Mississippi USA Travel Guide
Vicksburg, MS (approx. 1 hour west of Jackson, off Trace): Houses the Vicksburg National Military Park, a Civil War battlefield and national cemetery. It additionally includes a historic downtown and riverside scenery.
Memphis, TN (approx. 1.5-2 hours west of Tupelo, off Trace): This music city has Graceland and Beale Street. It also holds significant freedoms history at the National Civil Rights Museum and famous BBQ.
The Scenic drive itself has continuous scenic beauty. Detours lead to more rough or unique landscapes not directly on the Parkway.
Homochitto National Forest (near Natchez, MS): Offers hiking, camping, and angling within a vast forest setting.
The Parkway itself has varied scenery. Explore detours for different terrain. Spring wildflowers and fall foliage are noticeable seasonal natural attractions along the Trace.
The Parkway passes through many agricultural landscapes. Stopping in small, unincorporated communities off the Trace gives a glimpse into rural Southern life.
Drive areas of the Mississippi Blues Trail, many markers west of the Scenic drive in the Delta, insight into blues music origins.
Visit significant sites in Jackson, MS, and Birmingham, AL, which are part of the U.S. Human Rights Trail.
Stopping in small, unincorporated communities off the Trace gives a glimpse into rural Southern life.
The Natchez Trace has much history. For spiritual or historical pilgrimages, sites like Vicksburg National Military Park or old churches in Natchez serve as profound stops.
Support small businesses, be respectful when engaging with locals, and learn about regional traditions.
Adding 1-3 days to the itinerary transforms your trip into a broader regional exploration.
Pair the Trace with 1-2 days in Vicksburg and 2-A 3-day stay in New Orleans from the southern end.
Combine the northern Trace with 2-A trio of days in Nashville and 2-3 days in Memphis, exploring music history.
Focus on the northern Trace and 2-3 days spent discovering battlefields like Franklin, Shiloh, and Stones River (near Nashville).
Think about combining the Trace with longer stays in heritage hubs like Nashville, Memphis, or Nola to explore regional history and music.
Extend your journey to other famous scenic routes like the Blue Ridge Parkway or explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park for more outdoor adventures.
From the southern end of the Trace, a logical extension is to the beautiful Gulf Coast beaches of Mississippi and Alabama, or more into Florida.
