THE GOVERNMENT NEWS DESKPERMANENT NPS STORY ARCHIVE
Organized by publication date and destination. Each story retains its permanent State & Nation address and official NPS source.
The National Park Service will reopen a 15-mile section of the Natchez Trace Parkway on August 3 and begin the next phase of a major road rehabilitation project, requiring a detour around a 24-mile section between state Highway 16 (milepost 135) and state Highway 19 (milepost 159.5).
Official NPS source
As a part of the Speeding Catches Up With You campaign, Natchez Trace Parkway Rangers and Mississippi Highway Patrol Troopers will be present along the Natchez Trace to protect the public from aggressive speeding violations.
Official NPS source
Beginning June 22, the Natchez Trace Parkway will detour motorists around a 15-mile section of parkway between state Route 12 (milepost 165) and state Route 413 (milepost 180) in Attala and Choctaw counties as construction begins on a major road rehabilitation project.
Official NPS source
On April 15, Natchez Trace Parkway will close Double Arch Bridge near Nashville and begin construction to install a permanent pedestrian safety barrier. The bridge will be closed to motor vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists until spring 2027.
Official NPS source
On April 3, the National Park Service will release a report and administrative record file about the former Ridgeland Firing Range on Natchez Trace Parkway for public review and comment.
Official NPS source
On April 3, the National Park Service will release a report and administrative record file about the former Port Gibson Firing Range on Natchez Trace Parkway for public review and comment.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service will close Natchez Trace Parkway between TN Highway 46 (milepost 429) and the northern terminus (milepost 442) south of Nashville, Tennessee at approximately 8 PM Central Standard Time today, Jan. 23. Additional closures along the parkway may occur during the storm.
Official NPS source
Construction-related closure of the Natchez Trace Parkway between Mississippi Highway 413 (milepost 181) and U.S. Highway 82 (milepost 204) in Choctaw and Webster counties will remain in effect longer than originally anticipated.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service will conduct prescribed burns along the Natchez Trace Parkway beginning November 17. Fire season along the parkway will run until May 2026.
Official NPS source
On Monday, June 9 at 2 p.m., the National Park Service will close Natchez Trace Parkway from Mississippi Highway 413 (MP 181) to U.S. Highway 82 (MP 204) in Choctaw and Webster counties in Mississippi. The last night to camp at Jeff Busby campground is Sunday, June 8.
Official NPS source
As warmer temperatures return and motorcycle riders take to the scenic byways of the South, the Natchez Trace Parkway is joining the National Park Service’s “Different Road, Different Ride” campaign this May to highlight motorcycle safety during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
Official NPS source
On March 4, 2025, the National Park Service will begin mill and overlay asphalt repair work on the ramps from Natchez Trace Parkway to Interstate Highway 55 resulting in nightly closures. Closures will occur from 6:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. as work progresses, starting with the north bound on-ramp the evening of Tuesday, March 4.
Official NPS source
On February 10, 2025, the National Park Service will begin rehabilitation work on the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Four separate sections of the trail will close as work progresses.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service will conduct prescribed fires along Natchez Trace Parkway beginning January 22. Weather permitting, fire operations will occur throughout the months of February and March.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service will close Natchez Trace Parkway between Highway 46 (milepost 429) to the northern terminus (milepost 442) south of Nashville, Tennessee at approximately 10 PM CST today January 9, 2025. Parkway Visitor Center (milepost 266) in Tupelo, Mississippi will have a delayed opening tomorrow, January 10, 2025.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service seeks public comment on an environmental assessment (EA) for the replacement of the John Coffee Memorial Bridge (Tennessee River Bridge) along the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service will close Rocky Springs Campground in Claiborne County and the grounds of Mount Locust Inn in Jefferson County by sunset today, September 10, 2024. Additional locations along the parkway may close during incoming Tropical Storm Francine.
Official NPS source
This Labor Day weekend, follow these five tips while traveling Natchez Trace Parkway
Official NPS source
On August 26, work will begin to fell hazardous trees along Natchez Trace Parkway in Clinton, Ridgeland, and Madison, Mississippi.
