Home › Tennessee › Franklin › Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail
Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail
4.8 ★★★★★ 72 Google reviews · Running trail in Franklin, Tennessee · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
We have not been able to confirm the surface, distance or shape of Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail yet from its own listing, the park's website or runner reviews — so those cells stay blank rather than guess. What is below comes straight from the listing and from reviewers' own words. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Scenic drive featuring waterfalls and free campgrounds as well as picnic spots.
What runners say about Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail
“Natchez Trace Parkway is a pleasant road trip with lots of scenic trails, parks, history and pullovers.”
Plenty of trails to hike, or if you want a nice drive this would be it, you can drive all the way to Mississippi and back, it a 10 hr drive from the start of the trail to the end so a nice weekend drive.
The Natchez Trace provides wonderful walks into earlier and ancient periods of time where pioneers and Native Americans lived and traveled on foot. Many thanks to those in MS and TN who valued this important history and secured needed resources to preserve Native American mounds, old traces, cypress swamps, waterfalls…
Full of little historical stops along a very old route across three states. Most of the 444 miles are peaceful and segregated from commuters and modern conveniences. Some of the areas near the southern terminus allow commercial vehicles and have fewer places to see. It's easy to see why cyclists love it so much.
The scenic trail never gets old. It is kind of over grown at the beggining, and very over grown as you pass onto the 1812 memorial, beyond that it can be a pain to get through the further you go. Highly reccomend this trail any day in the winter time. Beware of the plethora of spider webs in the summer!!!
Trail conditions & character
“Great place to drive to for a day of hiking for waterfalls and have a picnic, ride your bike or just take in the serenity of the park!”
Plan your run at Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- Websitenps.gov
- Phone(662) 680-4025
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Franklin
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Westhaven Trails Cheltenham Trailhead
4.3 ★★★★☆ 6 reviews
Wild Elm Westhaven Trailhead
4.3 ★★★★☆ 4 reviews
Timberland Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 294 reviews
Wooded park on the Natchez Trace Parkway featuring hiking trails, picnic areas & a butterfly garden.
Battlefield Trail Hilltop
4.9 ★★★★★ 64 reviews
Park offering a hiking trail for sunset views and picnics.
Winstead Hill Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 208 reviews
Compact green space & former Civil War battle site with paved walking trails & memorial monuments.