A. What is the Superintendent’s Compendium?
The Natchez Trace Parkway (Parkway) Superintendent’s Compendium is the summary of park specific rules implemented under the discretionary authority of the park superintendent. It serves as public notice with an opportunity for public comment, identifies areas closed for public use, provides a list of activities requiring either a special use permit or reservation, and elaborates on those public use and resources protection regulations that pertain to the specific administration of the park. It does not contain those regulations found in 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) and other United States Codes (U.S.C.) and CFR Titles which are enforced without further elaboration at the
park level.
The regulations contained in 36 CFR Parts 1-7 are the basic mechanism used by the National Park Service (NPS) to preserve and protect the natural and cultural resources of the park and to protect visitors and property within the park. Parts 1 through 6 are general regulations applicable to all areas of the National Park System, and Part 7 contains special regulations specific to individual parks. Each of these Parts has many sections and subsections articulating specific provisions. Within some of these Part 1-7 sections and subsections, the superintendent is granted discretionary authority to develop local rules to be responsive to the needs of a specific park resource or activity, park plan, program, and/or special needs of the general public.
As an example, 36 CFR 1.5(a) Closures and Public Use Limits provides the superintendent certain discretion in allowing or disallowing certain activities. The authority granted by this Section, however, requires the superintendent to comply with the Administrative Procedures Act (5 USC §551) which requires public notice on actions with major impact on visitor use patterns, park resources or those that are highly controversial in nature.
Another example is 36 CFR 1.6 Permits, which allows the superintendent to require a permit for certain uses and activities in the park. This Section, however, requires that a list of activities needing a permit (and a fee schedule for the various types of permits) be maintained by the park.
This compendium should be used in conjunction with 36 CFR, Sections 1-7 to fully understand the regulations governing the use and enjoyment of all the areas of the National Park System.
A copy of 36 CFR can be purchased from the U.S. Government Printing Office at:
U.S. Government Printing Office
PO Box 979050
St. Louis, MO 63197-9000
or by calling: 866-512-1800
http://bookstore.gpo.gov/Ordering-Policies
The Code of Federal Regulations is also available on the internet at:
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2013-title36-vol1/pdf/CFR-2013-title36-vol1.pdf
B. What laws and policies allow the Superintendent to develop this Compendium?
The NPS is granted broad statutory authority in 54 U.S.C. Section 100101(a) et. seq.(National Park Service Organic Act of 1916, as amended) to “…regulate the use of the Federal areas known as national parks, monuments, and reservations…by such means and measures as conform to the fundamental purposes of the said parks…which purpose is to conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same in such manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment for future generations” (54 U.S.C. Section 100101). In addition, the Organic Act allows the NPS, through the Secretary of the Interior, to “make and publish such rules and regulations as he may deem necessary or proper for the use and management of the parks, monuments, and reservations under the jurisdiction of the National Park Service” (54 U.S.C. Section 100751).
In 1970, Congress amended the NPS Organic Act to clarify its intentions as to the overall mission of the NPS. Through the General Authorities Act of 1970 (54 U.S.C. Section 100101-101301), congress brought all areas administered by the NPS into one National Park System and directed the NPS to manage all areas under its administration consistent with the Organic Act of 1916.
In 1978, Congress amended the General Authorities Act of 1970 and reasserted system wide the high standard of protection defined in the original Organic Act by stating “Congress further reaffirms, declares, and directs that the promotion and regulations of the various areas of the National Park System, as defined by 54 U.S.C. Section 100101., shall be consistent with and founded in the purpose established by 54 U.S.C. Section 100101, to the common benefit of all people of the United States.”
54 U.S.C. Section 100501 defines the National Park System as “…any areas of land and water now or hereafter administered by the Secretary of the Interior through the National Park Service for park, monument, historic, parkway, recreational, or other purposes.” 36 CFR Section 1.7(b) requires the Superintendent to compile in writing all the designations, closures, permit requirement, and other restrictions imposed under discretionary authority. This compilation, called the Superintendent’s Compendium, shall be updated annually and made available to the public upon request.
