When it comes to beautiful drives in Mississippi, none quite compare to the Natchez Trace Parkway. Spanning nearly the whole state, the parkway boasts spectacular scenery throughout its entirety and plenty of opportunities to get out and stretch your legs.

Easily the state’s most scenic drive, the Natchez Trace Parkway spans 444 miles through three states: Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee.

National Park Planner, Contributed Photo It follows the “Old Natchez Trace,” a historic travel corridor used by Native Americans, European settlers, soldiers, and more.

The route begins in Natchez, and extends beyond the state’s northern border into Tennessee, which means it practically runs throughout all of Mississippi.

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Because the parkway spans nearly the whole state, it’s easily accessible for just about all residents.

Natalie Curtiss/Flickr

No matter where you access the Natchez Trace Parkway, there are beautiful, interesting sites nearby.

Tony Webster/Flickr

Since practically every mile is packed with intriguing sites, the parkway is a great destination for quick day trips as well as longer excursions.

Merle Maxwell/Google

Thinking of traveling the entire route? It’s recommended that you give yourself three days to explore all the parkway has to offer, which includes everything from historic sites to nearly 100 trails, ranging in length and difficulty.

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Of course, you’ll be just as pleased if you explore only the Mississippi portion of the parkway. It’s packed with can’t-miss sites.

Tony Webster/Flickr

The ghost town of Rocky Springs, Emerald Mound, Sunken Trace, and Cypress Swamp Loop Trail are among some of the state’s most popular sites.

National Park Planner, Contributed Photo

There are also lots of picnic areas as well as restrooms nestled along the parkway.

National Park Planner, Contributed Photo

Well, what do you think? Are you ready to take a drive through 10,000 years of history… and beauty? Check out the NPS website for more information on the Natchez Trace Parkway and all of the sites that line it.

National Park Planner, Contributed Photo

It follows the “Old Natchez Trace,” a historic travel corridor used by Native Americans, European settlers, soldiers, and more.

google.com

Natalie Curtiss/Flickr

Tony Webster/Flickr

Merle Maxwell/Google

nps.gov

So, have you ever traveled this famous route? All of it or just a portion?  What are your favorite stops along the way? Tell us!

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Address: Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Natchez, MS, USA