PRE-STATEHOOD 25 OLD NATCHEZ TRACE The Old Trace, a well-traveled path cleared through the wilderness, was used by Native Americans, “Kaintucks,” settlers, lumbermen, and trappers. It connected the Mississippi River from Natchez to Nashville to Eastern settlements. Disconnected Native American trails transformed into a continuous road during the early years of the territorial period. The Trace was not only rough and dangerous, but also caused many reservations of trespassing through land that belonged to Native American tribes. Today, the Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile scenic drive through 10,000 years of North American history. Sections of the Old Trace that have been preserved and marked by the National Park Service are open to visitors.