In addition to the above statutory authority, the Superintendent is also guided by established NPS policy as found in the NPS Management Policies (2006). As stated in this policy document, the primary responsibility of the NPS is to protect and preserve our national natural and cultural resources while providing for the enjoyment of these resources by visitors and other users, as long as use does not impair specific park resources or overall visitor experience. The appropriateness of any particular visitor use or recreational experience is resource based and will vary from park to park; therefore, a use of activity that is appropriate in one park area may not be appropriate in another. Each park uperintendent is directed to analyze overall park use and determine if any particular use is appropriate. Where conflict arises between use and resource protection, where the uperintendent has a basis to believe a resource is or would become impaired, then that uperintendent is obliged to place limitations on public use.
C. Does this Compendium comply with applicable Federal law and requirements?
The Superintendent’s Compendium is not considered a significant rule requiring review by the Office of Management and Budget under Executive Order 12866.
D. How are the requirements of the Superintendent’s Compendium developed?
As outlined above, the NPS has broad authority and responsibility to determine what types of uses and activities are appropriate in any particular National Park System area. The requirements of the Superintendent’s Compendium are developed through an analysis and determination process for that particular NPS area. The decision criteria used during this process are:
Is the use or activity consistent with the National Park Service Organic Act and NPS policy?
Is the use or activity consistent and compatible with the park’s enabling legislation, management objectives, and corresponding management plans?
Will the use or activity damage or impair the park’s protected natural and cultural resources and other protected values?
Will the use or activity disturb or be in conflict with wildlife, vegetation, and environmental protection actions and values?
Will the use or activity conflict with or be incompatible with traditional park uses and activities?
Will the use or activity compromise employee or public safety?
E. Where does this Compendium apply?
The regulations contained in this Compendium apply to all persons entering, using,visiting or otherwise within the boundaries of federally owned lands and waters administered by the NPS as part of the Natchez Trace Parkway. This includes all watersubject to the jurisdiction of the United States, including all navigable waters and areas
within their ordinary reach (up to the ordinary high-water mark) without regard to the ownership of the submerged lands or lowlands. You can find this information on the park map, available at any park office or visitor contact station.
F. Who enforces the requirements of this Compendium?
Only NPS Law Enforcement Park Rangers or a crossed designated Law EnforcementOfficer can enforce the requirements of the United States Code, CFR Titles, and this Superintendent’s Compendium. However, many Federal laws and regulations have similar statutes found in state and local laws. Many of the requirements of this Compendium complement existing state and local laws and regulations which are also in effect within the park and enforced by State and local law enforcement officers.
G. Is there a penalty for not adhering to the requirements found in this
Compendium?
A person who violates any provision of the regulations found in 36 CFR Parts 1-7, along with this Compendium, is subject to a fine as provided by law (18 U.S.C. 3571) up to $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by imprisonment not exceeding six months (18 U.S.C. 3559), or both, and shall be adjudged to pay all court costs
associated with any court proceedings. You may receive a list of fines associated with any particular provision by contacting the Natchez Trace Parkway Chief Ranger’s office at the park address found below.
H. How do I provide comment on this Compendium?
The parkway welcomes comments about its programs and activities at any time. Comments specific to the Superintendent’s Compendium will be accepted anytime. Any changes to this Compendium recommended by the public or others, and accepted by the uperintendent, will be incorporated into this Compendium without further public
comment and review.
Natchez Trace Parkway
ATTN: Chief Ranger
2680 Natchez Trace Parkway
Tupelo, MS 38804
I. When will the compendium become effective?
The Superintendent’s Compendium will become effective on the date signed and remain in effect until superseded.
