The Natchez Trace Parkway map is an excellent starting place when planning your trip. When using the map, you will notice that every place along the Parkway can be referenced by milepost. The milepost system starts in the south, at Natchez, being Milepost 0, and the north end of the Parkway, near Nashville is Milepost 444. For example, the Parkway Visitor Center in Tupelo is near the midway point at Milepost 266. Also you can call the Visitor Center, daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., central time, with planning questions at 1-800-305-7417.
Whether you are interested in nature, history, or recreation, knowing how to get food, gas, and lodging can make your trip much more enjoyable. By design, you will not see many of these services from the Parkway, so planning is advisable. There is no food, gas, and lodging services "on" the Parkway. However, just behind the trees, in communities throughout the Parkway's 444-mile length, you can find everything that you need, plus many places worth exploring. The "Motel" link to the right is a listing of the communities along the Parkway that offer lodging. You'll see a listing for each communities' Chamber of Commerce or Visitor and Convention Bureau with a phone number if you have specific questions about the lodging, services, and attractions available.