Things To Do

Do you care about exploring, learning about, and protecting the Natchez Trace? If yes, become a Junior Ranger! There are many ways to be a Junior Ranger badge at Natchez Trace Parkway, and this fun activity book is a great place to start.  

The Trail of Tears began in May 1838 when Federal troops and state militias began to round up the Cherokee into stockades. In spite of warnings to troops to treat the Cherokee kindly, the round up proved harrowing. Families were separated and people were given only moments to collect cherished possessions. White looters followed, ransacking homesteads as Cherokee were led away. The Trail of Tears crosses the Natchez Trace Parkway in several locations in Alabama and Tennessee.

Perhaps two of the most awe-inspiring sites along the Natchez Trace Parkway are Jackson Falls (milepost 404.7) and Fall Hollow (milepost 391.9) located in Tennessee. Though both falls are equally picturesque, each fall offers a unique experience. Both provide beautiful scenery, but also offer opportunities to see wildflowers, birds, and other wildlife.

The Meriwether Lewis monument marks the final resting place of famed American explorer Meriwether Lewis who died by suicide near by at Grinder's Stand on October 11, 1809.

These short hikes are within a 30 minute drive from Tupelo, Mississippi. They range from a 5-minute paved accessible walk to a six-mile one-way hike through the forest. Dogs on leash are allowed on trails.

The Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail is a 10-mile paved path that runs through historic Choctaw homelands. Named in honor of the Choctaw town that stood where the city of Jackson is today, Chisha Foka (chee-sha-foe-ka) translates to “among the post oaks.” Today, trail users can enjoy the recreational opportunities and the trees, wildflowers, and wildlife of this protected greenspace in Ridgeland, Mississippi.

Recreational vehicles are a popular way to see the parkway. The length restriction for RVs is 55 feet, including a tow vehicle, and the height restriction is 14 feet. Be on the lookout for cyclists! The Natchez Trace Parkway is a designated bicycling route. With a lane width of 11 feet and little to no shoulder, it is important to slow down, pass with care, and avoid distracted driving.

The Natchez Trace Parkway manages three campgrounds along the Parkway. Those campgrounds are Meriwether Lewis at Milepost 385.9, Jeff Busby at Milepost 193.1 and Rocky Springs at Milepost 54. The campgrounds are free, primitive, and available on a first come, first serve basis. The maximum stay at our campgrounds is 14 days combined throughout the year. All camping must take place within designated campgrounds. The Natchez Trace Parkway does not allow dispersed camping.

HEY DOGS!!! Do you want to proudly wear the BARK Ranger dog tag? We made it easy for a human to help you get one, and you both can have fun while earning it. 

Follow last footsteps of explorer Meriwether Lewis on a section of the Old Natchez Trace and visit his burial site. This self-guide tour will take you a little over half a mile in an easy loop along a trail with interpretive exhibits, to the historic Old Trace, to his burial place and monument, then back past the Information Cabin at the Grinders Stand site where Meriwether Lewis died.