Rate Natchez Trace Parkway
Learn and Explore
Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year. But our work doesn’t stop there.
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Our Mission
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a park entrance pass?
Only 118 of your 417 park sites charge entrance fees. You can obtain park entrance passes by visiting a park site that charges an entrance fee. Entrance fee sites have passes available; we recommend calling a park prior to your visit. (See the park search to locate a specific park.) There are a number of entrance passes available, including park-specific passes as well as passes that offer entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in addition to the national parks (Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, Access, and Volunteer passes). Learn more about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
About this location:
Parkway
Operating Hours & Seasons
Natchez Trace
The Natchez Trace Parkway is open all year, day and night. Operating hours for information centers and some locations do vary. Severe weather resulting in washouts and downed trees can cause temporary road closures. Questions about road condition should be directed to the Parkway’s visitor center by calling 1-800-305-7417.
Standard Hours
- Sunday:Open 24 hours
- Monday:Open 24 hours
- Tuesday:Open 24 hours
- Wednesday:Open 24 hours
- Thursday:Open 24 hours
- Friday:Open 24 hours
- Saturday:Open 24 hours
Fees & Passes
Entrance Fees:
- $0.00 – No entrance fee
There is no fee to enter the Natchez Trace Parkway. Visitors can enter the Parkway, free of charge, from dozens of county, state, and U.S. roads in Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. Please refer to the Parkway Map for places to access the Parkway. Enjoy your visit!
About
A Drive through 10,000 Years of History
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile recreational road and scenic drive through three states. It roughly follows the "Old Natchez Trace" a historic travel corridor used by American Indians, "Kaintucks," European settlers, slave traders, soldiers, and future presidents. Today, people can enjoy not only a scenic drive but also hiking, biking, horseback riding, and camping along the parkway.
Directions
Directions to the Natchez Trace Parkway vary greatly depending on what part of the tri-state Parkway you are trying to reach. There are more than 50 roads that access the Parkway in Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. For specific questions concerning how to get to a certain portion of the Parkway, please call the Visitor Center at 1-800-305-7417.
Visitor Centers
Mount Locust Information Center
Mount Locust, at milepost 15.5, is the only remaining inn, or “stand” on the Parkway. This contact station is open daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, and rangers are available to share information on the historic structure. The site is closed December 25. Mount Locust allows you to see what the “Kaintucks” may have experienced at the road side stands. Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center
The Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center is open Monday through Sunday from 8AM to 5PM. The visitor center and the comfort station are closed on December 25. Meriwether Lewis Information Cabin
The Meriwether Lewis Information Cabin is open seasonally. Call 1-800-305-7417 or 662-680-4027 for updated hours. Parkway Information Cabin
The Parkway Information Cabin is open seasonally. Call 1-800-305-7417 or 662-680-4027 for updated hours.
Weather
Mississippi, Alabama, and most of Tennessee are classified as humid subtropical climates. The weather ranges from mild winters to hot summers. Average high temperatures reach into the high 80’s in summer, and into the high 40’s in winter. Thunderstorms are common in Mississippi, especially in the southern part of the state, and from June through November, the state is occasionally affected by hurricanes moving north from the Gulf of Mexico. Check local forecasts to plan your trip.
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