Natchez Trace Parkway in Lewis County
While there are plenty of scenic roads today, many of them don’t have National Park status like the Natchez Trace Parkway. It’s maintained by the National Park Service and designated an All-American Road by the United States Department of Transportation.
Perhaps the biggest appeal of this road attraction for visitors is the abundance of natural scenery…without the hinderance of commercial traffic. The designers of the parkway developed it to not only be a pleasant drive, but also to preserve the rich history of the area, even featuring several historical markers and monuments along the way. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a place where you can truly slow down and unplug from the busyness of life to enjoy an overwhelming calmness.
What activities are popular along the Natchez Trace Parkway in Lewis County?
This beautiful stretch of highway is directly connected to abundant recreation throughout the region, dotted with plenty of opportunities to get out in nature and bike, camp, hike, fish, and just enjoy natural beauty at a slower pace.
Visitors and local residents in Lewis County take advantage of several of the area’s unique offerings for outdoor recreation.
Grinder’s Stand
Grinder’s Stand was a historic inn, or “stand” as it was referred to in the old days, located on the Natchez Trace. This is the location at which Meriwether Lewis died by suicide (as suspected by his friend and colleague, Thomas Jefferson) or homicide (as suspected by his family). While the original structure no longer exists, a replica containing an exhibit about Lewis’ life can be visited today at the Meriwether Lewis Park located on the Natchez Trace Parkway in Lewis County, east of Hohenwald.
Metal Ford
This ford is located along the wide and fast flowing Buffalo River. It allowed travelers on the Natchez Trace to cross the river (except after heavy rains) and takes its name from its stone bottom, which reminded frontier travelers of a stone-surfaced or “metaled” roads of the day. A five-minute stroll beyond Metal Ford leads you beside the river to the McLish Stand exhibit and then back to this point by way of the historic mill trace. Here you will find a hiking trail, a short segment of the original Natchez Trace, a small picnic area, and a bit of history.
Napier Mine
Napier Mine is located on the Natchez Trace Parkway at milepost 381.8. The mine was an open pit mine which provided most of the ore for the nearby iron making operations. John Catron, who then ran the business under the name of Buffalo Ironworks, was a principal promoter of the activities here in the 1820s and 1830s. The mine took its name from Catron’s predecessors, the Napiers. Today, there are two information panels with the story of the mine and a viewing area overlooking the mine pit. Nothing else remains of the operation.
Old Trace Drive
This 2.5-mile road (one way north) follows the original Natchez Road route. Several overlooks provide tranquil views of the countryside. RVs and buses are prohibited due to the narrow road and low hanging limbs. While on the Old Trace Drive, you will be driving on a section of the Old Natchez Trace and see for yourself this frontier road much as it appeared in the early 1800s. This is an especially great place to view fall colors from the comfort of your vehicle.
To put it simply, the Natchez Trace Parkway isn’t like any other road in America. It’s maintained by the National Park Service and designated an All-American Road by the United States Department of Transportation. With its abundance of natural scenery and multiple points of interest (without the hinderance of commercial traffic), the Natchez Trace Parkway is a place where you can truly slow down, take in the views, and enjoy a calmness like no other.
Chart your journey and discover the history and numerous recreational opportunities that can be found along the Natchez Trace Parkway, including a designated bicycle route, hiking trails, historical attractions, and much more. Needless to say, there is plenty to do and see along the parkway. Click here to learn more and get ready for an experience you won’t soon forget!