J. Is there anything else I need to know about this Compendium?
Some of the terms used in this Compendium may be unclear to you. If you are unsure about a specific term, please consult 36 CFR 1.4 Definitions. Terms that may be unique to this Compendium will be defined. You may access the 36 Code Federal Regulations at: http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2013-title36-vol1/pdf/CFR-2013-title36-vol1.pdf
K. Where may I find a copy of this Compendium once it is approved?
Superintendent's Compendium of Regulations - Natchez Trace Parkway (U.S. National
Park Service) (nps.gov)
In accordance with regulations and the delegated authority provided in Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations (“36 CFR”), Chapter 1, Parts 1-7, authorized by Title 16 United States Code, Section 3, the following provisions apply to all lands and waters administered by the National Park Service, within the boundaries of Natchez Trace Parkway. Unless otherwise stated, these regulatory provisions apply in addition to the requirements contained in 36 CFR, Chapter 1, Parts 1-7.
Written determinations, which explain the reasoning behind the Superintendent’s use of discretionary authority, as required by Section 1.5(c), appear in this document identified by italicized print.
I. 36 CFR §1.5 – VISITING HOURS, PUBLIC USE LIMITS, CLOSURES, AND AREA DESIGNATIONS FOR SPECIFIC USE OR ACTIVITIES
(a)(1) The following day use visiting hours and public use limits are established for the portions of the park listed below:
Visiting Hours:
The following areas are open from sunrise to 10:00 pm to allow for star gazing.
- Big Tree Overlook
- Little Mountain Exhibit Shelter
- Reservoir Overlook
- Incidents of illegal activity have been recorded at many of these locations. These areas are closed at night to provide for security of archeological, historical, and cultural resources, and visitor safety.
Visiting hours for the following areas will be sunrise to sunset, overnight parking is prohibited unless it has been authorized in advance:
- Ballard Creek Picnic Area
- Battle of Raymond
- Boyd Mounds
- Brashears Stand
- Brices Cross Roads NationalBattlefield Site
- Bynum Mounds
- Chickasaw Village Site
- Chickasaw Agency
- Upper Choctaw Boundary
- Confederate Gravesites and OldTrace
- Cowles Meade Cemetery
- Dean Stand Site
- Emerald Mound
- Elizabeth Female Academy Site
- I-20 Parking Area (MP 86.6)
- Highway 43/Yockanookany Trailparking lots
- TN -96 Double Arch Bridge and allparking lots
- Hurricane Creek
- Leiper’s Fork Maintenance Area Lot
- Line Creek
- Lower Choctaw Boundary
- Old Town Overlook
- Osborn Stand
- Parkway Information Center(Ridgeland) Parking Lot
- Natchez Trace National Scenic Trailparking lot off Beech Springs Road
- Regantown Road Horse TrailParking
- Rocky Springs Town Site
- Rocky Springs Picnic
- West Florida Boundary
- Witch Dance Picnic Area
- Sunken Trace
- Magnum Mound
- Grindstone Ford
Public Use Limits:
Vehicle parking along the Ross Barnett Reservoir shoreline (MP 105-114) is permitted 20 feet from the road edge to the water line.
Reservoir Shoreline Closures are to control erosion, prevent rutting and damage to turf during the rainy season and allow for natural recovery following heavy use periods. Vehicles must park at least 20 feet off the roadway to prevent rutting.
Closures:
The Tupelo Homestead areas (former residential areas near Parkway Headquarters) are closed to all public use except by permit.
For security purposes including loss prevention, employee safety, and visitor safety only authorized persons are permitted where signed.
Government owned facilities are for official use and where designated, parking is for authorized vehicles only.
For security purposes including loss prevention, employee safety, and visitor safety only authorized vehicles are permitted where signed.
