Natchez Trace Parkway
Visitor Services

You can stop at many picnic areas along the byway for relaxation or admiration of nature. Burns Branch, located at Milepost 425.4, offers picnic tables and a hiking trail. The grave of Meriwether Lewis, of Lewis and Clark fame, is located at milepost 385.9, where there is also a campground, a picnic area, restrooms, and a hiking trail.

Picnic areas are also available at Lauderdale (milepost 328.7), Colbert Ferry (milepost 327.3), and Bear Creek (milepost 313.0). At Colbert Ferry there is a ranger station and restrooms. Also, many people enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating here (there is a boat launch).

Other popular picnicking sites found further south are Dogwood Mudhole, Holly, Glenrock Branch, Cypress Creek picnic area, Tishomingo State Park, the Monroe Mission, Davis Lake, Witch Dance, Jeff Busby, Bethel Mission, Yockanookany Picnic Area, and Rocky Springs.

Besides the previously mentioned facilities, Tishomingo State Park also has swimming, canoeing, and fishing opportunities.

Recreational vehicles can tour the byway. More information can be found at the National Park Service website: National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior.

Service	Description	Service	Description
	Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities The Natchez Trace is popular among bicyclists -- both for distance touring and for local riders out for a day of fresh air. The entire length of the byway is designated as a bicycle tour route and...		Camping All campgrounds are free of charge. No hookups are available, and the sites are first-come, first-served, with no reservations accepted. A complete list of campgrounds on or near the Parkway can...
	Food There are places to buy food along this byway.		Gasoline Gasoline is available in communities along the Parkway.
	Information For more information along the Parkway, visit the Parkway Visitor Center (milepost 266), the Parkway Information Cabin (milepost 102.4), and Mount Locust (milepost 15.5).		Lodging There is overnight lodging available in communities along this byway. The Natchez Trace Compact Association does provide information on lodging and food off the Parkway at...
	Phone All public phones have been removed.		Restrooms There are toilet facilities along this byway.
	Retail There are places to shop along this byway.

NOTE: The America's Byways® website is federally funded and cannot promote commercial businesses. This data may not be complete or up to date. The National Scenic Byways Program is not responsible for the quality of your travel experience. See the right column on the Byway Overview page for local contact information.

Special Considerations

Be alert for animals along the route. Also, copperheads, cottonmouths, and rattlesnakes live in the three-state area through which the parkway passes, so please be alert when walking. Fire ants can inflict painful bites, so do not disturb their mounds. Poison ivy grows throughout the area, so heed the old adage: "Leaflets three, let it be!" All natural, historical, and archaeological objects must be left undisturbed. Also, the Natchez Trace Parkway is a designated bike route, so please watch for bikers.

Gas, food, and lodging are available in the communities near the parkway. Plan ahead for these amenities because of the relatively rural setting of most of the route. The speed limit is 50 mph, unless otherwise posted. Also, the roadway is not illuminated.

Restrictions

The speed limit along this byway is 50 mph.

Seasons

Best Time to Drive

Summer is best time to see the lush vegetation along the way. Travel in late March-April for spring flowers, or from October-November for fall colors. However, the Natchez Pilgrimage during March, April, and October is an excellent time to visit many of Natchez's antebellum homes.

High Season

March-April for spring flowers; October-November for fall colors

Road Conditions

To find up to date information about the road conditions along Natchez Trace Parkway, please visit the FHWA listing of web sites for more information.

Alabama

Mississippi

Tennessee