Official NPS source
This month marks the beginning of riding season for many motorcyclists in America. It is also Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The National Park Service (NPS) and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reminds all motorists that Motorcyclist’s Safety Is Everyone’s Safety. Motorcycle safety is an ongoing responsibility for all road users on Natchez Trace Parkway.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) seeks public comment on a wetlands statement of finding (WSOF) for a revetment project for bank stabilization of Lindsey Creek at a pipeline crossing Natchez Trace Parkway near Clinton, Mississippi.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service will conduct prescribed fires along Natchez Trace Parkway beginning today. Weather permitting, burn operations will occur throughout the month of March.
Official NPS source
National Park Service law enforcement rangers are asking for the public’s help in locating and identifying a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run collision on Natchez Trace Parkway.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) seeks public comment on an environmental assessment (EA) to construct an extension of the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail near Jackson, Mississippi. The EA analyzes the impacts of the construction and use of the proposed 2.5-mile trail extension.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service will close Natchez Trace Parkway south of Nashville, Tennessee between milepost 429 and 442 at approximately 7 PM Sunday. Parkway Visitor Center in Tupelo, Mississippi will close at noon today. Additional sections of the parkway may close during the storms.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service released the 2022 Socioeconomic Research of Natchez Trace Parkway report. The report focuses on park visitors. It develops a deeper understanding of who visits the Parkway and what they do during their visit.
Official NPS source
The closed section of Natchez Trace Parkway, Milepost 239.2 (near Highway 32) to Milepost 256.9 (Near Highway 6), has reopened to traffic.
Official NPS sourceNine defendants pled guilty on Wednesday, November 29th, 2023 to impaired driving offenses on the Natchez Trace Parkway in the Northern District of Mississippi. These convictions stemmed from the defendants operating motor vehicles while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Official NPS source
Today, the National Park Service released a series of videos encouraging travelers to “Drive safe, the park way.” The three-part series will prepare travelers to experience the parkway safely throughout the year.
Official NPS sourceTUPELO, Miss. — The National Park Service is implementing a ban on campfires and charcoal use at Natchez Trace Parkway due to the current drought and high fire danger. Effective immediately, all campfires and charcoal use are banned on parkway property, including the developed campgrounds at Rocky Springs, Jeff Busby, and Meriwether Lewis; the designated bicycle campgrounds, and all picnic areas along the parkway.
Official NPS source
Today, Natchez Trace Parkway, in partnership with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, hosted a naturalization ceremony in honor of Citizenship Day and Constitution Week (September 17-23, 2023). Nineteen candidates from countries of origin around the world became new American citizens on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at 10:30 AM.
Official NPS source
Officials from the National Park Service (NPS) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) this week celebrated the completion of a 40-mile roadway rehabilitation and safety improvements project along Natchez Trace Parkway (Parkway) in Alabama and Mississippi. The Parkway is one of the nation’s most visited national parks with 6 million annual visitors who enjoy the scenic drive, historic sites and recreational activities in communities along the parkway.
Official NPS source
The closed section of Natchez Trace Parkway, between MP 320.4 (Highway 72) to MP 326.2 (North Pike Road), has reopened to traffic.
Official NPS source
Tupelo, MS – A new National Park Service (NPS) report shows that 6.5 million visitors to the Natchez Trace Parkway in 2022 spent $474 million in communities near the park. That spending supported 5,660 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $640 million.
Official NPS source
The Natchez Trace Parkway Park Rangers pulled over a carnival convoy on July 25, 2023.
Official NPS source
Beginning August 16, a section of the Natchez Trace Parkway will be closed for paving and embankment repairs from Milepost 239 - 251. A Signed detour from Highway 32 (MP 239.2) to Highway 6 (MP 256.9) will be in place.
Official NPS sourceKOSCIUSKO, Miss. – The Natchez Trace Parkway Rangers are asking for the public’s help in locating and identifying a driver involved in a Hit-and-Run collision.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) is partnering with the Historic Preservation Training Center (HPTC) to rehabilitate the Tupelo and Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield sites located in Lee County, Mississippi.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public feedback on a proposed framework for addressing future road and bridge paving and rehabilitation projects on the Natchez Trace Parkway (Parkway).
Official NPS sourceTwo men apprehended for illicit sexual activity.
Official NPS source
Park Rangers conducted safety checkpoints allowing our officers to educate the drivers and enforce violations they encounter..
Official NPS source
Announcement for public comment period for the extension of Chisha Foka Trail to the existing Osburn Stand at milepost 93.5.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service will conduct prescribed fires along Natchez Trace Parkway beginning in March. Weather permitting, burn operations will occur between March 11 and April 15.
