Did you know?…
Not only are commercial vehicles prohibited on the Natchez Trace Parkway, but the speed limit is closely regulated as well.
In fact, the maximum speed limit along the Natchez Trace Parkway is a mere 50 mph most of the way.
And for one long stretch of roadway, it’s only 40 mph.
…Talk about a nice, long, leisurely drive!
Since 50 is the posted speed limit for the majority of the Natchez Trace Parkway, you definitely can’t be in a hurry to get from Point A to Point B.
Instead, you just want to sit back and enjoy the ride… and the views!
An Exception To The Rule
The only exception to the 50 mph speed limit — that I know of — is on the northernmost end of the Trace (…where I live and ride the Trace most often). There, the speed limit is only 40 mph.
For the most part, the 40 mph speed limit applies to that portion of Tennessee, between Leiper’s Fork and Nashville.
From milepost 429.5 around the Leiper’s Fork area to milepost 444 — the bridge at the end of the Natchez Trace Parkway (at Highway 100 in Nashville).
A 50 mph speed limit would definitely be too fast through these parts because the road gets quite curvy, and twisty, and becomes lined with bridges. Plus, this is one of the busiest portions of the Trace.
…And in case you’re wondering, you can’t pass either!
An Exception To The Exception
Of course, the posted speed limit for the on and off ramps leading to and from the Parkway itself is only 35 mph. These are fairly long stretches of roadway with very scenic sites in and of themselves.
We’ve lived in the Nashville area since 2001 — and all 3 of our houses have been situated relatively close to the Natchez Trace Parkway. To me, the ‘The Trace’ is a hidden gem of Nashville — a place to go when you want to get away from it all and be one with nature. I’ve hiked it, biked it, motorcycled it, walked it with my dogs, and driven my car on The Natchez Trace Parkway more times than I can count! This is where I share some of my favorite things to do along the Natchez Trace Parkway — which runs 444 miles from Nashville Tennessee to Natchez Mississippi and through parts of Alabama. When I’m not enjoying the beautiful outdoors along the Natchez Trace Parkway, you’ll find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites).
