Take a picturesque journey through the heart of Middle Tennessee as we follow the Natchez Trace Parkway for 101 miles from the Alabama state line to its northern terminus just outside Nashville. This quiet, tree-lined corridor blends the beauty of the Appalachian foothills with deep echoes of American history, all while providing a peaceful alternative to the modern interstate system.
Crossing into Tennessee just north of Cherokee, Alabama, we begin our drive on the Trace immersed in tranquil scenery: hardwood forests, gently rolling hills, and the occasional farmstead tucked behind a ridge. Within the first few miles, we intersect Tennessee Highway 13, which shadows our route for a time as we continue northeast. The landscape here is lush and rural—low pastures giving way to dense timberlands—as we pass near the community of Deerfield and cross US-64. A brief detour along Old Trace Drive in the Laurel Hill Wildlife Management Area offers a preserved glimpse of the original route traveled by Native Americans, early European settlers, and traders. Though unintended during the original trip, the scenic side road offers a wonderful perspective on the Parkway’s historic alignment.
Rejoining the main route, we pass over the Buffalo River, where wide, rocky shallows often draw paddlers and campers. Shortly after, we intersect TN-20 southeast of Hohenwald and continue into Gordonsburg, where the Parkway crosses US-412. The road remains smooth and lightly traveled, a rarity in today’s world of constant congestion. Just north of Gordonsburg, the Parkway skirts the Devil’s Backbone State Natural Area, a rugged and forested preserve offering hiking trails and bluff views. As we push north, we stop briefly at Jackson Falls, a short hike from the road that rewards visitors with a cascading waterfall—our arrival is marked by a gentle summer rain, adding a soft rhythm to the surrounding woods. The drive then continues past TN-50 and TN-7, turning slightly east as we near the outer edge of suburban Nashville.
Crossing beneath Interstate 840 near Boston, Tennessee, we leave the most remote sections of the Trace behind and begin to feel the subtle pull of metropolitan influence. At TN-46, we detour off the Parkway once again to explore the artisan enclave of Leipers Fork—a charming stop brimming with galleries, front-porch music, and southern hospitality. This brief diversion underscores the Parkway’s role not just as a through-road, but as a thread tying together communities, heritage, and natural beauty. Returning to the Trace, we approach the end of our journey. Before concluding, we pause at TN-96, where the graceful arches of the Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge span a deep valley—a modern marvel of engineering and one of the most photographed landmarks on the entire route. From here, it’s just a short drive north to Pasquo, where the Parkway quietly ends in a nondescript loop, far from the bustle of nearby Nashville.
This final leg of the 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway invites reflection. From ancient footpaths to Civil War routes, from scenic overlooks to modern rest areas, the Trace is a living tapestry of American movement. Whether you’re driving the entire length or savoring a single segment, there’s a timelessness to the experience—where the pace slows, the road breathes, and every mile tells a story.
🗺️ Route Map
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