Natchez Trace Parkway
Tennessee Natchez Trace Tour

Departure: McGlamery Stand, Tennessee
Destination: Garrison Creek, Tennessee
Time to allow: 1 day

Explore the old trails and hills of the Natchez Trace in Tennessee. While on the parkway, official Natchez Trace Parkway signs will designate turnoffs and places of interest. Follow the clearly marked signs, and discover the treasures along the parkway.

Day 1

  • Start: McGlamery Stand

    Suggested time at this stop: 5 minutes

    Visit this historic site and the nearby village that still bears the name of the stand that disappeared long ago.

  • Stop 2: Sweetwater Branch

    From previous stop: 19 minutes / 12.53 mi (20.0 km)
    Directions:

    Drive north on TN-13 toward 1st Butler Creek Rd., turn right onto Fire Tower Dr, then left onto Natchez Trace Parkway. After 11.4 miles, turn left onto CR-1767, then left onto Sweetwater Branch Rd to end at Sweetwater Branch.
    Suggested time at this stop: 15 minutes

    In the Tennessee section of Natchez Trace, the Sweetwater Branch is a twenty minute scenic walk parallelled by a fast flowing stream.

  • Stop 3: Glenrock Branch

    From previous stop: 3 minutes / 0.94 mi (1.5 km)
    Directions:

    Drive east on Sweetwater Branch Rd. and turn right onto CR-1767 to end at Glenrock Branch.
    Suggested time at this stop: 10 minutes

    Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere as you watch this stream flow through a small picturesque valley along the Natchez Trace.

  • Stop 4: Laurel Hill Lake

    From previous stop: 15 minutes / 8.49 mi (13.6 km)
    Directions:

    Drive northwest on CR-1767 and turn right onto the Natchez Trace Parkway. After 5.6 miles, take the US-64 W ramp and turn left onto US-64. Turn right onto Laurel Lake Rd., where the road turns into Hall Rd. Drive for 1.1 miles then turn left onto Brush Creek Rd., then right onto Peter Cave Rd to end at Laurel Hill Lake.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    Enjoy a relaxing day by the shores of Laurel Hill Lake; take a small snack, dip your feet in the water, or explore the waters on a boat.

  • Stop 5: Napier Mine

    From previous stop: 18 minutes / 11.23 mi (18.0 km)
    Directions:

    Drive west on Peter Cave Rd, turn right onto Brush Creek Rd and drive for 1.6 miles. Turn right onto the Natchez Trace Parkway, drive for 9.2 miles, then turn left onto Napier Mine Rd. Keep Left at the fork to continue on the road to end at Napier Mine.

    Travelers crossed the Buffalo River here at Metal Ford; so named for an ironworks and nearby McLish's Stand. Napier Mine is a nearby open pit mine used in the 19th Century to supply the ironworks.

  • Stop 6: Metal Ford

    From previous stop: 13 minutes / 5.15 mi (8.2 km)
    Directions:

    Drive east on Napier Mine Rd, turn right onto Natchez Trace Parkway and continue for one mile before turning right onto Napier Rd. Turn left onto Rack Clayton Rd, then right onto Napier Lake Rd. After 3.4 miles, turn right onto Collier Rd., then right onto Bobby Lane to end at Metal Ford.
    Suggested time at this stop: 25 minutes

    Travelers crossed the Buffalo River here at Metal Ford; so named for an ironworks and nearby McLish's Stand. Napier Mine is a nearby open pit mine used in the 19th Century to supply the ironworks.

  • Stop 7: Meriwether Lewis National Monument

    From previous stop: 18 minutes / 7.94 mi (12.7 km)
    Directions:

    Drive south on Bobby Lane, turn left onto Collier Rd, then left onto Napier Lake Rd. Turn left onto Metal Ford Rd. and drive for 1.2 miles before turning right to stay on the road. After 1.1 miles, turn left onto Napier Rd, then right onto Natchez Trace Parkway. Drive for 2.8 miles, then make a left onto TN-20 ramp. Turn right onto Monument Rd. to end at the Meriwether Lewis National Monument.
    Suggested time at this stop: 30 minutes

    Take a break to learn about the history of one of the great explorers. Located here is a campground, picnic area, restrooms, phone, ranger station, and grave of Meriwether Lewis of Lewis and Clark fame.

  • Stop 8: Jackson Falls

    From previous stop: 27 minutes / 19.37 mi (31.0 km)
    Directions:

    Drive south on Monument Rd, turn left onto the Natchez Trace Parkway ramp, then left onto the Natchez Trace Parkway. After 18.8 miles, end at Jackson Falls.
    Suggested time at this stop: 20 minutes

    Named for Andrew Jackson, the falls are on the intermittent Jackson Branch that empties into Duck River. Take out your camera to capture the sparkling water against the rocks.

  • Stop 9: Gordon House and Ferry Site

    From previous stop: 4 minutes / 2.92 mi (4.7 km)
    Directions:

    Drive northeast on the Natchez Trace Parkway for 2.9 miles to end at Gordon Ferry.
    Suggested time at this stop: 20 minutes

    From 1801 until traffic on the trace declined, the Gordons ran a ferry across the Duck River here. Stand on the banks and imagine the ferry as your only way across.

  • End: Garrison Creek

    From previous stop: 34 minutes / 23.66 mi (37.9 km)
    Directions:

    Drive northeast on the Natchez Trace Parkway for 21.3 miles, then turn left to take the TN-46 ramp. Turn right onto Pinewood Rd., then right onto Leipers Creek Rd. After 1.3 miles, end at Garrison Creek.
    Suggested time at this stop: 35 minutes

    Named for a nearby 1801-02 U.S. Army post, this area is a trailhead for horseback riders and hikers. Get your hiking gear together to explore the trails.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 92.23 miles / 147.6 km
Total Travel Time: 2 hours 31 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 3 hours 40 minutes