at the Eola Hotel lobby.

6:45 Period Dinner honoring General Jackson and his brave Volunteers at the
Natchez Eola Hotel. String music during dinner provided by the Sinclair Family
Trio. Sponsored by the Natchez Downtown Development Association. See below
for ticket information.

Sunday, April 14

NATCHEZ

9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Pioneer Living History Camps and Demonstrations continue
at Historic Jefferson College. General Jackson and his troops will have departed
early. No admission on Sunday.

Monday, April 15 RIDGELAND

9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. Educational Initiative areas on the Natchez Trace Parkway at
Choctaw Agency, Brashear’s Stand, Doak’s Stand open to the public.

2:00 pm. Choctaw Agency. A Bicentennial Hickory Tree Planting by Rebecca
Cravat Chapter.

Tuesday April 16 RIDGELAND

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Educational Initiative areas on the Natchez Trace Parkway
at Choctaw Agency, Brashear’s Stand, Doak’s Stand open to the public.

Tuesday April 16 JACKSON

5:30 – 7:00PM. Old Capitol Museum House Chamber Event. Mississippi Supreme
Court Chief Justice and former Brig. General of the Mississippi National Guard
William L. Waller, Jr. speaks on military leadership. Other remarks by Vice-
Chief Kevin Edwards of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians. Grant Hardin,
portraying Andrew Jackson, will read the address President Jackson prepared to
give at the building on the 25th anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans. The
event includes an hors d’oeuvres reception and string music in the rotunda .

Wednesday, April 17

1:00 p.m. Old Hickory Tree Planting Ceremony at the DAR Marker honoring the
encampment of Jackson’s War of 1812 troops by Samuel Hammond Chapter
DAR.

Thursday, April 18 and Friday, April 19 PONTOTOC
9:00 a.m. – 1:00 pm. Educational Initiative on the old Natchez Trace at Longbow
Trails Park.

FRENCH CAMP

2:00 p.m. A Bicentennial Hickory Tree Planting on the Old Natchez Trace at Zion
Baptist Church by Pontotoc Historical Society.

Friday, April 19 TUSCUMBIA

6:00 p.m. Reception at the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art. Special exhibits
on George Colbert and Col. John Coffee will include Chief George Colbert’s sash.
Music by the Sinclair Trio. Sponsored by the Alabama Chapter and the Colbert
County Tourism and Convention Bureau. See below for Ticket Information.

7:00 p.m. Historic Dinner to Honor Chickasaw Contribution to the Natchez
Expedition , Roundhouse Restaurant. John Coffee descendants will formally
thank Chief George Colbert and Chief Levi Colbert descendants for the help their
ancestors provided in feeding the troops in 1813 to prevent them from starving.
Period Music by “Two Hammers and a Pick.” Sponsored by the Alabama Chapter
and the Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau. See below for ticket
information.

Saturday, April 20

TUSCUMBIA

8:00 a.m. Tour of Tuscumbia Landing and Discussion of the Long-range
Consequences of the War of 1812, led by Robert Thrower, Preservation Officer of
the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. The landing was one of the removal sites on
the Trail of Tears.

10:30 a.m. Tennessee River Crossing Ceremony at Colbert Ferry. The historical
significance of the site will be discussed by C. Brady Davis, Representative of the
Chickasaw Nation, Acting Superintendent Dale Wilkerson and others. It will be
emphasized that Jackson became “Old Hickory” with the help of the Chickasaws
and others during the Natchez Expedition. The event will include a Bicentennial
Hickory Tree Planting by the Chief Colbert Chapter DAR.

Saturday April 20 HOHENWALD

1:00 p.m. Homecoming for the Tennessee Volunteers –Re-creation of dismissal
of troops at Grinder’s Stand by William Carroll and welcome home of troops by
1813 families. A Bicentennial Hickory Tree Planting by the Re-enactors (tree
sponsored by the Tennessee Society DAR) and Ceremonial tribute at Meriwether
Lewis gravesite.

Saturday April 20 LEIPER’S FORK

3:00 p.m. Bicentennial Tribute to the Tennessee Militia of 1812- War of 1812
Memorial Site. Mile marker 426.3. Adjutant General Terry “Max” Hastings of the
Tennessee National Guard, Andrew Jackson’s Current Successor in that office,
Acting Superintendent Dale Wilkerson, U.S. Daughters of 1812 president Charlene
Miller and General Society of 1812 member Dr. Sam Gant will pay tribute to those
who participated in the Natchez Expedition and the soldiers who died during the
marches. Wreath laying ceremony. A Bicentennial Hickory Tree Planting by U.S.
Daughters of 1812.

