Murray poses at a misty campground just off the Trace. RELATED STORIES Dudley's Journal Natchez Trace Parkway

Driving along the Old Trace was a refreshing change from interstates.

A Road That's Actually a Park

• The Natchez Trace Parkway is administered by the National Park Service.
  
• There are six National Parkways in the U.S., including the Blue Ridge, which runs from Smoky Mountain National Park to Shenandoah National Park.
  
• The National Park Service website (www.nps.gov) is a great information resource before you hit the road. They provide up-to-date construction information as well as downloadable maps, lodging and travel information.

Park Facts

• Established in 1938, the parkway runs from Natchez, Miss., to Nashville, Tenn., and covers over 400 miles.
  
• There are several campgrounds along the Trace. We recommend picking up the map/brochure for the parkway from the many visitors' centers and information stops in the towns along the Trace. We picked up our map at the excellent visitors' center in Natchez.

Caution

• There are two sections of the Parkway that are still unfinished, so watch for the detours in Jackson, Miss., and at the end of the Trace in Natchez.
  
• The Natchez Trace Parkway is popular with cyclists, so watch out for bikes along the Parkway.
  
• There are lots of animals in the area, too, which makes the Trace great for wildlife viewing but potentially hazardous for vehicles. Keep an eye out for the critters.

What We Like About This Non-Interstate

• The Parkway is appealing because it brings together so many different and interesting elements — history, Native American culture, scenic beauty and quaint towns.
  
• Several endangered species can be seen along the Trace, including the red-cockaded woodpecker.
  
• There are many short nature trails all along the Trace, giving visitors the opportunity to stretch their legs, get off the road and experience some of the incredibly beautiful terrain along the Trace. We especially recommend the Cypress Swamp trail.
  
• There are many beautiful small towns just off the Trace itself. We especially liked Canton, Miss., a lovely little town that has been the location for several movies, including Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? and My Dog Skip.
  
• You don't have to drive the whole thing — we entered the parkway at its base in Natchez and took it to Mathiston, Miss., at about the halfway point.

Contact Information

National Park Service
Natchez Trace
www.nps.org