Self-Guided Audio Driving Tour in Natchez Trace Parkway

About this activity

Download GuideAlong's self-guided audio tour of the Natchez Trace Parkway to make the most of your journey through time, history and the natural beauty of the American South. As you follow the route of the original Trace, hear fascinating stories of this historic travel corridor and its early travelers play automatically, bringing its rich history to life. The rolling hills and lush forests are a picturesque backdrop for the many natural, cultural and historic sites on this scenic drive through thousands of years of human history.

Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace, spending more time at places that interest you.

Stories, tips, and directions play automatically based on your location

Travel at your own pace

Tour offline using GPS. No cell service or WiFi is needed

Suggested itineraries for half, full, or multi-day use

Buy once, use forever! No expiry, includes free updates

Like having a tour guide along for the drive

Purchase one tour per vehicle.

Itinerary

1. Natchez Trace Parkway · 30 min

   A drive along the Natchez Trace Parkway is a journey through time, history, and the natural beauty of the American South. Natchez Trace is unique in that it is a national park, that is basically a ribbon of parkway enveloped by the tranquility of the countryside and sometimes urban areas. The route essentially follows the historical route of the original Trace that was a network of trails used by Native Americans and later by European explorers and traders, maintaining the legacy of these early travelers. The entire Parkway stretches over 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee - but please note, this tour currently covers the Tennessee and Alabama portions of the drive and you can drive this tour in either direction. As the audio guides play commentary based on your GPS location, you can create your own itinerary along the tour route to match your interests and schedule.

2. Jackson Falls · 30 min

   Even Nashvillians who aren’t specifically on a Natchez Trace road trip love to visit Jackson Falls. It is one of the closest waterfalls to the city and the biggest waterfall payoff for the least amount of effort. These falls were named for President Andrew Jackson. Taking in the view from the top of the falls is satisfying, but walking at least halfway down the path is even better. Continuing to the bottom reveals a clear pool and the beauty of the water stepping down a limestone outcropping.

3. Leipers Fork · 30 min

   A 5 minute side trip off the Parkway takes us to a small but stylish community and Leiper's Fork. While exploring the small selection of stores, restaurants and galleries, you might even spot some of country music's biggest names. The community is the home for some true headliners!

4. Meriwether Lewis Park and Monument · 30 min

   Meriwether Lewis was of course the leader of the famed Lewis and Clark expedition who were tasked with finding out what lay west of the Mississippi River - at the time a wholly unknown place to the young United States. The 8,000 mile journey changed the USA forever. The location contains the Monument to Lewis, as well as a reproduction of Grinder's Stand, the lodging where Lewis' life came to an end. It's not a sad place to visit - it's very interesting! It's also the site of a major campground, and there some pleasant short trails available to hike.

5. Muscle Shoals · 30 min

   This fascinating region is just too close to the Natchez Trace Parkway to not include a sidetrip to visit the major highlights of the Quad City area. There are five places of interest and you can choose to visit one, all, or just a few. It would be easy to fill a day to see everything if we have the time. It takes approximately 20 minutes to drive off the Trace to visit the closest site. These interesting places are: Ivy Green - The Helen Keller childhood home, The Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Muscle Shoals' 2 iconic recording studios, The Florence Mound and Museum, The Rosenbaum House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

6. Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge · 5 min

   The last major addition that completed the Parkway's uninterrupted path - and perhaps the most visually stunning! Uniquely constructed with two concrete arches that span over the valley, this is a photo you will want to stop and take on your Natchez Trace journey.

7. Stop 7 · 30 min

   One of the few places on the Parkway where we can drive (rather than walk) on the true, original Trace route. This section is a narrow, one-way journey of 2.5 miles that enjoys some excellent views, as well as following the historic path. A very worthwhile short detour!

8. Stop 8 · 15 min

   A simple and quick location to visit, with idyllic scenery punctuated by the square stepping stones that cross Colbert Creek on the trail to the natural spring.

9. Stop 9 · 30 min

   The Trace was an effective route to move troops and cavalry, and that's what Andrew Jackson did in 1813. The Memorial stands to honor those who marched the route and particularly those lost their lives, and were buried in unmarked graves.

Meeting point

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

End point: From Tishomingo, drive about 5 miles on Route 30 to join the Natchez Trace Parkway. Audio begins just before crossing from Mississippi into Alabama. Search your email for “Download Audio Tour,” then preview the route in the GuideAlong app.; Includes an app-based audio tour, so there is no in-person guide to meet. From Highway 96, merge onto the Natchez Trace Parkway. Audio begins automatically as you approach. Search your email for “Download Audio Tour,” then preview the route in the GuideAlong app.

Good to know

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• How to Access: After booking you’ll receive an email and text with instructions (search “Download Audio Tour”). Click the link in the email/text to sign in with your preferred Apple or Google account and redeem your voucher code ahead of time.
• Download The GuideAlong App: Download the free app over WiFi or cellular data and sign in with the same Apple or Google account.
• Download The Tour: Download the tour in the GuideAlong app under 'My Tours' over WiFi or cellular data.
• Start The Tour: Open the tour in the GuideAlong app to preview the start locations, tour route and trip planner, or start the tour.
• Location-Based Stories: Audio commentary plays automatically as you drive using your phone’s GPS chip. Wherever you are and whichever direction you’re going, you’ll hear the best stories and tips.
• Flexible Travel Date: Tours are a one-time purchase with no expiry or date/time limit. If your plans change to a different day, there’s no need to change your travel date.
• Tour at Your Leisure: With GuideAlong, you control the pace. Start, stop, and resume the tour any day, anytime, adapting it to your schedule.
• Driving Tours: Group Savings: One purchase covers everyone in the vehicle, making it a cost-effective way to explore.
• Works Offline: No internet or cell service is required once the audio tour is downloaded to your phone, so you can relax and tour offline.
• Bring A Charger: Pack a USB/C car charger for charging and easy sound connectivity, and make sure your device is fully charged.
• Technical Support: The GuideAlong support team is available daily by toll-free phone, online chat, and email.
• The app’s audio will play through your car’s Apple CarPlay and Android Auto display, while the app’s map will display on your phone. You can connect your phone to the car via Bluetooth to listen to the commentary through the car stereo.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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