Natchez Trace Highlights
Warning Alert
Campgrounds Closed for Renovations
The Natchez Trace State Park Cub Lake Campground 2 and Wrangler Campground are both currently closed for renovations.
Additionally, we are currently upgrading our Pin Oak Campground. During this time, visitors will most likely see construction in progress, and we ask that you please excuse our mess.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. If you have any questions, please contact our park office.
An Outdoor Sanctuary in the Heart of Tennessee
Natchez Trace Recreation Area includes more than 48,000 acres of diverse landscapes, offering visitors a remarkable blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and historical significance. Established in 1955 with roots dating back to 1939, this park serves as a living testament to land reclamation and conservation efforts. With serene lakes and an extensive trail system, Natchez Trace Recreation Area invites visitors to explore its rich history while enjoying modern recreational amenities. Discover the hidden gems and fascinating stories that make this park a unique destination in Tennessee.
Discover Natchez Trace State Park
Imagine yourself hiking along the shores of pristine lakes, casting a line in waters teeming with fish, or simply breathing in the fresh air as you explore the diverse ecosystems that thrive here. Natchez Trace State Park offers a unique blend of recreation and reflection, inviting you to discover the beauty that can emerge from even the most challenging circumstances. Come and experience the serenity and discover the stories etched into the very land itself.
History
The story of Natchez Trace State Park is one of transformation and renewal.
The park officially dates to 1955, but its roots extend much further. Before becoming a state park, this area was purchased from the Chickasaws by the U.S. government and settled by farmers. However, the soil proved unsuitable for agriculture, leading to severe erosion and economic hardship for the local communities.
The park's name is derived from the historic Natchez Trace, a well-known trail that stretched from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. A spur off of the main Natchez Trace Trail ran through the park area and was known by several names, including the Western Spur, Notchey Trace, and the Reynoldsburg Road. This connection to the Natchez Trace lends the park a sense of historical significance, reminding visitors of the travelers and settlers who once traversed this land.
During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) played a crucial role in the park's development. These New Deal programs provided employment and resources to reclaim the eroded land and construct many of the park's original structures. Several WPA-era structures still stand today, primarily around the park store and Cub Lake, serving as tangible reminders of this era. Historic renovation is currently underway to preserve the original masonry work of the original park structures.
Today, Natchez Trace State Park continues to evolve, balancing its historical legacy with modern recreational amenities.
From the Rangers
-
The Perfect Day
A perfect day at Natchez Trace State Park begins with a morning hike along the Cub Lake Trail, where visitors can enjoy peaceful lake views and abundant wildlife. Afternoon activities might include fishing at Brown's Creek Lake, known for its excellent angling opportunities. End the day by watching the sunset from Brown's Creek Levee, considered the best sunset viewing spot in the park, or stargazing from the storm-damaged clearing on Highway 114.
-
Insider Information
Lesser-known treasures of the park include the quieter portions of the Red Leaves Trail closest to Brown's Creek Lake and Pin Oak Lake, offering secluded lake views and prime wildlife viewing opportunities. For those seeking solitude, visiting mid-week or during January and February provides the most peaceful experience. The park's unique topography creates varied ecosystems, from upland forests to bottomland species, offering diverse experiences for nature enthusiasts.
-
Know Before You Go
Visitors should note that cell service is limited throughout most of the park, with AT&T typically providing better coverage, especially between I-40 and the Park Store. Those with large vehicles or trailers should use the Highway 114 entrances (either I-40 exit 116 or from Lexington) and avoid GPS routes that lead to county or gravel roads. During winter months, some day-use restrooms are closed and the primitive campground is not available. Hunters frequently use the wildlife management area, so visitors should be aware of hunting seasons when planning their activities.
Trails
The park features an extensive network of trails winding through varied terrain, including the popular Cub Lake Trail, which offers excellent lake views and wildlife viewing opportunities. The hiking trails range from a one-half mile up to 4.5 miles, and a 40-mile overnight trail.
-
Gullies
The landscape is characterized by dramatic gullies up to 60 feet deep. Most of the park’s gullies have been rehabilitated with check dam structures, but Fairview Gullies remains untouched, standing as a reminder of what 1930s-era Natchez Trace looked like and offering unique views of historical erosion control efforts.
-
Water
The park features four significant bodies of water with excellent fishing and scenic views. Brown’s Creek Lake is a Bill Dance Signature Lake. Pin Oak Lake spans nearly 700 acres. Maple’s Creek Lake is known for its catfish. And Cub Lake prohibits gas motors, offering a peaceful boating experience.
Plants
Natchez Trace State Park is a haven for plant life, boasting a diverse array of flora that reflects the park's varied topography.
To truly appreciate the park's botanical wonders, consider joining a guided hike with a Park Ranger, who can share insights into the unique adaptations and ecological roles of these plants.
Plant Types
- Native Grasses
- Native Flowers
- Bottomland Hardwood Forest Species
- Pine Forests
- Upland Hardwood Forest Species
Birds
Natchez Trace provides a home for great blue herons, pied-billed grebes, American coots, and ducks throughout the year.
The trails are ideal for woodland birding. Visitors may see migrating warblers, vireos, thrushes, flycatchers, and yellow-billed cuckoos. More than 135 species of birds have been observed in the park.
Bird Species
- American White Pelican
- Bald Eagle
- Common Yellowthroat
- Double-crested Cormorant
- Eastern Meadowlark
- Egrets
- Great Blue Heron
- Gull
- Hawk
- Herons
- Horned Lark
- Indigo Bunting
- Songbirds
- Northern Bobwhite
- Northern Harrier
- Pied-billed Grebe
- Red-headed Woodpecker
- Ring-billed Gull
- Savannah Sparrow
- Shorebirds
- Sparrows
- Waterfowl
- Wild Turkey
- Wood Duck
- Woodpecker
Animals
The diverse habitats of Natchez Trace State Park provide refuge for a wide variety of wildlife, making it a prime destination for animal lovers.
The lake shores tend to offer the most variety of wildlife viewing opportunities. For an immersive experience, consult with a Park Ranger, who can guide you to the best spots for wildlife observation and share fascinating facts about the park's animal inhabitants.
Animal Species
- Coyote
- Foxes
- Raccoon
- Skunks
- Snakes
- Common Game Species
Inspiration
-
Seven Disc Golf Courses to Visit in the Parks
Seven Disc Golf Courses to Visit in the Parks - Read ArticleThe sport of disc golf is alive and growing in Tennessee, especially within our Tennessee State Parks! Players of all ages and walks of life can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of our parks while tossing discs at a basket, whether it be for recreation or for competition. Read below for some of our must-play disc golf courses! -
Waterfalls in Middle Tennessee: What to See and Where to Stay
Waterfalls in Middle Tennessee: What to See and Where to Stay - Read ArticleTennessee’s most scenic waterfalls are found in state parks. Use this guide to plan your visit and discover where to stay near eight popular falls. -
Mousetail Landing State Park: A Historic Haven for Family Fun and Outdoor Adventure
Mousetail Landing State Park: A Historic Haven for Family Fun and Outdoor Adventure - Read ArticleMay 25, 2023 | Mousetail Landing State Park: A Historic Haven for Family Fun and Outdoor Adventure -
Scenic State Park Overlooks in Tennessee
Scenic State Park Overlooks in Tennessee - Read ArticleWant to enjoy Tennessee’s beauty with everyone in the family? Explore state parks across the region that offer accessible viewpoints for wheelchairs and strollers.
