Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail

The Old Natchez Trace was a 500-mile footpath that ran through Choctaw and Chickasaw lands connecting Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee.You can experience portions of that journey the way earlier travelers did - on foot. Today there are four separate trails totaling 65 miles and they are administered by the Natchez Trace Parkway.

The Basics

Hours:

The Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail is open every day during daylight hours. Severe weather resulting in washouts and downed trees can cause temporary trail closures. The trail is located entirely within the property boundaries of the Natchez Trace Parkway and questions about the trail and its condition should be directed there by calling 1-800-305-7417.

Address:

2680 Natchez Trace Parkway
Tupelo, MS 38804

Toll-Free:

800-305-7417

Phone:

662-680-4025

Fax:

662-680-4034

Map

Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail, Mississippi Map

Directions

The Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail lies entirely within the boundaries of the Natchez Trace Parkway. The four trail segments run nearly parallel to the Parkway and do not provide a "back country" experience. Some sections of the trail use portions of the original Old Trace. Below are listed the southern and northern trailheads and additional access points for each trail. Note that "Milepost" refer to the milepost along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Milepost run from south to north. Milepost 0 is in Natchez, Mississippi, and Milepost 444 is near Nashville, Tennessee.

Rocky Springs Trail (10 miles)

Southern Trailhead - Owen Creek Waterfall (Milepost 52.4)
Access - Rocky Springs Campground (Milepost 54.8)

Northern Trailhead
Exit the Parkway at Milepost 59.2. At the stop sign, turn right, cross over the Parkway and take the first right to find the parking area for the trail.

Ridgeland Trail (24 miles)

Southern Trailhead - West Florida Boundary (Milepost 107.9)
Access - Exit the Parkway at Hwy. 43 and turn west in the direction of Canton, Miss. and take the first left into the parking area.

Access - From Cypress Swamp (Milepost 122.0), the trail can be accessed by carefully crossing the Parkway.

Access - Upper Choctaw Boundary (Milepost 128.5)

Northern Trailhead - Yockanookany (Milepost 130.9)

Tupelo Trail (6 miles)

Southern Trailhead
Exit the Parkway onto Hwy. 6 (Milepost 259.9) and turn east, toward Tupelo. At the stoplight for Thomas St., turn left. At the stoplight for Jackson St., turn right and the trailhead parking area will be 1/10 of a mile on the left.

Access - Chickasaw Village Site (Milepost 261.8)

Access - Old Town Creek Overlook (Milepost 264.0)

Northern Trailhead - Across from the Parkway Visitor Center (Milepost 266)
Take Beech Springs Rd. connector for 3/10 of a mile and find the trailhead parking area on the left.

Leipers Fork Trail (24 miles)

Southern Trailhead
Exit the Parkway at Milepost 407.9 and turn right (west) onto Hwy. 50. Cross the Parkway and take the first right onto Totty Ln. Look for the trailhead parking area on the right.

Access - Exit the Parkway at Hwy. 7 (Milepost 415.6) and take a right at the stop sign. Go under the Parkway and take the first left. Find the parking area about 1/4 mile down this road.

Northern Trailhead - Garrison Creek (Milepost 427.4)

Climate

In the summer, expect hot, humid weather throughout the length of the trail with temperatures typically in the 90s. In the winter, because the trail extends far to the north and south, conditions vary greatly. Expect very mild winters near Natchez with only occasional freezing. In Tennessee, there can be snow and ice. Spring and fall are very pleasant.

Fees

No Fees.

Things To Do

As you might expect, the primary recreation along the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail is hiking. This trail offers genuine opportunities to explore diverse natural environments that include wetlands, swamps, Spanish moss, hardwood forest, rock outcroppings, and overlooks. The trail also connects you to the historical significance of the Old Natchez Trace. In some places you can even walk along the Old Trace itself and follow the footsteps of those that have walked hundreds, and even thousands of years before you.

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