When it comes to scenic roadways, Mississippi has plenty, but if you could visit only one, it’d have to be the Natchez Trace Parkway. Infused with breathtaking scenery and significant sites, driving down the parkway is an experience like no other. Once surrounded by the Trace’s immense beauty and plethora of history, you’ll undoubtedly feel as if you’re a million miles away from the craziness we call life.

The 444-mile scenic byway begins in Natchez and ends in Nashville, Tennessee, following the path of the Old Trace.

James Joel Harris

Today, the renowned parkway can be traveled by car, truck, RV, motorcycle, and even bicycle.

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The beautiful roadway is designed for a relaxing ride, which explains the strictly enforced 50 mph speed limit and banning of commercial traffic.

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And how could anyone not relax when driving down a road lined with lush greenery and…

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fields of wildflowers?

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More than just gorgeous scenery, the Trace is filled with plenty of historic sites, perfect for exploring.

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Located at milepost 10.3, the Emerald Mound is the first of many historical sites you’ll find along the Natchez Trace Parkway.

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The Bynum Mounds are located at milepost 232.4, and are one of the last sites in the state’s section of the Trace. Featuring interpretive exhibits, visitors are educated on the early residents of the area.

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Whether you need to unwind in the middle of the day, or…

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want to go for a relaxing evening drive, the Natchez Trace Parkway is exactly the escape you’ve been searching for.

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For more information on the Natchez Trace Parkway, click here.

James Joel Harris

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Visit Mississippi/Flickr

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The Natchez Trace Parkway may be the most popular scenic byway in Mississippi but it’s not the only one. Learn about more of the state’s beautiful roadways in “These 9 Beautiful Byways In Mississippi Are Perfect For A Scenic Drive.“

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