Natchez Trace Parkway

A tail-wagging adventure awaits you and your pooch on the Natchez Trace Parkway! Spanning 444 miles through the states of Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, this scenic road roughly follows the Old Natchez Trace, a historic travel route used by Kaintucks, American Indians, European settlers, soldiers, slave traders, and future presidents during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the parkway offers myriad recreational opportunities to the public, attracting hikers, bikers, campers, horseback riders, and outdoor enthusiasts all year round.

A woofderful destination any time of the year, the parkway offers more than 90 sites to enjoy, from scenic overlooks to historical points of interest. Four-legged companions are welcome to tag along on the trails and viewpoints as long as they stay on a 6-foot leash and are cleaned up after, so be sure to bring bags. Always have water on hand too. Athletic puppers will be pleased to know that hiking trails and nature walks are available along the entire length of the parkway. These include sections of the Old Natchez Trace, where you and your pooch can step back in time and take a leisurely stroll through the Old Southwest.

In Tennessee, pawpular attractions along the parkway include Jackson Falls and an award-winning double-arched bridge that rises 155 feet above the valley. If you and your pup find yourselves in Alabama, don't miss Rock Spring, especially during the fall, when hundreds of ruby-throated hummingbirds pass through the area! If you're a fan of history, be sure to stop by the Native American burial mounds in Mississippi.

For multi-day trips, there are three primitive campgrounds within the park. Available for free on a first come, first served basis, these campgrounds do not offer showers, electricity, or dump stations. If you prefer to have these amenities on hand, there are other campgrounds located near the parkway, as are various lodging, restaurants, markets, and gas stations—just remember to check which ones are dog-friendly!

Whether you explore a portion of the parkway or complete the entire route, you and Fido will surely have an unfurgettable time on the Natchez Trace Parkway!