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Parkway

Natchez Trace Parkway

Park ClosureAug 3, 2026

Current Park Closures

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A slightly curvy section of the Natchez Trace Parkway in Early Fall

The Natchez Trace Parkway commemorates a historic travel route that helped build the young United States. The Parkway 444 miles, with plenty of stops to allow you to explore some of the history or enjoy the scenery along the way.

Photo: NPS Photo

About

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile recreational road and scenic drive through three states. It roughly follows the "Old Natchez Trace," a historic travel corridor used by American Indians, "Kaintucks," European settlers, slave traders, soldiers, and future presidents. Today, people can enjoy a scenic drive as well as hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping along the Parkway.

Activities

Auto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingBikingRoad BikingCampingCar or Front Country CampingRV CampingCompass and GPSGeocachingFishingFreshwater FishingFood

News

15-mile Section Reopens as Road Rehabilitation Advances on Natchez Trace Parkway
Jul 31, 2026

15-mile Section Reopens as Road Rehabilitation Advances on Natchez Trace Parkway

The National Park Service will reopen a 15-mile section of the Natchez Trace Parkway on August 3 and begin the next phase of a major road rehabilitation project, requiring a detour around a 24-mile section between state Highway 16 (milepost 135) and state Highway 19 (milepost 159.5).

Speeding Catches Up With You: Follow the Speed Limit on Natchez Trace Parkway to Save Lives
Jul 6, 2026

Speeding Catches Up With You: Follow the Speed Limit on Natchez Trace Parkway to Save Lives

As a part of the Speeding Catches Up With You campaign, Natchez Trace Parkway Rangers and Mississippi Highway Patrol Troopers will be present along the Natchez Trace to protect the public from aggressive speeding violations.

Natchez Trace Parkway to Close 15-Mile Section for Major Road Rehabilitation Project
Jun 18, 2026
Picnicking
Guided Tours
Self-Guided Tours - Walking
Self-Guided Tours - Auto
Hiking
Front-Country Hiking
Horse Trekking
Horseback Riding
Junior Ranger Program
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Park Film
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store
Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Directions

Directions to the Natchez Trace Parkway vary depending on what part of the tri-state Parkway you are trying to reach. There are more than 50 roads that access the Parkway in Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. For specific questions concerning how to get to a certain portion of the Parkway, please call the Visitor Center at 1-800-305-7417.

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Weather

Mississippi, Alabama, and most of Tennessee are classified as humid subtropical climates. The weather ranges from mild winters to hot summers. Average high temperatures reach into the high 90's in summer and often heat indices are over 100 degrees F. Winters are mild with daytime temperatures around 50 F but lows below freezing are not uncommon. Thunderstorms are common in the southeast and the southern part of Mississippi is occasionally affected by hurricanes. Check local forecasts to plan your trip.

Natchez Trace Parkway to Close 15-Mile Section for Major Road Rehabilitation Project

Beginning June 22, the Natchez Trace Parkway will detour motorists around a 15-mile section of parkway between state Route 12 (milepost 165) and state Route 413 (milepost 180) in Attala and Choctaw counties as construction begins on a major road rehabilitation project.