Why Visitors Love the Natchez Trace Parkway

Posted on 05 | 9 | 12 in Trace Blog

The Natchez Trace Parkway extends an impressive 444 miles from Natchez, MS to Nashville, TN.  It was named one of the most visited units of the National Park System last year, and if you visit our Facebook page you’ll see all of the great things our visitors say about the Trace. From traveling, hiking, biking, its history, the attractions and its beauty, it’s safe to say the Natchez Trace is one of Mississippi’s, Alabama’s and Tennessee’s best-kept secrets.

The Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge

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. 

Cyclist on the Natchez Trace.

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 stop lights–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. 

Horseback Riders on the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail.

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. 

Visit the Natchez Trace this spring and summer and enjoy all of the wonderful aspects of the Parkway!