Take a serene and storied ride through the heart of Mississippi as we follow 56 miles of the Natchez Trace Parkway from the northeastern edge of Jackson to just south of Kosciusko. This historic route—once a vital trail for Native Americans and early pioneers—now offers a quiet, tree-lined escape into the tranquil beauty of the South, skirting reservoirs, rolling hills, and wooded vistas that seem frozen in time.
We begin our journey at the Parkway Information Cabin near the interchange with US-51 in Richland. Almost immediately, the bustle of the Jackson metro fades into the rearview as we glide northeast along the shores of the Ross R. Barnett Reservoir, its sparkling waters peeking through groves of pine and hardwood. The wide, manicured shoulder and lack of commercial traffic make the Trace feel more like a scenic forest drive than a highway, and our first quick stop—an overlook with panoramic views of the reservoir—offers a quiet moment to appreciate the blend of man-made reservoir and natural habitat. From here, the Trace gently rises and falls, hugging the contours of the land as we continue north.
As we cross the interchange with MS-43 near the community of Canton, the landscape begins to shift. The forest becomes denser, the canopy more enclosing. Occasional pull-offs invite us to explore picnic areas, short trails, and interpretive signs that reveal the layers of history beneath our wheels—from the Chickasaw and Choctaw people to the “Kaintucks” who once walked this road home from New Orleans. Each stop along the Trace tells a story, and though many travelers pass through without pause, the curious are rewarded with echoes of the past embedded in these peaceful woods. Somewhere north of MS-43, we stop briefly again—one of several chances to stretch our legs amid the quiet rhythm of nature.
Eventually, the parkway curves more definitively northward, leaving behind the last vestiges of reservoir-side terrain. We begin to sense the transition from the suburban outskirts of Jackson into the more rural character of central Mississippi. The road narrows slightly in feel, more enclosed now by pine forest and the occasional open pasture, though always immaculately maintained. Traffic thins even more—if that’s possible—and the sense of solitude deepens. Nearing the end of our journey, the forest gives way to a broader, gently rolling landscape. Small creeks and grasslands dot the edges of the road as we reach the outskirts of Kosciusko.
Our drive concludes at the MS-14 interchange, just south of the town of Kosciusko, birthplace of Oprah Winfrey and named for the Polish-Lithuanian hero Tadeusz Kościuszko. While we don’t enter town on this drive, its historic square and local museums are just minutes away—making this a perfect jumping-off point for deeper exploration into Mississippi’s cultural and historical richness. Whether you’re drawn to the Natchez Trace for its natural beauty, its historical resonance, or simply the peace of an uninterrupted ride, this segment offers all three in abundance.
🗺️ Route Map
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