Plan Your Visit

How do I visit?

  • The Parkway begins in Natchez, MS, passes through Jackson, MS and Tupelo, MS, and ends just south of Nashville, TN. You can start at either end, in the middle, or at one of the many entry points along the way. Visit Directions for information about getting on and off the Parkway.
  • A short afternoon drive or a walk on a nature trail will provide a taste of what is available to explore along the 444 miles of the Parkway.
  • A three day journey from end to end will allow time to sample a variety of the nature and history along the way.
  • Five days will provide time to explore your favorite areas in depth.
  • Experienced road bicyclists can spend days enjoying 444-miles of scenic byway. Visit Bicycling to learn more.
  • Hikers of all abilities can explore nature on nearly 100 trails ranging from short and paved to rustic trails 27 miles one way. Visit Trails to learn more.
  • Check out the Top Ten Insider Tips for Planning Your Visit.

What to expect

  • By design, there are no food, gas, or lodging services "on" the Parkway. Hidden beyond the trees, in the many communities along the Parkway's 444-mile length, there is everything that you need and many local venues worth exploring.
  • The Parkway maintains restrooms along the way. There is usually no more than 50 miles (an hour of driving) between rest stops.
  • Cell phone coverage can be spotty. Use the NPS app and save the Natchez Trace Parkway section of the app to your phone.
  • The Parkway road is two lane and only 11 feet wide with no shoulder.
  • Stopping points include frequent pullouts with interpretive signs about history and nature. Visit Places to Go for a comprehensive list of our stops.

We highly recommend that you download the free National Park Service app before your visit. You will have virtual access to all National Parks and the ability to download parks for offline use.

 

Basic Information

The Parkway roadway is open 24 hours a day, weather permitting. Please avoid the Parkway during bad weather.

Visit Basic Information for more details on operating hours, directions, and visitor centers.
 

Oops...not open?

Sometimes the extraordinary complexity of the Parkway forces us to close buildings, exhibits, or make partial road closures. Visit Road and Site Status for the most up-to-date information about closures.
 

Plan Ahead

Last updated: June 12, 2026

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

2680 Natchez Trace Parkway
Tupelo, MS 38804

Phone:

662 680-4027
The Parkway Visitor Center near Tupelo, MS, is open 9am-4:30pm seven days a week. The visitor center is closed Thanksgiving, December 25th and January 1st.

Contact Us