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Parkway

Natchez Trace Parkway

Park ClosureFeb 10, 2026

12/12/2025 Update - Parkway and Campground closed from MP 181-204.

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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 Fishing
Food
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.

News

Winter Storm to Impact Travel on Natchez Trace Parkway
Jan 23, 2026

Winter Storm to Impact Travel on Natchez Trace Parkway

The National Park Service will close Natchez Trace Parkway between TN Highway 46 (milepost 429) and the northern terminus (milepost 442) south of Nashville, Tennessee at approximately 8 PM Central Standard Time today, Jan. 23. Additional closures along the parkway may occur during the storm.

Natchez Trace Parkway Closure in Choctaw and Webster Counties Extended
Dec 12, 2025

Natchez Trace Parkway Closure in Choctaw and Webster Counties Extended

Construction-related closure of the Natchez Trace Parkway between Mississippi Highway 413 (milepost 181) and U.S. Highway 82 (milepost 204) in Choctaw and Webster counties will remain in effect longer than originally anticipated.

Prescribed fire season begins on Natchez Trace Parkway
Nov 17, 2025

Prescribed fire season begins on Natchez Trace Parkway

The National Park Service will conduct prescribed burns along the Natchez Trace Parkway beginning November 17. Fire season along the parkway will run until May 2026.