The following facilities and buildings are closed to picnicking:
-
All Natchez Trace Parkway maintenance areas
-
Meriwether Lewis Visitor Contact Station
-
Colbert Ferry Contact Station
-
Parkway Visitor Center Building
-
Chickasaw Village Site
-
Parkway Information Cabin (Ridgeland)
-
Rocky Springs Contact Station
-
Mt. Locust Historic House and grounds immediately surrounding the building
-
Picnicking is prohibited in the listed areas and inside listed buildings to prevent unsanitary conditions and interference with normal visitor and employee activities. Natchez Trace Parkway employees may have picnics in maintenance areas for special occasions, i.e., holiday parties, retirement parties, Thanksgiving, etc.
Georgetown Cave is closed to the public.
In agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Georgetown Cave is closed because of its designation as critical habitat of an endangered species of gray bat: Myotis grisecens.
The Bailey Farm is closed except by special use permit.
The acquisition of the Bailey Farm and its future use is under study, planning, and design. Current use is limited to the agricultural lease program.
The Meriwether Lewis Ranger Station (former residential) is closed to the public from sunset to sunrise.
For security purposes including loss prevention, employee safety, and visitor safety only authorized vehicles are permitted where signed.
Areas of new construction and/or reconstruction and repair will be closed to the public, as posted.
Areas of new construction and rehabilitation, under certain conditions, are closed to protect the visitor from a chance of injury where heavy equipment is in use and conditions are not safe. The closures also safeguard the equipment and supplies of the contractor.
All firearm ranges are closed to public.
For the safety of visitors and employees, ranges are closed to the public.
The interior of the Gordon House is closed to the public.
This closure is to protect the structure from vandalism.
Wooded areas adjacent to the following sites and designated parking areas will be closed to pedestrian use except on officially designated trails:
- Brashears Stand
- Bear Creek Mound
- Boyd Site
- Bynum Mounds
- Chickasaw Village Site
- I-20 Turnout (MP 86.6)
- Emerald Mound
- Elizabeth Female Academy Site
- Beech Springs Outdoor Classroom
- Confederate Gravesites
- Old Trace Old Town Overlook
- Magnum Mound
- Pharr Mounds
- Off-trail travel is prohibited for public health and safety reasons and to protect natural and cultural resources. Incidents of illegal activity have been recorded at these locations: See appendix II for closure areas.
All man-made structures, including but not limited to buildings and bridges, are closed to the public for the purpose of climbing, rappelling, or any other similar activity.
Climbing and other similar activities are prohibited to prevent damage to structures and equipment on these structures, and to protect visitors from injury.
No motor vehicle shall be parked on the Natchez Trace Parkway for the purpose of providing the occupants access for hunting on adjacent land or water.
No motor vehicle used for the purpose of hunting shall be parked on the Natchez Trace Parkway lands. This is in the interest of safety, protection of environmental values, protection of natural resources, and avoidance of conflict among visitor use activities.
No motor vehicle shall be parked on, nor boat launched from, lands administered by the Natchez Trace Parkway for the purpose of commercial fishing and diving.
Parking and boat launching for the purpose of commercial fishing and freshwater mussel diving are prohibited since these vehicles must use park roads and facilities in the furtherance of a commercial operation.
Recreational sporting activities are prohibited on the following archeological sites unless authorized by the Superintendent:
- Emerald Mound
- Mangum Mound
- Boyd Mound
- Bynum Mounds
- Pharr Mounds
- Bear Creek Mound
- Chickasaw Village
These sites are closed from sunset to sunrise.
All Natchez Trace Parkway American Indian sites are significant cultural resources. Recreational activities on the mounds, adjacent grounds and identified ceremonial and historic areas are offensive to American Indians and may damage or degrade archaeological resources.
The use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), or similar devices are prohibited on all lands administered by the Natchez Trace Parkway, unless the device is being used for administrative, agricultural, or maintenance purposes as approved by the Superintendent. (Note: Some adjacent landowners and their heirs and assignees may have special access rights by law, easements, or deed reservations.)
