Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail – Highland Rim Section

The trail is a native path, generally only three to four feet wide, over uneven ground. It can turn muddy with use or after rain, and the steepest sections are near Garrison Creek. Several access points let you break the long walk into shorter outings, but the complete section is a sustained commitment. A long stretch follows the historic Trace itself, so some of the route is a walk along the old travel corridor rather than a separate scenic spur. Near milepost 426.3, the War of 1812 Memorial has a separate, roughly 1.3-mile Old Trace walk through shaded woods; that local walk is an add-on, not the 22.4-mile route described here.

At Tennessee Valley Divide, milepost 423.9, the trail passes a hiker-only parking area. The route gives a view of the Parkway, with spring blooms and autumn color around the divide. Carter Lane picnic area at milepost 422.9 is another access point, although its broad grassy area gets muddy after rain. Farther south, the Highway 7/Fly trailhead near milepost 416 is reached from Old Natchez Trace Road and has a small parking area. It has no water. These accesses make shorter section walks possible, but you still need to plan where a second car or pickup will meet you.

Begin at Garrison Creek, near the restrooms or picnic tables at milepost 427.6. There is drinking water by the restrooms, plus picnic tables and parking. Finish at Shady Grove/Tennessee 50 near milepost 408; the access is west of the Parkway on gravel Totty Lane. Because this is a point-to-point, arrange a shuttle before walking. Human drinking water is also available at Gordon House, just south of the trail end, while water at the Shady Grove access is for horses. Dogs are allowed on a leash no longer than six feet. Bicycles and camping along the trail are prohibited; use designated campgrounds. The trail is listed as a year-round route with no reservation or activity fee, though Parkway entrance fees may apply.