America’s Best Idea: National Park Getaway

National Park Service News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 24, 2010

Contacts:
Terry Wildy, Natchez Trace Parkway, Terry_Wildy@nps.gov, 662-680-4017
Elise Cleva, NPS Headquarters, elise_m_cleva@nps.gov, 202-208-6843

Natchez Trace Parkway
America’s Best Idea: National Park Getaway

 TUPELO, Miss. – “It’s not so important where you end up; what’s important is the road that takes you there.” This tidbit of conventional wisdom rings doubly true when one’s destination is, in fact, a road. This week’s travel article in the National Park Getaway series takes you to the Natchez Trace Parkway—a National Scenic Byway and an All-American Road that is so much more than an artery for transportation.

 “The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile drive through exceptional scenery and 10,000 years of North American history,” says Superintendent Cameron Sholly. “It commemorates a historic travel route used by American Indians, settlers, and future presidents.  Visitors can not only walk in the footsteps of Meriwether Lewis, Andrew Jackson, and U.S. Grant, but also can enjoy numerous recreational opportunities along the Trace.  It offers something for everyone.”

 A bias-cut from the eastern border of Louisiana through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee, the Natchez Trace Parkway runs from jazz territory to the epicenter of country music in Nashville. The Trace’s
 programming—demonstrations of the dulcimer, pioneer days, and more—helps visitors appreciate the musical and other dimensions of the region’s rich cultural heritage.

 The Trace will dazzle your eyes as well as your ears, whether with spring blossoms or fall foliage. Ride on horseback, hike, bike, or boat past redbuds and dogwoods abloom in pink, purple, and white, or past maples, hickories, and other hardwood trees ablaze with yellows, oranges, and reds.

Scenic driving is always an option, of course, as is camping—a stationary way to enjoy the Trace!

Nashville's Trace

On June 3, 2010, The Tennessean wrote an article about the state of Tennessee's newest tourism trail called "Nashville's Trace". The trail follows the 102 mile section of the Natchez Trace Parkway through Tennessee.

"Nashville’s Trace, the third of 16 self-guided driving trail in the Discover Tennessee Trails and Byways program, was announced today during a ceremony at the Loveless Barn, near the northern terminus of the Natchez Trace Parkway."

Click here to read the entire article.

Charlotte Observer - The Southeast's other parkway

On November 21, 2009 the Charlotte Observer wrote an article about the Natchez Trace Parkway titled "The Southeast's other parkway", comparing it to the Blue Ridge Parkway:

"Unlike the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Natchez Trace is flat, uncrowded and snow-snarl free."

Click here to read the entire article.

Tennessean writer thankful for the Natchez Trace Parkway

Joe Biddle, sports writer for The Tennessean newspaper in Nashville, wrote an article in the Thanksgiving Day edition of the paper titled "Pilgrims thankful they didn't have to watch the Lions".

The title of Joe's article was poking fun at the woeful Detroit Lions football team. But, the rest of the article lists many things that Joe is thankful for in the sporting world, those serving in the military and life in general. He also mentioned the natural beauty that we enjoy here in Tennessee, including:

"I'm thankful for the Natchez Trace Parkway and all its beauty and history. You can stop and learn about our state and see some incredible scenery. You are forced to drive slow. There are no commercial trucks, billboards or advertising to spoil the drive."

Click here to read Joe's article.