Page last update: 09 May 2025
How many people visit Natchez Trace Parkway each year?
Over 6 million people visit Natchez Trace Parkway annually. It’s considered one of the most beautiful and historic roads in the US.
- 7,364,833 people visited Natchez Trace Parkway in 2024, up 8.6% YoY.
- 6,784,853 in 2023, up 3.7% from 2022.
- 6,543,533 in 2022, up 2.2% from 2021.
- The pre-pandemic high was 6,362,439 in 2018. During the pandemic, visitation dropped to 6,124,808 (2020), but Natchez Trace Parkway has been recovering steadily since.
How much do visitors spend at Natchez Trace Parkway each year?
Visitor spending data from recent years indicates increasing economic activity.
- In 2023, visitor spending reached $498.53 million, a 5.2% increase from 2022.
- In 2022, visitors spent $474.05 million, nearly 3 times the revenue from 2019.
- In 2019, before the pandemic, spending was $156.16 million. The pandemic caused revenue to drop to $152.71 million in 2020, but it rebounded to $178.18 million in 2021.
Note: Spending data for 2023 shows a strong increase, due to an update in the methodology of calculating visitor spending, starting from this year.
How many people visited Natchez Trace Parkway in 2025?
Approximately 2,410,000 people visited Natchez Trace Parkway from January to March of 2025.
| Month | Recreational Visit |
| Jan | 0.56 M |
| Feb | 0.53 M |
| Mar | 1.32 M |
How many people visited Natchez Trace Parkway in 2024?
- In 2024, 7,364,833 visitors traveled along the Natchez Trace Parkway, making it one of the most visited parkways in the U.S. This was an 8.6% increase compared to 2023.
How many people visit Natchez Trace Parkway per day?
- On average, over 20,100 visitors visit the Natchez Trace Parkway daily (based on 2024 visitation).
How much does it cost to visit Natchez Trace Parkway?
- Visiting Natchez Trace Parkway is free of charge.
When is the peak season at Natchez Trace Parkway?
Natchez Trace Parkway is popular throughout the year, but usually has the highest numbers of visitors in spring, late summer and fall months.
- The spring months, especially March through June, exceed 600,000 visitors monthly.
When is the best time to visit the Natchez Trace Parkway?
The best time to visit the Natchez Trace Parkway:
- Spring (March-May): Mild weather and blooming flowers
- Fall (September-November): Peak foliage and comfortable weather.
- Summer (June-August): Great for long road trips, but higher temperatures.
Natchez Trace Travel Resources
- Jacksonville RV rentals
- Nashville RV rentals
- Huntsville RV rentals
- New Orleans RV rentals
- Knoxville RV rentals
How popular is the Natchez Trace Parkway as a tourist destination?
Natchez Trace Parkway is one of the most scenic parkways in the U.S. and attracts millions of visitors annually.
The Park was ranked the 7th most visited park site in the USA in 2024.
| Rank | Park | Recreation Visitors |
| 1 | Golden Gate National Recreation Area | 17,187,508 |
| 2 | Blue Ridge Parkway | 16,733,639 |
| 3 | Great Smoky Mountains National Park | 12,191,834 |
| 4 | Gateway National Recreation Area | 8,929,035 |
| 5 | Lincoln Memorialorial | 8,479,349 |
| 6 | Gulf Islands National Seashore | 7,801,176 |
| 7 | Natchez Trace Parkway | 7,364,833 |
| 8 | George Washington Memorial Parkway | 6,782,717 |
| 9 | Lake Mead National Recreation Area | 6,412,854 |
| 10 | Vietnam Veterans Memorial | 5,295,711 |
Why do people visit the Natchez Trace Parkway?
People visit the Natchez Trace Parkway for:
- Scenic drives along the 444 miles of historic road.
- Historic sites: Native American mounds and Civil War landmarks.
- Outdoor activities like hiking, biking and camping.
- Wildlife viewing and photography.
What were the most popular types of camping on the Natchez Trace Parkway in 2024?
- RV Camping is a popular activity along the Natchez Trace Parkway. 13,761 tourists were registered as staying overnight in a campervan or RV in 2024.
- Tent Camping is also a popular option (9,290 staying overnight).
Click here to Learn more about Global Camping Statistics and USA Camping Statistics
What are the most common causes of death in Natchez Trace Parkway?
A total of 171 deaths were recorded in Natchez Trace Parkway from 2007 to August 2024, the leading causes of death were:
- Motor Vehicle Crashes: 111 deaths
- Suicide: 41 deaths
- Medical Emergencies (During Physical Activity): 7 deaths
- Medical Emergencies (Not During Physical Activity): 3 deaths
- Undetermined Cause: 3 deaths
- Homicide: 2 deaths
- Environmental Exposure, Fall, Others, and Poisoning: 1 death each
Safety Tips While Visiting
- Obey speed limits and watch for wildlife crossings.
- Stay hydrated and carry what you need for hiking or biking.
- Don’t go alone in secluded areas and let someone know your plans.
- Check the weather before you go out.
- Use designated campgrounds and follow the parkway rules.
Park & Memorial Statistics
- Blue Ridge Parkway Statistics
- Castle Clinton NM Statistics
- Chesapeake & Ohio Canal NHP Statistics
- Delaware Water Gap NRA Statistics
- Gateway NRA Statistics
- George Washington MEM PKWY Statistics
- Glen Canyon NRA Statistics
- Golden Gate NRA Statistics
- Gulf Islands NS Statistics
- Korean War Veterans MEM Statistics
- Lake Mead NRA Statistics
- Lincoln Memorial Statistics
- Vietnam Veterans MEM Statistics
- World War II MEM Statistics
References
NPS: National Park Visitation Statistics