Off road vehicle use is prohibited on the Natchez Trace Parkway road. ATVs, and similar devices, are manufactured for recreational, non-highway, off road, or all terrain travel and are not an appropriate use for a motor roadway. Off road use is also prohibited for the protection of natural and cultural resources; to prevent harassment of wildlife, habitat destruction, and to eliminate conflicts with visitors using allowed conveyances.
Recreational and non-recreational hauling regulations: Hauling associated with recreational activities is intended to include activities such as camping, boating, horseback riding, and ATV use. Hauling of multiple pieces of recreational equipment on a single trailer is permitted provided the total vehicle and trailer length does not exceed 55 feet. Examples of recreational activities and their associated equipment that are authorized for hauling are antique vehicles (cars/trucks/tractors/carriages) and hot-air ballooning. Non-recreational hauling encompasses those activities that are not specifically recreational in nature. More commonly prohibited items hauled on the Parkway are household items, furniture, appliances, carpet, landscaping materials and/or equipment, and construction materials.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is a pleasure road and scenic byway through its entire length, and it is kept free of commercialization. Parkway is not a state, county, or metropolitan roadways developed and constructed for local travel needs, but rather protected roadway traversing hundreds of miles of scenic and historical rural landscape. The Natchez Trace Parkway is a pleasure road and scenic byway through its entire length, and it is kept free of commercialization. Special regulations for the Natchez Trace Parkway are codified in 36 CFR 7.43. These regulations permit recreational use and hauling. Additionally, 36 CFR 5.6 restricts commercial vehicle use. Appendix I to the compendium provides a decision tree regarding hauling and vehicular use of the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of the Natchez Trace Parkway is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.
Horses may only be used on trails that are designated for horse use. Cross-country travel is prohibited. Four trails are currently approved for horse use: The Rocky Springs, Yockanookany (temporarily closed), Blackland Prairie (temporarily closed), and Highland Rim segments of the National Scenic Trail. In addition, access to Tombigbee National Forest is available at the Witch Dance pull off.
The use of horses outside of designated trails may result in damage to natural and cultural resources. The use of horses along the Parkway, except along designated sections of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail is prohibited to ensure the safety of Parkway motorist.
Drivers of commercial vehicles carrying passengers are prohibited from idling their engines while parked at any park location for more than two minutes.
The noise and fumes caused by these engines severely impacts the natural experiences sought by many visitors.
(a)(2) The following areas have been designated for a specific use or activity, under the conditions and/or restrictions as noted:
- People entering Parkway visitor centers and contact stations are required to be appropriately attired including wearing shirt and shoes.
- To maintain a positive and comfortable environment for all visitors, a reasonable clothing standard must be established. The lack of shirt and shoes detracts from the overall environment of the visitor center and poses health risks.
II. 36 CFR §1.6 – ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE A PERMIT
(f) The following is a compilation of those activities for which a permit from the Superintendent is required:
- §2.10(a) The following camping activities:
- A permit is required for camping in areas not designated for camping.
- To ensure resources are not damaged.
- §2.51 Demonstrations and designated available park areas.
- §2.51(2) Areas in Appendix III are designated as first amendment areas.
III. GENERAL REGULATIONS
36 CFR §2.1 – PRESERVATION OF NATURAL, CULTURAL AND ARCHEOLOGICAL RESOURCES
(a)(4) Dead wood on the ground may be collected for use as fuel for campfires within the park in the following areas:
- Collection of wood shall be limited within Natchez Trace Parkway property to an area not more than 100 yards beyond campgrounds and picnic areas.
- Wood collected for fuel may not be removed from the campground or picnic area in which it is gathered. Visitors should follow state law for use of wood.
- The collection and use of limited amounts of wood by manual means for use within the Parkway enhances the visitor experience. As this collection occurs around developed areas, the park benefits from the removal of fuels from areas typically protected from wildfire. Campers and travelers along the Parkway should use locally harvested (in-state) firewood to prevent the spread of pests within the state.
