Tennessee's Natchez Trace Parkway

Meriwether Lewis Site: Retracing a Fateful Journey

In September 1809, Meriwether Lewis set out from St. Louis to Washington, D.C., frustrated by unpaid travel expenses and worried about his journals falling into British hands. He traveled overland down the Natchez Trace and, on the night of October 10–11, was fatally wounded at Grinder’s Stand. Today, his grave lies beneath a graceful monument featuring a deliberately broken column—a 19th-century symbol of a life cut short. You can follow the Footsteps Through History Trail, an easy, paved loop with interpretive exhibits that lead you along a segment of the original Trace and past the 1935 cabin museum where park rangers bring Lewis’s story to life. Parking and restroom facilities sit just off the Parkway; the unpaved old-trace segment beckons you to walk in Lewis’s final footsteps. National Park Service National Park Service

Fall Hollow Waterfall: A 20-Foot Splash of Serenity

Just a stone’s throw from your car at milepost 391.9, you’ll hear Fall Hollow’s roar before you see it. A short, gently sloping trail leads to a sturdy viewing platform overlooking a 20-foot cascade tumbling over mossy ledges into a crystal pool. Watch for slippery spots on the boardwalk and platform—nature’s own mist can make every step a thrill. Look up to see songbirds darting through the canopy, and down to spot wildflowers peeking from rocky crevices. Amenities here include parking, a scenic overlook, and a well-marked trailhead. National Park Service National Park Service

Jackson Falls: Nature’s Geologic Masterpiece

At milepost 404.7, Jackson Falls tells a tale of “stream piracy,” when the Duck River diverted an ancient tributary, carving a new channel and creating this dramatic drop. A concrete sidewalk trail—about 900 feet long—descends steeply to a clear plunge pool at the base of the falls. Midway, a handrail and bench offer a moment to catch your breath and absorb the view. Plan on 15–30 minutes to stroll down, linger, and ascend back; the path is paved but can be slick after rain, so sturdy shoes are a must. Pets on leash are welcome, and no fees or reservations are required. National Park Service National Park Service

Gordon House Historic Site: An 1818 Landmark You Can Only Admire from the Porch

Perched at milepost 407.7 and built in 1818 by Captain John Gordon, this brick Federal-style “hall-and-parlor” home once offered weary travelers a ferry crossing over the Duck River, a trading post, and a place to rest. Today, safety concerns keep its doors closed, but the exterior and surrounding grounds are yours to explore. Stroll the shaded trail down to Fattybread Branch, and read interpretive panels about Gordon’s partnership with Chickasaw Chief William Colbert, his service alongside Andrew Jackson during the War of 1812, and his family’s life here. Then walk the Old Trace right behind the house, imagining the clatter of wagon wheels and the hush of frontier Tennessee. National Park Service National Park Service

Old Trace Drive: Two Historic Roadways by Car

For a true step back in time, slip onto the Old Trace Drive at milepost 375.8, a narrow one-way road stretching 2.5 miles through dense woodland and past three scenic overlooks. No RVs, buses, or tall vehicles—just your car and the forest canopy overhead. If you crave a slightly different perspective, head north to milepost 401.4 for a 2-mile drive that similarly hugs the original Trace, offering pastoral vistas and autumn color peeks without leaving your seat. Both drives hearken to the era when pioneers and traders navigated these low-hanging limbs and winding paths by horseback. National Park Service National Park Service

Each of these stops reveals a layer of Tennessee’s past, from daring explorers to quiet waterways and the humble homes that once defined travel in the early 1800s. Pack water, sturdy shoes, and your sense of wonder—and get ready to experience the Natchez Trace Parkway as only Tennessee can offer.