Official NPS source
National Park Service park rangers made 8,557 traffic stops on Natchez Trace Parkway last year. The traffic stops resulted in 6,428 citations and 266 arrests.
Official NPS source
Sections of the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail in Ridgeland, Mississippi will be closed to the public as National Park Service crews remove, trim and mow vegetation along the trail. The work will be completed in sections and the temporary closures will move as work progresses.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) for the Double Arch Bridge Safety Improvements Environmental Assessment (EA) to install a permanent safety barrier to deter suicide at the bridge on Natchez Trace Parkway in Williamson County, Tennessee.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service has reopened the section of Natchez Trace Parkway from Milepost 326 to Milepost 336, including John Coffee Memorial Bridge. Final audible stripe placement and shoulder grading is still underway in this section of parkway. Travelers should be aware of mobile construction zones and potential single lane closures.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking public feedback on the John Coffee Memorial Bridge Replacement or Rehabilitation project along the Natchez Trace Parkway (Parkway), six miles north of Cherokee, Alabama. A 30-day civic engagement period will be open from Oct. 25 to Nov. 28, 2022.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service will close a section of Natchez Trace Parkway including the John Coffee Memorial Bridge at 8 PM, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2022. The bridge is located 6 miles north of Cherokee, Alabama and spans the Tennessee River.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) is seeking input from the public for an ethnographic study of the John Coffee Memorial Bridge on Natchez Trace Parkway. The purpose of the study is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the John Coffee Memorial Bridge and surrounding area as the Parkway initiates a project to repair or replace the bridge.
Official NPS source
In an effort to make Labor Day weekend safer for national park visitors, Natchez Trace Parkway rangers and other local law enforcement agencies conducted a series of traffic safety checkpoints over the weekend. The checkpoints resulted in ten arrests for impaired driving.
Official NPS source
National Park Service (NPS) rangers cited a man caught in the act of spray painting the TN 96 bridge on Natchez Trace Parkway. The 20-year-old man from Nashville, Tennessee was spotted by a NPS employee, who reported it to law enforcement officers.
Official NPS source
Through funding from the Great American Outdoors Act’s (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Fund and Federal Highway Administration’s National Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects (NSFLTP) Program, the National Park Service (NPS) will receive approximately $130.6 million to rehabilitate 83 miles of Natchez Trace Parkway in Mississippi.
Official NPS source
On June 6, 2022, the National Park Service (NPS) will begin construction of a temporary safety barrier on Double Arch Bridge (Milepost 438) near Nashville, Tennessee. Motorists and bicyclists should expect one-lane closures, 10-to-15-minute traffic delays, and Birdsong Hollow pullout to be closed. The bridge will be closed to pedestrians and hikers for the project duration.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) seeks the public’s input on an environmental assessment (EA) to install a permanent safety barrier to deter suicide at the Double Arch bridge on Natchez Trace Parkway in Williamson County, Tennessee. The comment period will be open from May 16 to June 17, 2022.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service will be conducting prescribed fires along Natchez Trace Parkway the rest of this week.
Official NPS sourceBeginning at 3 p.m. CST Natchez Trace Parkway will close from Collinwood, TN (Milepost 355) all the way to the northern terminus in Nashville (Milepost 444).
Official NPS sourceA winter weather advisory has been issued for Natchez Trace Parkway from Tupelo, MS to Nashville, TN beginning Thursday. Mid-morning on Thursday, the Parkway will close from Collinwood, TN (Milepost 355) to Highway 64, (Milepost 370) and from Highway 46 /Pinewood Rd. (Milepost 429) to the northern terminus in Nashville.
Official NPS sourceNatchez Trace Parkway is closed from HWY 46 in Tennessee (near Milepost 429) to the Northern Terminus in Nashville due to winter weather conditions. The road will remain closed until snow and ice have cleared from the motor road.
Official NPS sourceThe section of Natchez Trace Parkway from Milepost 262 to 266 near Tupelo, MS is scheduled to reopen this afternoon.
Official NPS sourceTuesday morning Natchez Trace park rangers and Mississippi Highway Patrol troopers conducted a traffic safety checkpoint on Natchez Trace Parkway, just south of the City of Tupelo. Over 1000 vehicles were screened in a five-hour period.
