The Magnolia State boasts incredible natural beauty, loads of history, and exhilarating adventures. And the best place to experience all three is the Natchez Trace Parkway. Spanning hundreds of miles through three states, the scenic parkway is brimming with sites and attractions; so much so, that it can be a bit overwhelming… until now, and that’s because we took the courtesy of mapping out a short-and-sweet route to some of the Natchez Trace Parkway’s best little-known and unforgettable destinations. All you have to do is gas up the car and embark on this epic Mississippi road trip!
Spanning 444 miles through three states (Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee), the Natchez Trace Parkway passes by more than 90 points of interest, which run the gamut from natural wonders to perfectly-preserved historic sites.
Ken Lund/Flickr Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Natchez, MS, USA
Our adventure begins in Lorman, a small unincorporated community just off the Natchez Trace Parkway at milepost 30. Lorman isn’t home to much, but it is home to the Old Country Store, a restaurant revered for its southern fare, particularly its fried chicken.
Joe R/TripAdvisor The famous fried chicken has topped numerous lists and was even featured on the Food Network’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate” series. 18801 US-61, Lorman, MS 39096, USA
A unique dining experience right from the start, the eatery is housed in a historic building that’s over 100 years old! And true to its name, it’s also an actual store, so you can fill up on food and souvenirs. (What better way to kick off your road trip?!)
Joe R/TripAdvisor 18801 US-61, Lorman, MS 39096, USA
Once your stomach is full, we’ll venture to our next destination: Windsor Ruins. From the Old Country Store, it’s just a short 15-minute drive along Highway 552. Simply follow the signs along the way.
GreenUnicorn/TripAdvisor Easily accessible, you can practically drive right up to the ruins, no matter if you’re in a sedan, like a Nissan Sentra, or a rugged truck, like the Frontier. Windsor Ruins, Rodney Rd, Port Gibson, MS 39150, USA
Often referred to as Mississippi’s “most iconic" site, the ruins, which are comprised of 29 towering pillars, are all that remain of the Windsor plantation, four-story mansion that was destroyed by a fire in 1890.
Wayne Hsieh/Flickr Not just an icon in the Magnolia State, Windsor Ruins has garnered national recognition and was even named one of the “Best Hidden Gems You Can Visit In Every State.” In addition to the ruins, the site includes plenty of signage, so you can brush up Windsor’s history during your visit. Windsor Ruins, Rodney Rd, Port Gibson, MS 39150, USA
Next, we’ll head off the paved path to the Cypress Swamp Loop Trail.
Paul Brady/Flickr Located at milepost 122, this short, half-mile trail winds through a cypress swamp; and, thanks to its position right over the water, you’ll be treated to unparalleled views. The swamp is truly majestic and has even been named among the “Top 20 Natural Wonders” along the Natchez Trace. Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez Trace Pkwy, United States
After you’ve finished stretching your legs, we’ll hit the road and continue to our final destination: French Camp Historic Village, where you’ll find dining, shopping, and lodging.
Don W/TripAdvisor Offering a glimpse into the days of the early Natchez Trace, the historic village is comprised of several buildings from the 1800s. French Camp, MS 39745, USA
Spend your time at French Camp exploring its historic buildings and special attractions, such as the pottery studio and gift shop.
frenchcamphistoricvillage.com When you work up an appetite, stop by the on-site eatery, Council House Restaurant, which serves up burgers, sandwiches, blue plate specials, and lots more! French Camp, MS 39745, USA
And since French Camp has a B&B, you can easily turn your day trip into an overnight adventure.
frenchcamphistoricvillage.com Of course, staying overnight is completely optional since the route we’ve mapped out extends just 169 miles and takes only about three hours to complete. French Camp, MS 39745, USA
With everything from significant historical sites to natural gems and beyond, this off-the-paved-path adventure in Mississippi is sure to result in some lifelong memories!
Tony Webster/Flickr Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Natchez, MS, USA
So, what do you think of this epic Mississippi road trip? Are you ready to embark on this awesome off-the-paved-path adventure? Remember, these are just a portion of the sites and attractions found along the Natchez Trace. Other top sites include Rocky Springs, Sunken Trace, and Tishomingo State Park.
Ken Lund/Flickr
Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Natchez, MS, USA
Joe R/TripAdvisor
The famous fried chicken has topped numerous lists and was even featured on the Food Network’s “Best Thing I Ever Ate” series.
18801 US-61, Lorman, MS 39096, USA
GreenUnicorn/TripAdvisor
Easily accessible, you can practically drive right up to the ruins, no matter if you’re in a sedan, like a Nissan Sentra, or a rugged truck, like the Frontier.
Windsor Ruins, Rodney Rd, Port Gibson, MS 39150, USA
Wayne Hsieh/Flickr
Not just an icon in the Magnolia State, Windsor Ruins has garnered national recognition and was even named one of the “Best Hidden Gems You Can Visit In Every State.” In addition to the ruins, the site includes plenty of signage, so you can brush up Windsor’s history during your visit.
Paul Brady/Flickr
Located at milepost 122, this short, half-mile trail winds through a cypress swamp; and, thanks to its position right over the water, you’ll be treated to unparalleled views. The swamp is truly majestic and has even been named among the “Top 20 Natural Wonders” along the Natchez Trace.
Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez Trace Pkwy, United States
Don W/TripAdvisor
Offering a glimpse into the days of the early Natchez Trace, the historic village is comprised of several buildings from the 1800s.
French Camp, MS 39745, USA
frenchcamphistoricvillage.com
When you work up an appetite, stop by the on-site eatery, Council House Restaurant, which serves up burgers, sandwiches, blue plate specials, and lots more!
Of course, staying overnight is completely optional since the route we’ve mapped out extends just 169 miles and takes only about three hours to complete.
Tony Webster/Flickr
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