Natchez Trace Parkway: Mississippi to Cherokee – Alabama

Take a peaceful journey through the rolling woodlands of northwest Alabama as we follow an 11-mile stretch of the Natchez Trace Parkway from the Mississippi state line to the small town of Cherokee. This short but memorable segment of the historic parkway offers a gentle transition from the lowland forests of northeastern Mississippi into the scenic foothills of the Tennessee Valley. The Trace here, as in much of its route, carries with it centuries of history — from Indigenous trade paths to the travels of early American explorers.

As we cross into Alabama, the scenery feels almost ceremonial in its welcome. The tree canopy tightens just a bit, and the road gently curves through a corridor of hardwoods and pine. With no stoplights, traffic signals, or commercial development to break the rhythm, the Trace encourages us to slow down and absorb the landscape. The first few miles northeast from the state line are quiet and meditative — a blend of dense green undergrowth and long, sloping hills that hint at the changing topography ahead. Wildlife sightings are common in this section, with deer, wild turkeys, and even the occasional fox darting across the verge.

About six miles in, the route turns northward, gently veering away from its northeastward course to follow the terrain into Colbert County. This portion of the Parkway begins to feel more aligned with the Tennessee Valley geography — with slightly higher ridges, scattered rock outcroppings, and a subtle sense of elevation gain. As we near Cherokee, the forest thins just enough to allow glimpses of open fields and distant farms, reminders of the region’s deep agricultural roots. The drive concludes at the intersection with U.S. Route 72 — a major east-west artery that links the Trace to communities like Tuscumbia, Florence, and points well beyond.

Though short in distance, this stretch of the Natchez Trace Parkway is rich in texture — not just of trees and terrain, but of time. It reminds us that even the most modest segments of a drive can offer a window into the land’s deeper story. Whether you’re beginning a long trek along the Trace or simply connecting from state to state, the Mississippi-to-Cherokee leg offers a serene and satisfying start (or finish) to your journey.