Camping, Hiking, and Nature!
Camping, Hiking, and Nature on the Scenic Natchez Trace
Calling all avid explorers seeking outdoor adventures, or families looking to plan a memory-filled weekend trip! The Natchez Trace is just for you. There are many recreational opportunities on the historic Trace that will give you a great taste of what nature has to offer. The Natchez Trace is more than a just scenic drive, it’s the ultimate opportunity to camp, hike, and discover the beauty of the outdoors.
Camping
What better way to fully submerge into the Trace experience than camping? Camping is an exciting and relaxing way to explore the Natchez Trace Parkway and all it has to offer. There are campgrounds located within the Parkway that are free and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please note these campgrounds do not offer electricity, showers, or dump stations. You get the whole experience of being just like the original travelers of the Trace- camping primitive style.
If you’re looking for a few more amenities, that’s also an option! We can gladly suggest plenty of alternate campgrounds situated just off this 444-mile National Scenic Byway. Many of these offer niceties like electricity, showers, and dump stations.
For more information check out the complete NPS list of campground locations on and adjacent to the Parkway here.
If you plan to travel the Trace by bicycle, we also have you covered! You may be interested in the bicycle-only campgrounds. By using the bicycle-only campgrounds in conjunction with other campgrounds and 18 communities near the Trace, you can plan your trip to ride between 30 and 60 miles each day. Each Parkway campground provides tent sites, picnic tables, and fire grates throughout the year.
Jackson Falls, milepost 404.7 (photo: Nashville Explorers Club)
Hiking
There is no better way to experience something than to experience it firsthand…or foot. So, come hike with us! The 450-mile foot trail that became known as the Natchez Trace was the lifeline through the Old Southwest. You can experience portions of that journey the way earlier travelers did – on foot.
We offer several different hiking experiences. The Natchez Trace Parkway has over 25 nature and guided trails that range from 1/8 to 2.5 miles. You’ll find numerous hiking sections of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail connected by the Parkway, totaling over 60 miles.
Experience a thrilling hike on the Potkopinu Trail or the Blackland Prairie Trail along the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail. For a truly unforgettable experience, try horseback riding available within certain areas of the trail.
And of course, we also offer self-guided nature walks. These are a perfect way to see natural, rare beauty reveal itself on the Trace at your own pace. Many of the interpretive sites and attractions provide hiking trails for an incredible trek through history and scenic charm.
The Sunken Trace, milepost 41.5
Nature and Waterfalls
As you walk along the Old Trace and follow the footsteps of those that have walked hundreds of years before you, discover breathtaking scenes along the way. There is truly nothing more enchanting than pure nature, waterfalls, and wildlife. The Natchez Trace offers genuine opportunities to explore diverse natural environments that include wetlands, swamps, Spanish moss, hardwood forest, rock outcroppings, and overlooks.
Because almost 39,000 of the 52,000 acres of the Trace are maintained in a “natural” condition, you’ll find an abundance of forests, non-agricultural fields, and open water. From a natural resources standpoint, the Natchez Trace is exceptional. Over its length, it crosses four ecosystem provinces, eight major watersheds, and twelve physiographic regions. This type of natural beauty is hard to beat.
Along your route, we also strongly encourage you to visit the idyllic waterfalls.
Fall Hollow, milepost 391.9
Plan Your Trip
Ready to unplug? The Natchez Trace is a wondrous place to get outdoors and enjoy all that nature has to offer.
Time to plan your trip! Download your free Visitors Guide, watch videos, and visit our Interactive Map to create your personal travel itinerary.