Sunday, April 21

10:00 a.m. Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Grave of President Andrew Jackson,
The Hermitage. A Bicentennial Hickory Tree Planting by U.S. Daughters of 1812.

NASHVILLE

*For tickets to the Reception for Andrew Jackson at the Prentiss Club and to the dinner for Andrew Jackson and his Volunteers at the Natchez Eola, please contact the Historic Natchez Foundation at 601-442-2500 or call 601-445-8220.

** For tickets to the Reception at the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art and the Colbert and Coffee Descendants Dinner at the Roundhouse Restaurant, contact the Colbert County Tourism and Convention Bureau, (256)383-0783.

For more information, contact info@natcheztrace.info or visit www.natcheztrace.org

This program is free to the public.  For additional information, please call the visitor center at: 662-680-4027 or 1-800-305-7417.

-NPS-

The Natchez Trace Parkway is the ultimate motorcycle route. It’s a 444 mile historic road from Natchez, MS to Nashville, TN through beautiful scenery, curvy roads, history, interesting stops, minimal traffic, places to stay and good restaurants. What else could you ask for?

During this time of year, spring is the perfect time to hop on a motorcycle and take a relaxing drive on the Trace. The wildflowers are blooming and the trees and grass are a beautiful, bright green color. The weather is just right during the spring–warm enough to ride but not too hot yet.

Traffic is generally light and there are often more motorcycles on the road than vehicles. You don’t have to worry about stop signs or stop lights… just keep cruising, enjoy the scenery and the wind blowing through your hair. The Parkway is clean and smooth, so you won’t be tackling bumpy roads.

All along the Trace in Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee you’ll find historical and nature attractions. Take a break, notice the gorgeous nature that surrounds you and learn a little history at the designated mileposts. Numerous side roads take you past antebellum and victorian homes, sunken roads, civil war battlefields and southern towns.

If you’re feeling hungry, restaurants are located just off the Trace in our corridor communities. Head to scenictrace.com, click Communities, then click on Restaurants under the community in which you would like to search.

Need a gasoline or a restroom? No problem! Restroom facilities are provided by the National Park Service about every twenty miles or so.

Mississippi:

• Mount Locust – restroom stop, milepost 15.5
• Coles Creek – restroom stop, milepost 17.5
• MS Hwy 18 in Port Gibson – gasoline/market, milepost 41.3
• Rocky Springs – restroom stop, milepost 54.8
• MS Hwy 467 in Raymond – gasoline/market, milepost 79
• Clinton Visitor’s Center on Pinehaven Road  – gasoline/market, milepost 89
• US Hwy 51 – gasoline/market, milepost 102.4
• MS Hwy 43 – gasoline/market, milepost 114.9
• River Bend – restroom stop, milepost 122.6
• Ratliff Ferry Road – gasoline/market, milepost 123.8
• MS Hwy 16 – gasoline/market, milepost 135.5
• MS Hwy 429 – gasoline/market, milepost 146.2
• Holly Hill – restroom stop, milepost 154.3
• Kosciusko Information Center – gasoline/market, milepost 159.8
• French Camp – Council House Café, milepost 180.7
• Jeff Busby – restroom and water only – market/gas station is closed, milepost 193.1
• MS Hwy 9 – gasoline/market at the exit, milepost 195.3
• US 82 – gasoline/market, milepost 204.2
• Witch Dance – restroom stop, milepost 233.2
• Pontocola Road/CR 506 – gasoline/market, milepost 251.6
• Palmetto Road (Verona exit) – gasoline/market, milepost 255.7
• MS Hwy 6/Main Street – gasoline/market, milepost 260.0
• McCullough Blvd. – gasoline/market, milepost 262.3
• Tupelo Visitor Center – restroom stop, milepost 266
• MS Hwy 363 – gasoline/market, milepost 270.7
• Pharr Mounds – restroom stop, milepost 286.7
• MS Hwy 25 – gasoline/market, milepost 302

Alabama:

• US 72 – gasoline/market, milepost 320.3
• Colbert Ferry – gasoline/market, milepost 327.3
• AL Hwy 14 – gasoline/market, milepost 331.9
• AL Hwy 20 – gasoline/market, milepost 337

