The Natchez Trace Trail is a designated National Scenic Trail in the United States, whose route generally follows sections of the Natchez Trace Parkway through the states of Tennessee, Alabama, and Mississippi. The Natchez Trace Trail is not a long, continuous footpath, as is the case with other national scenic trails (such as the Appalachian Trail); rather, only a limited number of trail segments along the route, currently over of trail, have been developed for hiking and horseback riding. Moreover, the Natchez Trace Trail, unlike many others that rely heavily on volunteers for trail construction and maintenance, is managed and maintained by the National Park Service. Sections of the trail follow along the Natchez Trace Parkway road shoulder, and cross county and state roads. It was originally intended to be longer and follow most of the Natchez Trace Parkway, but only portion was built. The Natchez Trace Parkway and National Scenic Trail commemorate the historic Natchez Trace, an ancient path that began as a wildlife and Native American trail, and has a rich history of use by colonizers, "Kaintuck" boatmen, post riders, and military men. Sections This trail comprises five sections. The table below is ordered from South, Milepost 0 (Natchez) to North, Milepost 444 (near Nashville), but can be sorted differently. References External links National Park Service website Natchez Trace Compact Hiking trails in Alabama Hiking trails in Mississippi Hiking trails in Tennessee Long-distance trails in the United States Natchez Trace National Scenic Trails of the United States National Park Service areas in Alabama National Park Service areas in Mississippi National Park Service areas in Tennessee Protected areas of Claiborne County, Mississippi Protected areas of Lee County, Mississippi Protected areas of Madison County, Mississippi Protected areas of Williamson County, Tennessee Protected areas established in 1983 1983 establishments in Alabama 1983 establishments in Mississippi 1983 establishments in Tennessee