Location: Crosses Alabama's northwest corner, on its way from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee
Length: 425 miles (684 km)
Time To Allow: 2 days

Description/Highlights/Points of Interest

Native Americans, Kaintuck boatmen, post riders, government officials, soldiers and fortune seekers all moved across this trail, charting new territory and creating a vital link between the Mississippi Territory and the fledgling United States. The Natchez Trace Parkway passes through forests, cypress swamps and farmland, spanning three of America's most beautiful states: Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee.


Suggested Itinerary

The Natchez Trace Parkway tells the story of people on the move, the story of the age-old need to get from one place to another. It is a story of Natchez, Chickasaw and Choctaw Indians following traditional ways of life, of French and Spanish people venturing into a new world and of people building a new nation. For your convenience, mileposts are located along the east side of the Natchez Trace Parkway, beginning in Natchez, Mississippi. The Alabama section of the Parkway includes the points of interest between mile 341 and mile 310.

At Mile 341.8, cross the Alabama-Tennessee state line and head to Rock Spring (Mile 330.2), where the nature trail along Colbert Creek is perfect for an early morning stroll.

Mile 327.3: The Colbert Ferry. George Colbert once operated a stand and ferry here, and is reported to have charged Civil War general (and future U.S. President) Andrew Jackson $75,000 to ferry his army across the river. The area features a ranger station, telephone, restrooms, picnic area, swimming, fishing and boat launch.

Mile 320.3: Buzzard Roost Spring. Exhibits tell the story of Levi Colbert, a Chickasaw chief who owned a nearby stand. A short trail leads to Buzzard Roost Spring.

Mile 317.0: Freedom Hills Overlook. A steep, quarter-mile trail leads to the highest point (800 feet (243 m)) on the parkway in Alabama. Farther along the Parkway at Milepost 313 you'll find Bear Creek, a picnic area with an access point for canoes. From here, it's just three miles (4.8 km) to the Alabama-Mississippi state line, and the end of your Alabama-Natchez Trace Parkway adventure!

The following organization offers a trip near the Natchez Trace Parkway:

Antebellum South
Tauck World Discovery
Enjoy New Orleans and the famous French Quarter, walk amidst the fragrant blossoms of Bellingrath Gardens and experience Cajun Country, where there's music in the air, tempting cuisine on the table and old-time southern hospitality. Your sojourn includes one night in Natchez at a historic Inn!