This historic route generally follows the old Indian trace, or trail, between Nashville, Tenn., and Natchez, Miss. Of the estimated 445 miles, 415 are completed. Emergency Appropriation Act of June 19, 1934. allocated initial construction funds; established as parkway under National Park Service by act of May 18,1938. Ackia Battleground (authorized as a national monument Aug. 27, 1935, and now called Chickasaw Village) and Meriwether Lewis Park (proclaimed as a national monument Feb. 6, 1925, and transferred from War Dept. Aug. 10, 1933) were added to the Natchez Trace Parkway by act of Aug. 10, 1961.

Visitor Activities: Hiking, walking, auto tours, swimming, boating, horseback riding, exhibits, bicycling, an interpretative slide program, fishing, running and jogging, Ranger talks and seasonal crafts festivals and demonstrations.

Permits, Fees & Limitations: No fees. Hauling and commercial trucks are prohibited, except for recreational horse and boat trailers. Speed limit is 50 mph. unless posted otherwise.

General Information: The only visitor center is located in Tupelo at Parkway milepost 266.0. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except December 25. Several remote contact stations are located along the parkway. Summer weather is generally hot and humid. Winter is usually cold and damp with occasional warm periods. Spring and autumn are mild and warm. Parkway is unfinished in Mississippi at the south end and in the Jackson area.

Camping & Lodging: Campgrounds are at Rocky Springs (22 sites), Jeff Busby (18 sites) and Meriwether Lewis (32 sites). There are no hookups and no fees. Camp sites cannot be reserved; stays are limited to 15 days during periods of heavy visitation.

Accessibility: Most restroom are accessible, as are all parking areas at Visitor/contact stations. Most trails are not accessible.