(c)(1) Gathering of fruits, berries, nuts, and pine straw by hand for personal use or consumption is permitted. It is limited to one gallon per person, per day, of the following edible fruits, berries, and nuts:
- Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.)
- Blackberries/raspberries/dewberries (Rubus spp.)
- Grapes (Vitis spp.)
- Elderberries (Sambucus spp.)
- Cherries/plums (Prunus spp.)
- Serviceberries (Amelanchier arborea)
- Pawpaw (Asimina spp.)
- Mayhaw (Craterous opaca)
- Mulberry (Morus spp.)
- Persimmons (Diospyros virginiana)
- Black Walnuts (Juglans nigra)
- Hickory/pecan nuts (Carya spp.)
- American hazelnut (Corylus americana)
(C)(3)(ii) Gathering and possessing the following natural product is permitted:
- Two 30-gallon size trash bags per family/group per day of pine straw may be gathered by hand, if mineral soil is not disturbed.
- Collecting small quantities of edible berries, nuts, fruit, and pine straw specified herein causes no adverse impact on Parkway resources and increases the visitor experience. Taking of other plants, particularly when the entire plant is collected or uprooted, harms the species, and is prohibited by regulations. Mushroom harvesting is only allowed under a federal research permit administered by the Natchez Trace Parkway.
- Wood collected for fuel may not be removed from the campground or picnic area in which it is gathered. Visitors should follow state law for use of wood.
36 CFR §2.10 – CAMPING AND FOOD STORAGE
(a) Camping in non-designated areas requires a permit.
Designated sites for camping as follows:
- Meriwether Lewis Campground
- Jeff Busby Campground
- Rocky Springs Campground
- Conditions set for above designated sites are as follows:
- Vehicles and trailers occupying campsites must have valid registration displayed in accordance with state law.
- Camping in designated campgrounds is limited to 14 consecutive days.
- Only two pets are allowed in a campsite and must be on a leash, not exceeding six feet, or physically confined.
- Camping is limited to 14 consecutive days to assure a greater turnover and to allow the campground vegetation to recover.
The sites and areas listed below have been designated for camping activities for bicyclists and hikers:
- Shady Grove
- Colbert Ferry
- Beech Springs Outdoor Classroom
- Witch Dance
- Kosciusko Welcome Center
- Conditions set for above bicyclists/hikers’ sites are as follows:
- Camping is limited to two consecutive days per campground
- Restricted to bicyclist and hikers only.
- Due to limited availability and space, camping is restricted to two consecutive days to allow for turnover. Primitive camping outside of designated camping is allowed with approval of the superintendent by permit for people on long-distance hiking and bicycle trips and impacted extreme distances between campgrounds. Permits are for bicyclist or hikers camping outside of designated campgrounds. Permits may be obtained through the Ranger Activities Office.
- Camping in designated campgrounds is limited to 14 consecutive days.
- Shady Grove
- Colbert Ferry
- Beech Springs Outdoor Classroom
- Witch Dance
36 CFR §2.16 – HORSES AND PACK ANIMALS
(g)Other conditions concerning the use of horses or pack animals:
- The loading and unloading of horses and pack animals is permitted only atdesignated horse trailheads. A list of trailheads can be found on the Parkwaymaps.
- At unloading areas, spilled manure or fresh excrement must be placed in thetrailer removed from the Parkway and disposed of per state law.
- Loading and unloading horses in areas other than horse trailheads causesnatural resource damage. Manure or excrement can carry invasive speciesseeds, attract insects, and create hazards in parking lots.
- All equine transported to, or ridden on, any park trail shall be accompanied byeither the original or a copy of an official negative test for equine infectiousanemia (EIA) (aka “Coggins test”) administered within the previous 12 months.Proof of such test must be provided upon request.
