Friday, February 5, 2010

Natchez Trace Parkway - Waynesboro | Collinwood, Tennessee

This 28 mile section of the Natchez Trace Parkway spans the area north of Waynesboro, Tennessee at milepost 370 (intersection with US 64) to south of Collinwood, Tennessee at the Tennessee-Alabama state line at milepost 341.8.

Traveling south to north you will encounter several sites that are part of the Natchez Trace Parkway and are overseen by the National Park Service:
  • Cypress Creek
    This stop, along Cypress Creek, features a large shady area with several picnic tables and grills.
  • Holly
    Named for the many holly trees in the area, this picnic area is covered with shade and sits next to a flowing stream.
  • Sunken Trace
    During wet weather the Old Natchez Trace would turn into a muddy, sinking path. When the trail became so water logged that wagons could not be pulled through, travelers cut new paths through the nearby woods. At this stop you can see three paths.
  • McGlamery Stand
    One of the many inns or "stands" along the Old Natchez Trace was located here. The nearby village is known as McGlamery Stand.
  • Sweetwater Branch
    A 20-minute trail takes you along this fast-flowing stream.
  • Glenrock Branch
    In my humble opinion this is the most beautiful picnic area along the entire length of the Natchez Trace Parkway. From the parking area it is a short walk down a trail to a natural ampitheater. The creek and limestone bluff bend around the shaded picnic area.
  • Dogwood Mudhole
    About a mile from the current parkway the Old Natchez Trace crossed a low area in the flat, dogwood covered ridge. After heavy rains it became almost impassable for wagons.

For additional pictures, information and interactive maps of the Waynesboro | Collinwood, Tennessee section of the Trace please see NatchezTraceTravel.com.

Also, just off the Trace you will find:
  • Shiloh National Military Park
    Besides preserving the site of the bloody April 1862 battle in Tennessee, the park commemorates the subsequent siege, battle, and occupation of the key railroad junction at nearby Corinth, Mississippi. From the Natchez Trace Parkway, exit onto US 64 at milepost 370 and go west through Waynesboro and Savannah to the park area.
  • Collinwood, Tennessee
    The close location to the Trace (150 yards) and the town's markets, grocery stores and a couple of restaurants make Collinwood a popular stop for anybody traveling the Trace, especially cyclists.
Travelers will enjoy Miss Monetta's Country Cottage in Collinwood.

Next section north on the Trace: Hohenwald | Summertown
Next section south on the Trace:  Florence | Tuscumbia

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