Welcome to the Natchez Trace Parkway Tour
Explore the beauty of Tennessee and northern Alabama from the Natchez Trace Parkway with this self-guided driving tour. Traverse this unique national park on a 134-mile journey from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. Discover natural, cultural, and historic sites along the way, all part of a road trip you won’t soon forget. Drive in either direction and immerse yourself in the untouched beauty and rich stories of the American South.
About the Tour
Embark on an unforgettable drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway, starting in Natchez, Mississippi, and ending in Nashville, Tennessee, or vice versa. This unique national park is a road trip everyone should experience at least once.
After leaving Natchez, you’ll have the chance to stop by Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the birthplace of the so-called “The Father of the Blues” and home to the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. This musical town is also the site of a house designed by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright!
Continuing along the Parkway, the serene Rock Spring Trail offers a quick and easy stroll with idyllic scenery and stepping stones across Colbert Creek. Then, visit the spot where Union Major General James Harrison Wilson camped during the Civil War with the largest cavalry force ever amassed in the Western Hemisphere. Beyond that historic site is the Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall, memorializing the Trail of Tears.
As you cross the state line from Alabama into Tennessee, you’ll learn all about this region and the famous folks who once called it home, including President James Polk! You’ll also have the opportunity to check out the “Sunken Trace,” where remnants of the original Natchez Trace remain, carved by footsteps, horse hoofs, and wagon wheels long, long ago.
Next up, take a moment to unwind beside the tranquil Laurel Hill Lake. Then cruise along to a memorial honoring the great explorers Lewis and Clark.
Looking to snap the perfect photo? You’ll have your chance at the Swan View Overlook. Or maybe getting up close and personal with the natural world is more your speed. In that case, you’ll want to explore the trails in the rugged Devil’s Backbone State Natural Area.
Your path leads next to Leipers Fork, a charming community where art and music thrive. This quaint little town makes for the perfect stop on your road trip.
Then there’s one more incredible sight before you finish your journey: The Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge. This iconic bridge is striking enough to warrant a quick side trip just to snap some photos before driving across it.
Finally, you’ll reach the end of the Natchez Trace Parkway. The exit will deposit you about 10 miles from downtown Nashville. And remember, you can also drive this tour in the other direction, starting in Nashville and ending in Natchez.
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Know Before You Go
Current major closures include:
- Double Arch Bridge: Closed for bridge construction from April 2026 through May 2027. A signed detour is in place, and the northern end of the parkway is only accessible as an out-and-back drive from the Northern Terminus to Big Tree Overlook.
For the latest road status and detour information, please refer to the official National Park Service:
Nearby Tours
Walking 1-2 Hours 25+ Stories 3+ Miles 
Driving 2-3 hours 45+ stories 35+ miles 
Walking 1-2 hours 20+ stories 1+ miles Driving 1-2 hours 40+ stories 11+ miles Natchez Trace Parkway Map
Starting Point
Join the tour anywhere along the route. Follow the route in either direction – the tour works both ways.
Suggested starting points are indicated by green START markers on the map:
From Tishomingo:
Bear Creek Mound, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Tishomingo, MS 38873
One suggested start is on Natchez Trace Pkwy, near the Bear Creek Mound. Head north on Natchez Trace Parkway to begin the tour.
From Franklin:
9739 Hwy 96, Franklin, TN 37064
Another suggested start is on Hwy 96, near the entrance to Emmanuel Presbyterian Church. Head south on Hwy 96 to start the tour.
1736 New Hwy 96 W, Franklin, TN 37064
Another suggested start is on Hwy 96 W, near Mattox Lake. Head west on Hwy 96 to start the tour.
How Does It Work?
- Access your tour: Download the Action Tour Guide app and sign in with the same email used for your website purchase. Your tour will appear under My Tours.
- Download your tour: Download it before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.
- Start your tour: Open My Tours, select your tour, and tap Start Touring when you reach a starting point.
- Listen your way: Use your phone’s speaker or headphones, or connect to your car’s audio system. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not currently supported, compatibility is in development.
- GPS-triggered audio: Stories play automatically as you reach each location along the route.
- Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day. Tours are valid forever (one year for Action+).
Preview The Tour
Tour FAQs
Our Natchez Trace Parkway Self-Guided Driving Tour usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how many stops you choose to make. Since it’s self-paced, you’re free to take your time, explore scenic overlooks, or dive deeper into historic points along the way — all with GPS-based narration to guide your journey.
Unlike typical in-town house or walking tours, our Self-Guided Driving Tour takes you along the historic Natchez Trace Parkway. You’ll hear stories of Native American heritage, early settlers, Civil War history, and key landmarks — all while driving through beautiful southern landscapes, completely on your own schedule.
Yes! Our Self-Guided Driving Tour is built specifically for the Natchez Trace Parkway. You’ll uncover the rich history of this ancient route — from Native American origins to early American travelers — with narrated stops at key points like Emerald Mound and Mount Locust. It’s the easiest and most flexible way to experience the Parkway’s past and scenery at your own pace.
The spring and fall are generally considered the best times to visit Natchez due to the pleasant weather and the Natchez Pilgrimage events. However, tours are available year-round for many sites. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter might have cooler temperatures and fewer tour options.
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Inclusions and Exclusions
Action Tour Guide app: Download the app to access your purchased tour.GPS-triggered audio: Stories and directions play automatically as you reach each location.Tour anytime: Single tours and bundles never expire and can be used anytime. Action+ is an annual subscription that automatically renews each year unless canceled.Narrated stories: Hear local history, culture, and stories from experienced narrators.Stop and start anytime: Pause, take a break, make a detour, or continue another day.Offline access: Download your tour before you go. Once downloaded, no internet or cell signal is needed.Stories, stops, and directions: Follow the route to key attractions with automatic directions and stories at each location.Transportation: Transportation, parking fees, and tolls are not included.Admission: Entry tickets and reservations are not included. Food and drinks: Meals and drinks are not included.Rental car: A rental car is not included and may be required for driving tours. 
