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Explore the Natchez Trace
The Natchez Trace Parkway is more than a scenic drive, it’s a journey through the cultural and natural heart of the South. Winding 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi to Nashville, Tennessee, the Trace offers quiet roads, sweeping views, and deep historical roots. In the Natchez Valley, between mileposts 355 and 370, travelers encounter one of the Parkway’s most peaceful and inviting stretches. This portion of the Trace is where rolling hills meet welcoming towns, offering the perfect blend of nature, history, and small-town hospitality.
Just west of milepost 370, a short detour brings you to Waynesboro, a charming base for exploring the region. It's a great spot to grab a meal, stretch your legs, or gear up for hiking, paddling, or biking nearby. Continuing south near milepost 355, you’ll find Collinwood, home to the Wayne County Welcome Center—a must-stop for maps, clean restrooms, and friendly advice from locals. Whether you’re cycling, road-tripping, or simply out to enjoy a slower pace, this stretch of the Natchez Trace invites you to take your time and discover what makes Tennessee’s backroads so unforgettable.
golfing in the natchez valley
Tucked into the rolling hills of southern Middle Tennessee, the Natchez Valley offers a peaceful and picturesque golf experience. Two standout courses— Waynesboro Municipal Golf Course and Ross Creek Landing—highlight the area’s natural beauty and relaxed pace.
Just south of downtown Waynesboro, the Municipal Course features a 9-hole layout with gentle elevation changes, creek crossings, and affordable green fees. With a snack bar, driving range, and cart rentals, it’s a convenient, no-frills option that’s popular with locals and travelers alike.
In nearby Clifton, Ross Creek Landing provides a more immersive round. Designed by Jack Nicklaus, this 18hole course winds through forests and wetlands, offering scenic seclusion and a thoughtful challenge. With full facilities and multiple tee options, it’s a toptier course set in a quiet, natural setting.
Golf in the Natchez Valley is simple, scenic, and refreshingly off the beaten path.
spend the day on the Tennessee River
With calm waters, scenic bluffs, and easy access to outdoor amenities, the Tennessee river offers a peaceful retreat for boaters, anglers, and anyone looking to enjoy the slower pace of river life.
Start your river day in Clifton, where you can rent a pontoon boat from Clifton Marina—a full-service marina offering everything from fuel and snacks to weekend live music. Their boat rentals are ideal for cruising the river, swimming in quiet coves, or dropping a line in search of bass and catfish. With its friendly atmosphere and riverfront setting, the marina is a natural launch point for a relaxing day on the water.
Clifton’s stretch of the Tennessee River also carries historical significance. Just a short walk from the marina, you’ll find a Civil War historical marker commemorating the site where Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest crossed the river in 1864 during a critical raid. It’s a quiet but powerful reminder that these waters have long been part of the region’s story.
Whether you're spending the day on a pontoon, watching the sunset from shore, or exploring local history, the Tennessee River offers the perfect blend of recreation and reflection.
Rest Easy in the Natchez Valley
For travelers exploring Tennessee’s Natchez Valley, the stay can be just as memorable as the journey. From riverside serenity to one-of-a-kind geological marvels, the region’s lodging options go far beyond the ordinary.
The Bridges is a hidden gem tucked deep in the woods near the Buffalo River, home to the only known doublespan natural bridge in the world. Guests can stay in thoughtfully designed cabins with modern comforts, wraparound porches, and access to private trails, caves, and creek-fed pools. It’s a stay that invites exploration and quiet reflection in equal measure.
Just downriver, Seven Pines River Resort offers riverside cabins, bunkhouses, and campsites with easy access to the Buffalo. It’s a favorite for paddlers and families looking to spend their days by the water and their nights around a campfire.
For travelers seeking more than just a bed for the night, these Natchez Valley retreats deliver something special; natural beauty, warm hospitality, and a chance to truly unplug.
Unique Shopping
The Natchez Valley is full of hidden gems, and that includes its shopping scene. From charming boutiques to locally owned artisan shops, the area offers a refreshing alternative to big-box stores. Each stop feels personal, with goods that reflect the creativity and character of the region.
In Collinwood, just off milepost 355 on the Natchez Trace Parkway, The Dragonfly blends a cozy café with a carefully curated boutique filled with handmade crafts, vintage decor, jewelry, and clothing. It’s a popular stop for Parkway travelers and locals alike.
Elsewhere in the valley, towns like Waynesboro and Clifton are home to antique stores, clothing shops, and seasonal markets, many run by local families. Whether you're browsing for something practical or a keepsake to remember your trip, the Natchez Valley offers a laidback shopping experience grounded in authenticity and community.
Dining Options
The Natchez Valley offers a down-to-earth dining scene rooted in comfort, flavor, and hospitality. In Waynesboro, Emeralds serves hearty meals with fresh ingredients and rotating specials, while Momma’s Kitchen offers homestyle favorites like fried catfish and meatloaf. For classic diner fare, Wagon Wheel Café delivers big breakfasts and daily lunch plates in a cozy setting.
Barbecue fans have options too—Rick’s Barbecue is a local staple with smoky meats and traditional sides, and Q Barbecue Co. in Collinwood is known for generous portions of pulled pork and ribs. For something sweet or a mid-day break just down the road, The Dragonfly café offers a lighter café-style menu with coffee drinks, pastries, and sweet treats—perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up just off the Natchez Trace.
Dining in the Natchez Valley is less about fast food and more about slowing down to enjoy the meal. Wherever you stop, the food is real, the portions are generous, and the welcome is always warm.