Official NPS sourceOn Monday, December 6, 2021, Colbert Ferry, Milepost 327.3, on Natchez Trace Parkway will close for paving. The Colbert Ferry boat ramp area and access roads will be closed for one week while construction crews pave the area. The comfort station nearest to the Parkway will remain open.
Official NPS sourceNatchez Trace Parkway will begin pavement preservation work on a section of Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail near Ridgeland, MS, on December 1, 2021. The trail will be closed from the Southern Terminus (Milepost 95.9) to the Choctaw Agency pullout (Milepost 100.7).
Official NPS sourceTwo new detours along Natchez Trace Parkway will take effect in Mississippi and Alabama later this month. Phase Two, of the ongoing paving project near Tupelo, MS, Milepost (MP) 262 to 266, is scheduled to begin the week of October 11, 2021. A new multiphase project near the Mississippi/Alabama border, Milepost 293 to 337, will begin in late October.
Official NPS sourceThe Natchez Trace Parkway and nearby Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail will close to all traffic including vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians beginning July 19, 2021. A detour will be implemented from Milepost 257 to 262.
Official NPS source
National Park Service (NPS) acting Regional Director Pedro Ramos announced the selection of Douglas “Doug” Neighbor as the new superintendent of Natchez Trace Parkway, Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site and Tupelo National Battlefield, effective Aug. 15.
Official NPS source
Natchez Trace Parkway has partnered with the Southeast Conservation Corps to improve Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail sections and increase stewardship awareness. Last week, with a generous donation from the City of Tupelo through the Healthy Hometown Award, the crew rehabilitated the raised boardwalk near Chickasaw Village.
Official NPS sourceHOHENWALD, TN – The National Park Service (NPS) announces the availability for public review of the draft Engineering Evaluation/ Cost Analysis (EE/CA) report for the Meriwether Lewis Firing Range Site. The former firing range is located on the north side of the Natchez Trace Parkway near Milepost 378.
Official NPS sourceThe Natchez Trace Parkway is open to through traffic from Milepost 115 to 135. Riverbend, Cypress Swamp, and a section of the Yockanookany trail remain closed at this time.
Official NPS sourceNatchez Trace Parkway is asking motorists to watch out for work crews and hazards in the roadway as winter storm clean-up continues. Workers have cleared over 200 downed trees.
Official NPS sourceA family of six travelling on the Natchez Trace Parkway near Milepost 145 was stranded overnight. A fallen tree caused their trailer to become stuck. The driver unhooked the trailer and continued driving. The vehicle slid off the roadway forcing the family to spend the night on the Parkway. With the assistance Leake County volunteer fire department, the family was rescued around noon today.
Official NPS sourceA travel advisory is in effect for the entire Natchez Trace Parkway. Ice and snow are accumulating rapidly. Rangers are reporting hazardous conditions on the entire 444 miles of motor road and are advising travelers to stay off the Parkway.
Official NPS sourceThe Natchez Trace Parkway is closed from Mileposts 0 to 152, 355 to 370, and 429 to 442 due to severe weather and icy conditions. Additional closures are anticipated as the severe weather moves along the Parkway. National Park Service rangers are advising individuals to avoid traveling, especially on any section of the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Official NPS sourceNatchez Trace Parkway has issued a travel advisory from Natchez, MS to Nashville, TN due to adverse winter weather. The Natchez Trace Parkway is closed from Milepost 429 – 442. We anticipate further closures as conditions deteriorate.
Official NPS sourceNatchez Trace Parkway will conduct several prescribed fires in Mississippi over the next two months. As soon as Friday, January 29, fire crews will start burning areas that they have prepared over the winter months. During prescribed fire operations, smoke warning signs will be placed along the Parkway as a precaution. Motorists should reduce speed significantly when smoke is visible in the area. Reduce speed to a maximum of 30 mph, turn on headlights, and stay alert. There may be short term closures of trails and picnic sites during the burns. Please be aware of park rangers, firefighting personnel, and equipment along the roadway and mow line. If visibility falls below 500 feet (150 m), the Parkway may be temporarily closed until smoke has cleared. Some smoke may be visible for several days after initial prescribed fire operations.
