Meeting Time: 9:00 AM
Meeting Place: Old Trace Parking Area
Estimated Drive Time One Way: 30 Minutes
Hike Distance: 6.3 miles
Estimated Hike Time: 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Hike Leader: Kurt Andress
Kids welcome, leashed dogs welcome.

Join us for a local hike that includes a section of the historic Natchez Trace. This hike travels through varied environments on its journey from Burns Branch to Garrison Creek. The hike starts out in quiet field and forest country on the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail. The path heads up and down, winding in and out of small wooded coves only to emerge onto the original Natchez Trace, built two centuries ago. It then makes a pleasant forest cruise on the longest section of the Old Trace left in Tennessee, before taking a side path to a scenic overlook where you can see the Garrison Creek valley. The trail descends to Garrison Creek where there are two creek crossings. © Copyright Johnny Molloy Published by Menasha Ridge Press. All Rights Reserved.

At this point there is a 50% chance of rain, so bring rain gear, good hiking shoes or boots, water and snacks for the trail. There is a restroom halfway through the hike at the Garrison Creek rest area. We'll plan on grabbing lunch after the hike.

Directions to the Old Trace Trailhead:

From South Nashville / Franklin, take Hwy 96 West to the entrance to the Natchez Trace at the Double Arch Bridge and turn left onto the Natchez Trace Parkway. Travel approximately 12 miles to the Old Natchez Trace parking area on your left.

From all other areas in Nashville, take I-40 to the McCrory Lane exit #192 and turn left. Stay on McCrory for 5 miles until it ends at Hwy 100, turn right and immediately turn right onto the Natchez Trace Parkway exit. Travel approximately 17 miles to the Old Natchez Trace parking area on your left.