If you plan on driving along the Natchez Trace Parkway, you need to be aware of new guidelines as the coronavirus pandemic continues.
In a news release late last week, the Natchez Trace Parkway announced that all visitor contact stations are closed until further notice in an effort to follow CDC guidelines and promote social distancing. All restrooms, except at the Parkway Visitor Center at MP 266, are also closed.
It is important to note that all other facilities remain open. The NTP stated that visitors can still reach a park ranger between 9 am to 4:30 pm by calling 662-680-4027 or by messaging them on Facebook. Visitors can find the most up to date information on the Parkway’s website at www.nps.gov/natr.
“The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Natchez Trace Parkway is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website and social media channels,” the NPS said in a statement.
The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.