Official NPS sourceOn January 25, 2021, Natchez Trace Parkway law enforcement responded to a motor vehicle crash near Milepost 151. Upon arrival, park rangers discovered that two vehicles struck a large tree that had fallen in the roadway. The driver of one vehicle, 36-year-old, Robert Andrew Terry of Thomastown, MS, succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased on scene. The two occupants of the second vehicle, sustained injuries from the crash. One of the occupants was transported to a local hospital.
Official NPS sourceTUPELO, MS – On January 22, 2021, Natchez Trace Parkway law enforcement arrested a commercial vehicle operator for driving while under the influence of drugs near Milepost 265.
Official NPS sourceOn Monday, January 25, 2021, the Natchez Trace Parkway will implement a detour from Milepost 115 to 135. The 25-mile detour will bypass the Parkway using Highway 43 to Highway 16. The motor road will be closed to all traffic between Mileposts 115 – 123.7 and closed to through traffic from Mileposts 123.7 – 135.
Official NPS sourceOn December 10 and December 11, 2020, at approximately 8:30 pm and 12:50 am, Natchez Trace Parkway rangers responded to two separate crashes in the Tupelo area. The first crash, involving three vehicles, resulted in the death of the only occupant.
Official NPS sourceNatchez Trace Parkway will conduct several small prescribed fires (controlled burns) in the Tupelo area during the month of December 2020. All fires will be small scale and limited to mid-day burning to help mitigate any potential smoke impacts.
Official NPS sourceOn November 18, 2020, early in the morning, law enforcement Park Ranger Tim McElwain was conducting traffic enforcement patrol when he stopped four semi-trucks on the Parkway near milepost 250 and cited all four drivers. Later in the afternoon, Ranger McElwain stopped two additional semi-trucks, and again both drivers were cited.
Official NPS sourceOn November 11, 2020, at approximately 9 am, National Park Service rangers received a report about a vehicle collision between two motor vehicles that resulted in a fatality near Milepost 91 in Clinton, MS. The vehicle, a 2004 white Honda Accord, was driven by Ikela Myeisha Kari Gaddis, 24 of Jackson, MS. Preliminary information indicates that the Honda Accord was traveling southbound on the Parkway near Milepost 91 when it entered the northbound lane and caused a head-on collision with a 2000 GM Yukon. Gaddis was pronounced deceased at the scene, and the Yukon operator was taken to UMMC by an ambulance with non-life threatening injuries.
Official NPS sourceThe Natchez Trace Parkway will begin storm damage cleanup in the vicinity of Milepost 114 - Milepost 124 this week. Construction crews will be removing storm damaged timber from the perimeter of the motor road, Cypress Swamp, Riverbend, and sections of the National Scenic Trail. Motorists should use caution and watch out for work crews when traveling along this section of the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Official NPS sourceNatchez Trace Parkway will close sections of the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail near Ridgeland, MS starting November 1, 2020. The work will take place along three sections of trail beginning near the Highland Colony Parkway trail crossing and ending south of the Ross Barnett Reservoir Overlook (Milepost 100.8- Milepost 105.3).
Official NPS sourceBeginning October 19, 2020, Natchez Trace Parkway will reopen access to the following Comfort Stations: Rocky Springs, MS. Milepost 55 Ridgeland Information Cabin, Jackson, MS. Milepost 102 Pharr Mounds, Marietta, MS. Milepost 287 Glenrock Branch, Waynesboro, TN. Milepost 365 Garrison Creek, Leipers Fork, TN. Milepost 425
Official NPS sourceTravelers are advised to avoid using the Natchez Trace Parkway as Hurricane Laura travels up the Mississippi River and into the Tennessee River Valley. Forecasted conditions for the next 24 to 48 hours include the possibility of heavy rains and strong winds, which may result in falling trees and other obstructions on the Parkway.
Official NPS sourceOn July 23, 2020, the City of Natchez will formally transferred ownership of the Natchez Visitors Center to the National Park Service. With the parallel NPS acquisition of land at the Forks of the Road slave market site, Natchez National Historical Park is poised to provide a new level of leadership to the tourism community and drive economic development.
