Frequently Asked Questions

1. I haven't heard much or anything about the Natchez Trace Parkway, how long has it been around?

Construction of the 444-mile Parkway was just completed in May, 2005. But construction began in 1937 and the Parkway became a unit of the National Park Service in 1938.

2. How old is the Natchez Trace?

It's difficult to pinpoint, but research suggest that large animals (bison, giant sloths, etc.) may have beat out the path more than 10,000 years ago, before human occupation. There is also evidence that mound builders traveled along this corridor 2,000 years ago. But it is more certain that the heaviest use of the Old Trace occurred from 1785 to 1825, when "boatmen" returned north from markets in Natchez and New Orleans.

3. What is the speed limit on the Parkway?

Almost all of the Parkway has a posted speed limit of 50 m.p.h., but there are small sections that are posted lower.

4. Is the Parkway RV friendly?

Yes it is. Almost all of the pull-offs offer either pull through or circular drive access. If an area does not then it is posted that there is no circular drive. Also there are numerous campgrounds along the Parkway. The Parkway campgrounds are free and primitive, while most non-Parkway campgrounds charge a fee, but offer electricity, dump stations, etc.

Last updated: April 14, 2015

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Mailing Address:

2680 Natchez Trace Parkway
Tupelo, MS 38804


(800) 305-7417

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