There are plenty of beautiful places around the state of Tennessee. The topography of the state varies widely, from the riverfront flatland on the western side of the state to the crags of the Great Smoky Mountains in the east. The Cumberland Plateau rises, rocky and studded with gushing rivers and rugged canyons cut deep into the earth. The introduction of humans has resulted in the construction of a network of roadways that cross the state with wild abandon. Of course, if you're looking to view the beauty of Tennessee from the comfort of your car, there's no road more scenic than the Natchez Trace Parkway. Learn more about it below:
In its entirety, the Natchez Trace Parkway stretches 444-miles through the states of Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. The paved roadway follows what is known as the historic, "Natchez-Trace," a travel path once used by Native Americans.
The lushly forested pathway was eventually used by European settlers as well, and was traversed by slave traders and soldiers during the Civil War.
When you drive the Natchez Trace, you're traveling over 10,000 years of Tennessee state history.
Perhaps the most recognizable structure along the road is the Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge, located in Tennessee's Williamson County. The concrete double arch bridge is 1,572 feet long and carries cars 145-feet over the forested area below.
The view from the bridge is incredible! Roughly 210 cars pass over it on a daily basis.
The Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge was actually the first segmentally constructed concrete arch bridge in the entire history of the United States. It has won multiple awards for its design, and construction was completed in October, 1993.
The bridge opened to all drivers and cyclists in March of 1994.
Although beautiful, the Natchez Trace was only utilized by settlers as a major trading route for a brief period of time. It linked eastern states to Mississippi and Louisiana, and on any given day you'd find traders, preachers, highwaymen, and peddlers wandering the Trace.
Meriwether Lewis, known for his part in the grand Lewis and Clark Expedition, died on the Natchez Trace. He was the governor of the then-Louisiana Territory and was traveling to Washington, DC when he committed suicide near Hohenwald, Tennessee. He is buried along the Trace and visitors can travel to the monument erected in his honor.
The Trace also lends itself to the most adventurous Tennesseans. It's known as a designated cycling route, and there are multiple hiking and camping spots along the way.
There's no end to the adventures to be had on the Natchez Trace in Tennessee. It's a part of state history, and can be a part of your story, too.
You can learn more about the Natchez Trace Parkway with a visit to this official state website.
If you're looking for more fun and beauty in the heart of Tennessee, a visit to this natural swimming hole should be in the books!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
