Your Guide to Spring on the Natchez Trace Parkway: Events, Outdoors & Travel Planning
As the new year rolls in, it’s the perfect time to start planning your spring adventures along the Trace. By planning now, you can make the most out of the Parkway’s beauty and exciting events that unfold as the seasons change.
Outdoor Adventure Awaits
Spring is the best time to explore the Parkway’s trails and scenic routes. As temperatures rise and flowers begin to bloom, the Trace bursts with life. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful hike or a multi-day journey, there are countless opportunities to choose from. Here are a few of the top scenic spots you should check out!
- The Sunken Trace (Milepost 41.5): The Sunken Trace is one of the most photographed sites along the Parkway. The Trace appears sunken in this spot due to thousands of travelers walking on the easily eroded loess soil. This short trail will allow you to walk on the Natchez Trace just as thousands have before you.
- Pharr Mounds (Milepost 286.7): Spread over a 90-acre complex, the Pharr Mounds offer an awesome site that you can’t see everywhere. About 1,800 to 2,000 years ago, native people built 8 dome-shaped mounds that became a big part of civic and religious ceremonies and rituals.
- Jackson Falls (Milepost 404.7) & Baker Bluff Overlook (Milepost 405.1): A stop where you can get double the views! Starting at Jackson Falls, a steep hill takes you to the perfect spot to view the base of the beautiful waterfalls. This is 1 of 2 waterfalls that can be seen when following the parkway, so don’t miss your opportunity to visit! A short half-mile will take you to Baker Bluff Overlook. Here, take in the scenic views of the farmland filled with barns, crops, and grazing animals.
Must-Visit Events
- Natchez Trace Century Ride, Ridgeland, MS: The annual ride invites cyclists to pedal through beautiful scenery along and near the Natchez Trace Parkway.
- Spring Pilgimage of Historic Homes, Natchez, MS: A celebrated seasonal event that opens a selection of its most beautiful historic homes to the public.
- Arts Alive, Florence, AL: The event is organized by the Kennedy Douglass Center for the Arts and its volunteers. It combines an outdoor art market, gallery exhibitions, and community-focused celebrations.
- Franklin Rodeo, Franklin, TN: Each May, over 3 nights, attendees gather to enjoy major rodeo competitions, family-friendly festivities, and community celebration.
- Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival, Nashville, TN: A free, family-friendly celebration of Spring and Japanese culture held annually in downtown.
Plan Your Journey
As you begin to plan your spring trips, don’t forget to add the Natchez Trace Parkway to your itinerary. To make planning even easier, use the Natchez Trace Parkway’s interactive trip-planning map. It’s a simple way to explore the 444 miles of scenic stops, local communities, and hidden gems along the route. Whether you’re dreaming of a weekend camping trip in Mississippi, a cozy bed-and-breakfast stay in Tennessee, or a great meal in an Alabama town, the map helps you build an itinerary tailored to your interests.
Getting started is easy:
- Choose a community along the Parkway.
- Pick a category—Attractions, Lodging, or Dining.
- Select a point of interest and click Add to Trip to build your customized journey.
For even more resources, you can also view our brochures and maps to get information to have on hand while traveling. You can even request to receive Visitor Guides from your chosen communities!
The Parkway comes alive in the Spring, and it is your perfect way to step into the season.
