The Natchez Trace Parkway (Mississippi)
This scenic two-lane blacktop follows the route of the Natchez Trace, an ancient Indian footpath. Trees are dripping with kudzu and spanish moss, and a 200-yard portion of the old path itself has been preserved near mile marker 41.5. Walk it and imagine what the route was like before European settlers arrived.




The Natchez Trace stretches for 444 miles - pick up the southern end of the Parkway at the junction of US 61, near Natchez, Mississippi, or hop on the northern end at Tennessee 100 in Pasquo, Tenneessee, just outside of Nashville. Map your route here.

Just about every mile along the Trace brings a new opportunity to pull the car over and experience history for yourself. Check out some of these roadside attractions:

• Mile 15.5 - Mount Locust - This restored historic home offers tours and a glimpse into local Mississippi history.

• Mile 78.3 - Battle of Raymond - Civil War battle site.

• Mile 105.5 - Ross Barnett Reservoir Outlook - Grab the picnic basket and lunch along the banks of the Pearl River.

• Mile 122 - Cypress Swamp - Stretch your legs on this scenic walk through a cypress swamp.

• Mile 269.4 - Confederate Gravesite - Follow a short trail down the to the final resting place of 13 unknown Confederate soldiers.

• Mile 386 - Meriweather Lewis Memorial - The final resting place of one half of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

• Mile 438 - Double Arch Bridge - OK, so this isn't a get-out-of-the-car attraction, but this award winning bridge rising 155 feet above the valley is just plain stunning.

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Where to Eat?

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Where to Sleep?

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