Official NPS sourceBeginning May 24, 2020, Natchez Trace Parkway will provide visitor information at the Parkway Visitor Center. Visitors will be able to speak to a park ranger and receive brochures and information about the Parkway, and passport stamps. The restrooms at the visitor center will be open with group size restrictions. All other outdoor spaces, including all roadways, trails, pullouts, and roadside exhibits along the Parkway remain accessible to the public. With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time: -All other comfort stations and contact stations -Meriwether Lewis Campground
Official NPS sourceBeginning May 8, 2020, Natchez Trace Parkway will reopen access to: •Parking on the road shoulder, from mile marker 104 through 115. •The Ross Barnett Reservoir Overlook and Parking lot.
Official NPS sourceThe Natchez Trace Parkway is banning campfires in Mississippi, effective immediately, due to the statewide burn ban implemented by Governor Tate Reeves. This ban includes the developed campgrounds at Rocky Springs, Jeff Busby and at designated bicycle campgrounds in Mississippi. This ban will be rescinded after the statewide ban is lifted.
Official NPS sourceNatchez Trace Parkway (Parkway) staff recently rehabilitated and opened 4.3 miles of Old Natchez Trace in Tennessee, the segments are located between mileposts 393 and 401.
Official NPS sourceThe Natchez Trace Parkway (Parkway), in response to guidance from the Mississippi Governors Executive Order 1466, is announcing additional modifications to operations to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Official NPS sourceThe Natchez Trace Parkway (Parkway), in response to guidance from the Tennessee Governors Executive Orders 22 and 23, and the Tennessee State Parks, is announcing additional modifications to operations to support federal, state, and local efforts to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Official NPS sourceAs of 12:00 p.m., April 3, 2020, the Parkway will offer no services outside those that support visitor or resource protection. At the Parkway, the following services and operations will be suspended in order to comply with the Governors Executive Order: All comfort stations are closed until further notice.
Official NPS sourceNatchez Trace Parkway is announcing modifications to operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to promote social distancing.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) announces the availability of the Administrative Record File for public review on the Meriwether Lewis Firing Range Site. The firing range is located on the north side of the Natchez Trace Parkway near Milepost 378, approximately 8 miles south of the Meriwether Lewis Monument and Campground, and has not been used since 2016. The site will be evaluated for potential presence of contaminants.
Official NPS sourceNatchez Trace Parkway officials closed a 7-mile stretch of road from milepost 93.1 to milepost 100.7 on October 31, 2019 to replace a culvert that reached is operational life span. Continuous rain throughout the southern district since October has delayed repairs.
Official NPS sourceNatchez Trace Parkway officials will implement a temporary closure of the motor road between mileposts 230.5 and 239.2 (near Houston, MS) starting Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at 7:30 am. The closure will allow for pavement repair on a nearby bridge at milepost 236 on the Natchez Trace Parkway. During the approximate two-day closure, there will be no access to Witch Dance at milepost 233.
Official NPS sourceA portion of the Natchez Trace Parkway motor road is temporarily closed effective October 31, 2019 until further notice due to recent storms that caused hazardous road conditions. The closure is from US 49 (mile marker 93.1) to I-55 (mile marker 100.7) near Ridgeland, Mississippi.
Official NPS sourceThe Yockanookany section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail is closed to equestrian use effective immediately, due to safety concerns with trail bridges and boardwalks. The trail will remain open to pedestrians. We regret the impact that this closure will have on the many equestrian users of the trail, and ask for your patience as we improve the safety for equestrian users of this unique resource. Work will begin this spring, with an anticipated re-opening to equestrian use in stages as work is completed. The total anticipated time for repair is no more than two years.
Official NPS sourceThe Natchez Trace Parkway will close the Meriwether Lewis Death and Burial Site Information Center for the season on November 10, 2019. The burial monument, restrooms, campground, and hiking trails are open seven days a week and are not affected by this closure.
Official NPS sourceThe Natchez Trace Parkway has lifted the campfire ban on Parkway property in Alabama and Tennessee due to recent rainfall and reduced fire danger. The existing campfire ban in Mississippi on Parkway property is still enforced. Campfires are banned at the developed campgrounds at Rocky Springs and Jeff Busby, and at the designated bicycle campgrounds at Kosciusko, Witchdance, and the Parkway Visitor Center.
Official NPS sourceThe Natchez Trace Parkway will hold the biannual “Car Free Parkway Experience” days for bicyclists and pedestrians between mile markers 429 and 440. Upcoming event dates are September 29, 2019 and May 17, 2020 with future events to be held annually on the last Sunday in September and the third Sunday in May. Closure times will be from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM on each day.