- A valid “Coggins Test” certificate is required, by state law, in each state by theowners of a horse or pack animal. All equine brought to, passing through, orridden on any park trails, road shoulder, or any park lands shall beaccompanied by either the original or a copy of a negative test certificate forEquine Infectious Anemia (EIA) or “Swamp Fever” or “Coggins” staterequirements are a test within 12 months (6 months for Tennessee). This,pursuant to state law, is to stop the spread of EIA and other infectiousdiseases from livestock.
- Only certified weed-free pellets and cubes may be taken into and used on parkequestrian trails. Pack animals are required to be fed weed-free feed for 48 hoursin advance of entering the Parkway. The transport, use and storage of bailed hayon Parkway property is prohibited.
- The requirement that only commercial certified feed be carried into the backcountry is intended to prevent the introduction or spread of non-native vegetation.
- If an animal dies within the Parkway boundaries, it will be the owner or responsible person’s responsibility to remove the carcass from the park or make arrangements for its proper disposal as soon as possible. Notification must be made to the Parkway prior to any actions being taken by reporting to the Communications Center at 1-800-300-PARK and coordinating with the district officers at that location.
- Horses and stock are considered property and are the responsibility of the owners to remove from Parkway property.
- Horses and stock may not be tied directly to trees.
- The requirement to tether or picket stock is to prevent damage to live trees or shrubs and is intended to protect the root system, bark, and foliage from excessive damage that can occur if livestock is left restrained in one area for an extended period.
36 CFR §2.2 – WILDLIFE PROTECTION
(b)(2) Hunting:
- Hunting is prohibited on all Natchez Trace Parkway property
- Deer calls, turkey calls, audio attractants, or other artificial or natural means of attracting or disturbing wildlife (including but not limited to, rattling antlers, coyote, turkey, duck, goose calls, or verbal imitations) are prohibited.
(d) The transporting of lawfully taken wildlife through the park is permitted under the following conditions and procedures:
- Lawfully taken game may be transported on the Natchez Trace Parkway provided it is concealed from view.
- Lawfully taken game may be transported on the Natchez Trace Parkway if concealed from public view since many hunters travel the Parkway as the most pleasing and direct route from their home to the areas where they hunt. Also, there are numerous crossings where county and local roads cross Parkway property.
(e) The following areas are closed to the viewing of wildlife with the use of an artificial light:
- All Natchez Trace Parkway lands are closed to the viewing of wildlife with an artificial light.
- Viewing wildlife with an artificial light is prohibited to minimize disturbance of wildlife and deter poaching.
36 CFR 2.20 – SKATING, SKATEBOARDS, AND SIMILAR DEVICES
- In-line skating, non-motorized scooters, skateboards, and similar devices are permitted on designated multi-use trails from the Reservoir Overlook (Milepost 105.6 to Milepost 96) in the Jackson-Clinton area only.
The Natchez Trace Parkway Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail is designed for a variety of recreational activities, which separates visitors from high volume motor vehicle traffic on the Parkway. In accordance with 36 C FR 2.20 Skating and 4.30 Bicycles, and the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail Environmental Assessment Study, designated recreational uses in this developed area include cycling, walking, jogging, skating, skateboards, and non-motorized (non-gasoline powered) scooters.
36 CFR §2.21 – SMOKING
(a) The following portions of the park, or all or portions of buildings, structures or facilities are closed to smoking as noted:
- Smoking, including vaping, is prohibited in and around all buildings on the Natchez Trace Parkway
Smoking is prohibited within 25 feet of any entrance or exit primarily accessed by the visiting public or any access where smoking or vaping would result in smoke traveling through doorways, windows, air ducts or other openings. Departmental Manual 2, Section 310, Chapter 11, Director’s Order #50D: Smoking Policy.
36 CFR §2.22 – PROPERTY
(a)(2) Upon notification to the Superintendent, visitors on extended hikes, bicycle rides, or boat tours, are permitted to leave vehicles unattended for the duration of their trip. The Superintendent may authorize the leaving of unattended property and vehicles for other authorized purposes.
