Imagine driving through nearly 10,000 years of history! That’s essentially what you can do when you travel down the Natchez Trace Parkway. The original Old Natchez Trace trail and present-day Parkway (maintained by the National Park Service) is the site of significant historical events surrounding the settlement of the Southeastern United States in the mid to late 1700s and early 1800s. But its historical significance goes back much further than that. People have literally walked the Natchez Trace for thousands of years.
The Old Natchez Trace was carved out along the trade and travel routes of Native American tribes as they journeyed to and from Northern Tennessee to Southwest Mississippi. Early pioneers also utilized the original route long used by the Native Americans for trade as the Southeastern U.S. was being settled in its infancy.
The National Park Service has a historic marker on the Old Natchez Trace near the Grinders Stand, which affirms that it was the first national road constructed by the Federal Government to connect the southeastern boundaries of the United States to Washington, D.C. Just try to imagine the countless remarkable individuals who roamed this significant pathway throughout history.Today, the Natchez Trace Parkway offers much more than a scenic drive. Discover the many recreational opportunities that can be found along the way, including a designated bicycle route, several places to camp, picturesque hiking trails, historical attractions, and much more. Needless to say, there is plenty to do and see along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Start here to plan your trip along the Parkway and get ready for an experience you won’t soon forget!
