A unique journey through the heart of the Deep South, The Natchez Trace Parkway traverses 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi, across the mighty Tennessee River in northwestern Alabama, to its northern terminus just shy of Nashville, Tennessee. For travelers planning a visit or already on the way, Guide to the Natchez Trace Parkway will help them discover all that the historic byway has to offer. From milepost to milepost, discover an ancient trail blazed hundreds of years ago by Native Americans that, in the early nineteenth century, became a trekking road for river boaters, who had sold their goods and vessels and were now headed back to central Tennessee and beyond. Visitors can drive the entire length, sampling the hundreds of scenic areas, restaurants, inns, exhibits, recreation areas, and other sites along the way. Motorcyclists will want to cruise the entire length as well, but will especially savor the hundreds of miles of meandering road between Natchez and Tupelo. For an even more intimate experience, Guide to the Natchez Trace Parkway shows where to hike on over 60 miles of National Scenic Trail, where to camp, and gives tips on bicycling the parkway's scenic length. Whether exploring a few miles or a few hundred miles, visitors will enjoy it most with the Guide to the Natchez Trace Parkway.

The Best Road Trip Through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee In the heart of the Deep South, the Natchez Trace Parkway traverses 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi, to its northern terminus near Nashville, Tennessee. Rolling hills, historic sites, beautiful scenery—the historic byway is peppered with some of the region’s best food, lodging, and attractions. It is a drive that everyone should make. With the Guide to the Natchez Trace Parkway, you can explore parts of the route or its entire length—and you won’t miss any of your favorite discoveries along the way. The nearly 100 possible milepost stops are sorted into categories, so you can choose the places that interest you most. Plus, with information ranging from parkway rules and best safety practices to tips about when to travel, this guidebook is essential in planning the perfect trip for yourself, your friends, or your entire family. Those who wish to experience the terrain on foot, bicycle, or horseback will appreciate the practical advice and details on trail locations. Whether you’re exploring a few miles or a few hundred, maximize your enjoyment with the full-color Guide to the Natchez Trace Parkway. There’s a visual delight at every turn.

This pictorial history of Natchez Trace illustrates the people, places, and events that have shaped the area's cultural and natural history. The Natchez Trace is one of the oldest trails in North America. In 1801, President Jefferson ordered the Army to build a road along the trail to provide a route for moving troops and delivering mail. Jefferson dispatched soldiers down the road in 1803 to protect the Louisiana Purchase, and Andrew Jackson and his troops followed it to battle the British in the War of 1812. As an 1800-era link between Nashville, Tennessee, and Natchez, Mississippi, the road served as a pathway for settling much of what we now know as the South. Twentieth-century writers such as Eudora Welty later embellished its lore of heroes, bandits, and spies, inspiring Southern leaders to revive the Natchez Trace.

A unique journey through the heart of the Deep South, The Natchez Trace Parkway traverses 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi, across the mighty Tennessee River in northwestern Alabama, to its northern terminus just shy of Nashville, Tennessee. For travelers planning a visit or already on the way, Guide to the Natchez Trace Parkway will help them discover all that the historic byway has to offer. From milepost to milepost, discover an ancient trail blazed hundreds of years ago by Native Americans that, in the early nineteenth century, became a trekking road for river boaters, who had sold their goods and vessels and were now headed back to central Tennessee and beyond. Visitors can drive the entire length, sampling the hundreds of scenic areas, restaurants, inns, exhibits, recreation areas, and other sites along the way. Motorcyclists will want to cruise the entire length as well, but will especially savor the hundreds of miles of meandering road between Natchez and Tupelo. For an even more intimate experience, Guide to the Natchez Trace Parkway shows where to hike on over 60 miles of National Scenic Trail, where to camp, and gives tips on bicycling the parkway's scenic length.

A mile-by-mile guide that offers information about sites, lodging, and restaurants along the Natchez Trace

Hop in the car and set off on an adventure along the Natchez Trace Parkway, from the country music capital to the birthplace of jazz. Inside Moon Nashville to New Orleans Road Trip you'll find: Maps and Driving Tools: Over 20 easy-to-use maps keep you oriented on and off the parkway, along with site-to-site mileage, driving times, and detailed directions for the entire route Get to Know the Music of the South: Catch up-and-coming musicians play at quaint cafes, and hit the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. Bask in the sounds of blues on Beale Street, and pay homage to "The King" at Graceland. Listen to a soulful live jazz group, or learn about the South's musical legacy on the Mississippi Blues Trail Savor Southern Food: Enjoy authentic hot chicken, get your barbecue fix in Memphis, and indulge in Creole cuisine and fresh beignets in New Orleans Itineraries for Every Traveler: Drive the entire two-week route or follow suggestions for spending time in and around Nashville, Memphis, and New Orleans. Take an introspective moment at influential Civil Rights Movement sites, hike past dramatic waterfalls, spend a peaceful morning fishing, or bike along the Mississippi River Local Expertise: Nashville local Margaret Littman shares her love for the Natchez Trace Planning Your Trip: Know when and where to get gas, how to avoid traffic, and tips for driving in different road and weather conditions, plus essential advice for biking the route and suggestions for LGBTQ+ travelers, families, seniors, and visitors with disabilities With Moon Nashville to New Orleans' practical tips, detailed itineraries, and insider's view, you're ready to fill up the tank and hit the road. Looking to explore more of America on wheels? Try Moon Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip. For more quintessential South, check out Moon Tennessee or Moon Asheville & the Great Smoky Mountains. About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell—and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you. For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

This is a spirited history of the settlement of the Old Southwest, the area that today includes primarily Mississippi and Alabama.