- Visitors on authorized biking and hiking trips on the Parkway are permitted toleave vehicles unattended due to length of time required for trips. These visitorsare required to notify park management of their vehicle location and estimatedlength of parking. The Parkway is not responsible for the vehicles or theircontents.
36 CFR §3.21 – SWIMMING AND BATHING
(a)(1) The following areas are closed to swimming and bathing:
- All public restrooms
- Colbert Ferry
- Coles Creek
- Jackson Falls
Colbert Ferry is closed due to periodic water quality concerns. Coles Creek isclosed due to several drownings that have occurred at that location. JacksonFalls is closed to prevent resource damage and enhance safety.
36 CFR §4.21 – SPEED LIMITS
(b)The following speed limits are established for the routes/roads indicated:
- The speed limit on the Natchez Trace Parkway is 50 miles per hour (mph.)except as posted.
- The maximum speed limit set forth by 36 CFR in National Park sites is 45mph except where this speed is unreasonable. The design of the Parkwayallows for safe speed in excess of 45 mph, except where otherwise posted.
- The speed limit on the Natchez Trace Parkway is reduced to 30 mph. whenworkers are present.
- The reduced speed limit is necessary to provide safety for Parkwayemployees who perform maintenance services when immediately adjacent tothe Parkway or Parkway access roads. Signs must be posted notifying thepublic of the reduced speed limit and possibility of workers being present.
Vehicle Hauling and Towing Restrictions
- Trucks over one-ton rated capacity are prohibited
- Vehicles that display company logos and being used for commercial purposes are considered to be commercial and are prohibited.
- Hauling associated with recreational activities to only include camping, boating, and ATV use are permitted.
- Hauling of multiple pieces of recreational equipment on a single trailer is permitted providing total vehicle and trailer length does not exceed 55 feet.
- Hobby activities such as antique vehicles (car, tractors, etc.), hot-air ballooning, and similar activities are considered recreational activities and are permitted.
- Non-recreational hauling encompasses those activities that are not specifically recreational in nature and are prohibited.
- Farm and lawn equipment are prohibited except as authorized by Special Use Permit as part of the agricultural lease program.
- Hauling of household items, furniture, appliances, carpet, landscaping materials and/or equipment, and construction materials are some of the more commonly transported items that are prohibited on the Parkway.
Requirements for Towing Trailers
- Towing vehicle and trailer are 55 feet in length or less.
- Vehicles in excess of 55 feet in length cannot safety negotiate curves on the Parkway without exiting their own lane of travel.
- Enclosed utility trailers are 5 feet by 8 feet or less.
- Trailers must be equipped with taillights, brake lights, safety chains, and turn signals.
- Trailers must display license plates according to state of registration.
- Empty trailers are prohibited.
- Only one trailer or vehicle may be towed by another vehicle at any time.
Wooded Area Closures
Aerial photos of the closures are found at NPGallery and are representative of the areas that are closed and should not be considered as scale drawings. All wooded areas in the below described use areas are closed except on maintained park trails or public roadways.
Photos and descriptions of the First Amendment Areas can be viewed at NPGallery.
Closures, restrictions, and public use limits:
Closure Order - Portion of a Park Area: Under the authority provided to the Superintendent in 36 CFR 1.5, the following park areas and facilities are closed, effective immediately, until further notice:
Mount Locust Inn/Stand
Authority: 36 CFR 1.5(a)(1)
Notice: This administrative order applies to all individuals subject to the regulatory authority of the National Park Service (NPS) within the boundaries of Natchez Trace Parkway.
Finding: The NPS issues this administrative order for the purposes of repairing the historic inn/stand due to structure integrity. Currently, the inn/stand is not safe to enter.
This order is effective immediately and will remain in effect until further notice. The effectiveness of this order will be assessed on an ongoing basis and will be modified or removed when conditions warrant.
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