Tennessee:

• TN Hwy 13 – gasoline/market, milepost 350.7
• TN Hwy 14 in Collinwood – gasoline/market, milepost 354.9
• Glenrock Branch – restroom stop, milepost 364.5
• US 64 – gasoline/market, milepost 370
• Jacks Branch – restroom stop, milepost 377.8
• TN Hwy 20 – gasoline/market, milepost 385.9
• Meriwether Lewis – restroom stop, milepost 385.9
• US 412 – Fall Hollow Market right at exit, milepost 392
• Jackson Falls – restroom stop, milepost 404.7
• Gordon House – restroom stop, milepost 407.7
• TN Hwy 50 – gasoline/markets, milepost 408
• Garrison Creek – restroom stop, milepost 427.5
• TN Hwy 46 in Leiper’s Fork – gasoline/market, milepost 42
• TN Hwy 100 – gasoline/market, milepost 444

*Note: The Natchez Trace Parkway was required to reduce its annual budget by five percent, in accordance with the sequestration provision of the Budget Control Act of 2011. Reductions are necessary to comply with sequestration, but the park remains open and welcomes visitors. Click here to see the effects of the sequestration.

Enjoy your motorcycle ride on the beautiful Natchez Trace Parkway this spring!

All exhibitors and events will be outdoors and include:

• Terry Vandeventer’s educational, fun, live snake program:  “Snakes of Mississippi” at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
• Other exhibitors include the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Mississippi State University, the Bear Education and Restoration Group of Mississippi, and the Mississippi Bat Working Group
• Wildlife Discovery hike along the Beech Springs Nature Trail
• A special Junior Ranger Day Scavenger Hunt

This program is free to the public.  Mr. Vandeventer’s program will be available to local schools on Friday, April 19.  Interested teachers can call the Parkway Visitor Center at 662-680-4027 for availability. The Natchez Trace 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.

75th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, May 18, 2013

The Natchez Trace Parkway will be celebrating its 75th anniversary on Saturday, May 18, 2013. The free, family-oriented event, to be held from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. at the Parkway Visitor Center near Tupelo, MS, will include live music, children’s activities, classic cars, and much more.

The day will kick off with opening remarks from Senator Thad Cochran, the Natchez Trace Parkway superintendent, and other officials. Individuals representing the historical people of the Old Trace will be on hand to welcome visitors, including people portraying a “Kaintuck,” Civil War soldiers, and Meriwether Lewis.

Children will have the opportunity to earn a special Natchez Trace Parkway 75^th Anniversary patch by participating in different activities, including a discovery walk, a mock archeological dig, and more.

Other activities include the music of the North Mississippi Dulcimer Association, classic cars from the years 1938-2013, and a booth where people with special memories of the parkway may record those stories. Food will be available to the public at 1938 prices, thanks to the support of the Natchez Trace Parkway Association.

More information will be available as plans progress.

Geocaching “Travel Bugs” to be Released

The Natchez Trace Parkway will be releasing one travel bug each month to help celebrate its 75th anniversary. Each bug will have a travel goal and mission that is related to the history of the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Geocachers pick up travel bugs, also known as “hitchhikers,” from an established cache and then carry the bug to another established cache to help it accomplish its mission. The only physical cache on the Parkway is at the travel bug launch site, at the Parkway Visitor Center near Tupelo, Mississippi. Please remember that leaving personal property materials in caches on National Park Service property is not permitted. Anyone can follow the movements of the bug by registering for free on Geocaching.com.

The first travel bug, with tracking number TB58XYV, was released on January 1st. Its mission is to stop in towns along the Old Natchez Trace corridor, visiting Natchez, Mississippi, and Nashville, Tennessee, as many times as possible in the year 2013.

The second bug, with tracking number TB58XYZ, was released February 1st, and has a theme related to Black History Month.

Parkway Art Contest

High school aged artisits are invited to submit their artwork depicting the theme “On the Natchez Trace” to their art instructors for possible submission into the Natchez Trace Parkway’s 75th Anniversary art contest.

Staff at the Natchez Trace Parkway will select winners and pieces for display at the Parkway Visitor Center in Tupelo, MS for the Natchez Trace Parkway’s 75th Anniversary Celebration on May 18th, 2013. Cash prizes will be awarded.

The contest officially opens at 8:00 a.m. on February 18, 2013. Teachers must submit student work.

For rules and further details, click here.