This 444-mile Scenic Parkway Has Some of the South’s Best Fall Foliage—and It Has No Billboards or Stoplights

The road is devoid of any billboards or stoplights. Natchez Trace ParkwayThe historic drive stretches from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. It is a quiet and peaceful journey with deep roots in American history. The historic drive runs from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. It is a peaceful and quiet journey steeped in American history.

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a tribute to one of North America’s oldest transport routes. The original footpath or trace was used by Native Americans, boatmen known as ‘Kaintucks,’ European settlers, slave traders, soldiers, and future presidents,” explains Mandi Toy, the interpretation and education program manager for the parkway. Today’s travelers are able to enjoy a scenic 444-mile drive through history that spans three states, including Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee.

You’ll need to plan your trip if you want to drive the whole route. There’s a lot to cover. Toy recommends that you “split the trip into three to five days” and plan the trip to take place in the spring or fall. The fall foliage along the parkway is stunning. The park rangers are responsible for publishing a fall color report She says, “from early October to mid-November.”

Historically, leaves change color around September. But because the parkway is north-south in nature, peak foliage can vary depending on the area. North District visitors will see more vibrant colors earlier in season. The best time to see the reds, yellows and oranges of oak, hickory and maple trees is mid-late October.

According to the National Park Service, there are a handful of key fall foliage-heavy overlooks and hikes to check out—and we’re highlighting a few, as well as other can’t-miss things to see and do on and near the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Where to see Fall Foliage

The Trace does not meander up mountains but it does pass through some hardwood forests. While driving through Tennessee, you can expect to see spectacular autumn colors. Old Trace Drive (milepost 375.8), Metal Ford (milepost 382.8), Baker Bluff Overlook You’ll likely find the perfect photo opportunity at (milepost 405.1). It’s possible to walk amongst the trees, or along the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail The Old Trace Trailhead is located at milepost 426.3 or the Garrison Creek Trailhead is located at milepost 427.6. The Visitor’s Guide to the Meriwether Lewis Campground This is a leisurely trip (milepost 384.9).

The Trace will take you through Alabama and Mississippi. Rock Spring Nature Trail Milepost 330.2 and the Freedom Hills Overlook (milepost 317.0)—both of which will lead you to a palette of bright, photogenic fall colors. You’ll find plenty of hiking options in the two southernmost state of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail, which runs almost parallel. The NPS recommends the section of the trail from the Old Town Overlook Trailhead Milepost 263.9 or the Beech Springs Trailhead (milepost 266.0).

Hikes, Overlooks and Waterfalls

There are plenty of sights to see even if you don’t drive the Trace during October or November. “I recommend getting the Blackland Prairie Section Toy mentions the Parkway Visitor Center located in Tupelo, across the street from the trail. Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail. This six-mile section (12-miles round-trip), which is open to hikers as well as horseback riders, will take you past Old Town Overlook. Chickasaw Village SiteThe trail is a half mile long and provides information on the Native Americans of the area.

Toy loves to “take a walk at one of many pullouts” and specifically mentions the Pullouts. Sunken Trace (milepost 41.5), Cypress Swamp (Milepost 122), Jackson Falls (milepost 405). The trail descends 900 feet to the first of two waterfalls on the Trace. Fall HollowThe milepost is 391.9 miles from Hohenwald.

Cultural and Historic Sites

The Trace is a story that has a lot of history. You can see it all along the way.Emerald Mound Toy says (milepost 10) “is the second largest Native American Mound in the United States.” It is estimated that it was built between 1200-1730, and covers eight acres. It’s 60 feet tall at its highest point. At its tallest points, it’s 60 feet high. Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center Toy recommends that you visit the park (milepost 266) north of Tupelo in Mississippi to see the exhibits, park film and gift shop. The Meriwether Lewis Site Her recommended stop is (milepost 385), in Hohenwald. It’s the site where Meriwether Lewis died and was buried. Meriwether Lewis is best known as the Virginia-born leader of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.