Also see Mississippi and Tennessee

This historic route generally follows the old Indian trace, or trail, between Nashville, Tennessee and Natchez, Mississippi. This portion of the byway cuts across northwestern Alabama for 33 miles. The parkway is a two-lane paved road suitable for all types of vehicles and is open year-round.

Once trekked by Indians and trampled into a rough road by traders, trappers, and missionaries, the Natchez Trace Parkway is now a scenic 445-mile route traveling from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee. In the late 1700s and early 1800s, "Kaintucks," as the river merchants were called, would float downriver on flatboats loaded with their merchandise to be sold in New Orleans. Since there wasn't any practical way to return by river, the boats were dismantled and the lumber sold. The Natchez Trace would be the only pathway home.

At that time, the Trace was a dangerous path to take. Travelers waded through swamps and swam streams and fended off attacks by wild animals and poisonous snakes. It was also necessary to keep an eye open for murderous bandits and Indian attacks. The terrain of the trace was rough, too. A broken leg of a lone traveler would often mean certain death. The dangers of the route earned the Trace the nickname "Devil's Backbone." Modern-day travelers don't have these dangers to face as they travel this historic route.

The Alabama portion of the Trace offers a variety of outdoor activities. Bear Creek, near the Mississippi state line, has picnic facilities and access to the creek for canoeing. Colbert Ferry, on the banks of the Tennessee River, has a picnic area, restrooms, telephone, and boat ramp. A ranger station is also located here, where George Colbert once operated a stand and ferry. Mr. Colbert is reported to have once charged Andrew Jackson $75,000 to ferry his army across the river. Lauderdale Landing is also a nice spot for a picnic.

A steep quarter-mile trail in Freedom Hills Overlook will take you to the highest point of the parkway in Alabama. Also worth stopping for is the Buzzard Roost Spring area. An exhibit here tells the story of Levi Colbert, a Chickasaw chief who owned a nearby stand. A short trail leads to the spring. A nature trail follows Colbert Creek at the Rock Spring area, milepost 330, and will take about 20 minutes to complete.

Information: National Park Service, Natchez Trace Pkwy, 2680 Natchez Trace Pkwy, Tupelo MS 38804 / 662-680-4025. Traveler Information: 800-305-7417