The Natchez Trace Parkway stretches across three states for 444 miles. The Natchez, Chickasaw, and Choctaw tribes used this trail for centuries.
It was later used for wagons by early pioneers. During Thomas Jefferson's presidency, it was designated as a national post road to deliver mail between Natchez and Nashville.
With hardly any traffic on the Natchez Trace Parkway, you can meander along at a leisurely pace.
You can feel your blood pressure drop as you slow down and take in the scenery. There is something new around every corner, whether it's historical or natural beauty.
On the day of our visit, we visited 13 stops. Our itinerary included some of the following sights...
Water Valley Overlook: Beautiful view of the valley below.
Highland Rim Trail: Off the parkway, great picnic spot.
Gordon House and Duck River Ferry Site: An excellent bathroom stop. The house is beautiful.
Baker Bluff Overlook: Another breathtaking view
Jackson Falls: 900 ft trail to the Falls, steep but not too bad. Several excellent bathrooms and another pleasant picnic spot.
Old Trace: This is a portion of the original Trace Trail.
English Camp: By far the most impressive picnic spot that we visited.
While on the Trace slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the slower pace. Watch for bicyclists and wildlife who share the roadway. During our visit we saw turkey, deer, and snakes.
Explore the stops along the way and go for a hike. Oh, and don't forget to pack a picnic lunch!
Don't just travel Tennessee, EXPERIENCE TENNESSEE!