It’s officially our most favorite time of the year! The cooler air is giving way to the crisp beauty of autumn colors. And one of our favorite spots to soak in the magic of this season is right in the backyard of Nashville, TN. With each bend of the road, the trees showcase their new colors of deep shades of reds and yellows, this is the Natchez Trace. The leaf peeper’s dream!

History of Natchez Trace

Its beauty is literally just the start of what makes this historical path so special. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile scenic road that twists up from Natchez, Mississippi, into Northern Alabama and finally to Nashville, Tennessee.

It roughly follows the “Old Natchez Trace” which was a series of trails through the woodlands, forged by prehistoric animals and Native Americans. It was eventually utilized by Euro-Americans for trade up through the 19th century and received its name, the Natchez Trace. Mainly used for trade until the rise of the steamboat moved trade to the Mississippi River, the Natchez Trace was neglected. Interest in this historic route was revived in the early 20th century by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). They led the movement to preserve and honor the Natchez Trace’s heritage and history. Construction of this historic parkway began in 1938 but wasn’t fully completed until 2005.

What To See

The parkway stretches through 3 states and also boasts multiple easy-access pull-offs at historical spots and markers; memorializing Native American mounds, Chickasaw stand sites, and even the grave of the explorer Meriwether Lewis (Lewis & Clark expedition).

Another famous spot within the parkway is the Double Arch Bridge, just south of Nashville at milepost 438. The bridge was completed in 1994 and rises 155 feet above the valley of Birdsong Hollow and offers incredible views of the area.

When To Go

Natchez Trace is now one of the most popular routes in the region, attracting tourists from all over the country to travel its twists and turns. Whether you jump on your motorcycle or hop in your car, the colors and scenery of the season are sure to impress. We also recommend stopping off the parkway to explore our Backroad General Store Tour, whenever you need to fuel up or grab a bologna sandwich!

And be sure to check out the The Natchez Trace Fall Color Guide to ensure the best time for your leaf-peeping adventure!

Have you been to Natchez Trace? Where do you love to go during autumn? Tell us below in the comments!