Highland Rim Trail Section (Natchez Trace Scenic Trail) - Trail Running

Review

Intro

The Highland Rim Trail section of the Natchez Trace is located in the beautiful rolling hills of Middle Tennessee. The trail offers 24 miles of single and double track trail with countless water crossings and short, steep technical ascents and descents. 

What Makes It Great

Once on trail you will find a little bit of everything from short technical climbs to buffed out pine needle covered single track, water crossings, rock-strewn descents, quiet hollows and short off-cambered jaunts running along the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Who is Going to Love It

This isn't a beginner's area, but pretty much anyone with an adventurous spirit will enjoy the scenic beauty of Middle Tennessee. 

While the trail isn't your typical buffed out singletrack used by hundreds of folks daily, it is a welcomed change and a chance to get a way from busy streets and car exhaust, and take in a little history lesson while running along the hills and hollows of the "Old Highland Rim" and the "Old Trace."  The trail is pretty straightforward as it runs along side the Natchez Trace Parkway; there are a couple of spurs that deserve a little attention to find the trail, but overall it's pretty easy to stay on track.

Directions, Parking, & Regulations

You can begin your journey at either the Northern Trailhead at Garrison Creek (MP-427.6) or the Southern Trailhead (MP-407.7 ) & Hwy 50. The Garrison Creek Trailhead will have both water and restroom facilities, while the Southern Trailhead is a basically a parking lot with trail access.

I will caution that this trail could be overgrown with weeds and briers throughout the summer and fall as the trail isn't maintained by anyone and is really pretty raw. Late fall and winter is the optimum time to enjoy the trail!