Official NPS source
On July 29, 2019, at approximately 9:21 pm, a juvenile was driving south on the Natchez Trace Parkway near the new Highway 6 overpass in Tupelo, MS, when a brick was thrown through his windshield. The juvenile suffered a large laceration on the top of his head, but escaped serious injury. The suspect vehicle is a late 1990’s or early 2000’s sedan, either tan or gray in color. Anyone with information on this incident should contact the Natchez Trace Parkway emergency line at 1-800-300-PARK.
Official NPS source
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration announced yesterday that three national parks will receive $123,572,000 in grants as part of the Nationally Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects Program.
Official NPS sourceUpdate on 2/24/19: This closure is no longer in in place. Natchez Trace Parkway officials implemented a temporary closure between mileposts 276 and 282 on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at 1:15 pm. Recent heavy rains have caused localized flooding, causing water to overtop the 20 Mile Creek Bridge and flood a section of the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) has extended the comment period for civic engagement about proposed options to screen a planned housing development. The Stephens Valley development will be built on the east, and eventually the west side, of the Natchez Trace Parkway (Parkway) near milepost 440 in Davidson and Williamson Counties, TN. The development will be visible from the Parkway and will occupy an area historically managed as an open agricultural vista. The Parkway does not have authority to deny the construction of the development. Developers, however, are interested in working with Parkway staff to screen the road and development from the visitors’ view.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service (NPS) requests civic engagement about proposed options to screen a planned housing development. The Stephens Valley development will be built on the east, and eventually the west, side of the Natchez Trace Parkway (Parkway) near milepost 440 in Davidson and Williamson Counties, TN. The development will be visible from the Parkway and will occupy an area historically managed as an open agricultural vista.
Official NPS source
With the help of volunteer researchers, Natchez Trace Parkway (Parkway) staff members have identified the gravesite of Paris Martin, who was an enslaved person at the Mount Locust Plantation before the Civil War. Paris Martin’s final resting spot was unknown to Parkway staff until this summer when local genealogy researchers joined the search for his burial location.
Official NPS sourceA portion of the Blackland Prairie section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail from Lakeshire Drive to Highway 78/I-22 will be closed due to hazardous trees. The closure will be from Tuesday, November 13, 2018 until further notice.
Official NPS sourceThe Natchez Trace Parkway will close the Meriwether Lewis Visitor Information Center for the season on October 21, 2018. This season, the Meriwether Lewis Visitor Information Center welcomed over 6,500 visitors to the site. The burial monument, restrooms, campground, and hiking trails are open seven days a week and are not affected by this closure.
Official NPS sourceTo commemorate National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Natchez Trace Parkway will host a living history encampment representing the expedition of Hernando de Soto on Saturday, September 22, 2018. The encampment will be set up outside of the Parkway Visitor Center from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Through stories, demonstrations, and hands-on activities, visitors can learn about Hernando de Soto’s interactions with the Chickasaw along the historic Natchez Trace during the winter of 1540-41. From September 15 through October 15, 2018, the visitor center will feature an exhibit and film commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month. Visitors can view a photo exhibit or learn more about the De Soto expedition through the short film, “Hernando de Soto in America.”
Official NPS sourceBeginning September 1, 2018, Mount Locust Inn and Plantation on the Natchez Trace Parkway will be open Thursday through Sunday, from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Official NPS sourceThe Natchez Trace Parkway will hold biannual “Car Free Parkway Experience” days for bicyclists and pedestrians between mile markers 429 and 440 following a trial event which occurred on June 17, 2018. Upcoming event dates are September 30, 2018 and May 19, 2019 with future events to be held annually on the last Sunday in September and the third Sunday in May. Closure times will be from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM on each day.
Official NPS sourceThe Meriwether Lewis Visitor Information Center on the Natchez Trace Parkway will operate on fall hours starting Sunday, September 9, 2018. Fall hours of operation will be Fridays through Sundays from 9 am to 4:30 pm. The visitor information center will be closed Mondays through Thursdays. The burial monument, restrooms, campground, and hiking trails are open seven days a week. The Meriwether Lewis Visitor Information Center is located at milepost 385.9 on the Natchez Trace Parkway near Hohenwald, Tennessee. For additional information, please call (800) 305-7417.
Official NPS source