Now is the ideal time to start planning a cruise as a colorful blanket of foliage begins to spread across the countryside along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Stretching 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee with 102 miles located in Tennessee, there are plenty of options for exploration and recreation, including hiking, biking, horseback riding and camping.
Did You Know? The Natchez Trace Parkway is the seventh most visited site in the National Park System.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a ideal scenic drive that offers scenic vistas along a traditional southern landscape with manicured grassy roadsides and native tree plantings intermingled with a mosaic of hardwood and softwood forest communities. Bring your camera and visit one of the wetlands, prairie landscapes, agricultural croplands, or capture the abundant wildlife, and architecturally significant bridges and structures along the way.
As you drive you'll pass through charming towns and cities filled with entertaining avenues to exploration. Many of these towns and cities have festive events and delicious dining options to enjoy along the way. One of these favorites is the 55 South in Franklin that has daily oyster happy hour and features Louisiana favorites such as crawfish fiesta trio, Delta tamales, fried boudin, chicken & sausage jambalaya, and crispy blackened alligator, just to name a few!
Located a bit south of Nashville, Historic Franklin, Tennessee offers travelers a “Great American Main Street” experience in the beautifully restored historic downtown district that has everything from Starbucks and Ben & Jerry’s to antiques, trendy boutiques and local eats. It is here that you can explore Franklin’s Civil War history with a tour of The Carter House, Carnton Plantation or Lotz House. Take a leisurely walking tour and catch a behind-the-scenes look at Franklin’s history. Stick around and join one of the festivals that make Franklin a exiting place to visit, and discover the hometown charm and hospitality of those who call the beautiful town home.
While in the area drop at the Arrington Vineyards, owned by country music star Kix Brooks. Tucked within the beautiful countryside of Williamson County, just a few miles east of historic Franklin, Tennessee, Arrington Vineyards offers free wine tastings in the rustic lodge, and has live music on the weekends.
Plan Your Trip Along The Natchez Trace Parkway:
Explore nature trails, programs, and park information via the National Parks Service website on the Natchez Trace Parkway.
To find current events, attractions, and available packages in the Natchez Trace Parkway region visit the Williamson County Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.visitwilliamson.com.
Photo Credits: National Parks Service
