The Natchez Trace
Stretching over 444 miles through forested land, the Natchez Trace was one of the most important routes of transportation in North America, originally connecting Native American villages, then European trading posts and inns and then as an important transport route for troops during the Civil War and the War of 1812. It runs through three states: Alabama, Mississippi, and Kentucky. It begins in Natchez, Mississippi and ends just south of Nashville, Tennessee. According to the National Park Service, exploring the Trace can be done in a three-day trip and travelers are encouraged to check out nps.gov for specific details about closures and other important details on the Trace. Also, as everyone has a different agenda, the National Park’s site can help plan the perfect trip. Guidebooks such as Guide to the Natchez Trace Parkway by Tim and Taryn Chase Jackson or Travelling the Trace by Cathy and Vernon Summerlin may provide some trip planning insight as well.
Campers are fortunate to have three great campgrounds near the Natchez Trace – Thousand Trails Hidden Cove in Arley, Alabama, and Thousand Trails Cherokee Landing and Thousand Trails Natchez Trace, both in Tennessee.
@thousandtrails Just loving life again at Natchez Trace 🧡 #thousandtrails #tennessee #fyp #traveltiktok ♬ original sound – Boca Brand
Trace highlights include:
- The Loveless Cafe: Certainly early visitors to the Trace would have loved to stop here for some of their delicious biscuits, but sadly it didn’t exist! Legendary since they opened in 1951, the Loveless Cafe can be found just outside Nashville proper, so it may mark the beginning or the end of your journey. (Milepost 444)
- The Gordon House, built in 1818, is one of the two original structures from its time that remains on the Trace. Travelers on the Trace were alerted of their proximity to Nashville when they saw the home rise into view along the horizon. (Milepost 407.7)
- Meriwether Lewis Park and Monument marks the burial spot of famed explorer Meriwether Lewis. Lewis died at the age of 35 while traveling on the Trace. (Milepost 385.9)
- Bear Creek Indian Mound dates back to somewhere between 1100 and 1300 AD. Archaeological digs have revealed a village existed here. (Milepost 308.8)
- Confederate Grave Sites has 13 burial sites for unidentified soldiers from the Civil War. (Milepost 269.4)
- Emerald Mound marks the second largest Mississippian Period Ceremonial Mound in the US. (Milepost 10.3)
Considered to be the most beautiful stop on the Trace is Jackson Falls at Milepost 404.7 while the aforementioned Meriwether Lewis Park and Monument is considered the most reverent. One of the most photographed is the Double Arch Bridge at Milepost 438. The bridge was completed in 1994 and spans Bird Song Hollow. If you’re looking for something haunted, there are several spots considered including King’s Tavern at Milepost 0 and Witches Dance at Milepost 233.2.
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- Explore the Thousand Trails Camping Pass and the Thousand Trails Cabin Pass
- Find more campgrounds at ThousandTrails.com.