Commercial Use Authorizations

What is a CUA?

A Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) is a business permit with the National Park Service that authorizes an individual, group, company, or other for-profit entity to conduct commercial activities and provide specific visitor services within a national park area. The National Park Service will only issue CUAs for commercial activities and visitor services that: 

• Are determined to be an appropriate use of Natchez Trace Parkway; 
• Will have minimal impact on Natchez Trace Parkway’s resources and values; and 
• Are consistent with Natchez Trace Parkway’s purpose, management plans, policies, and regulations. 

A CUA may be required if you, as an individual, organization, or company, provide any goods, activities, services, agreements, or other function for members, clients, or the public that:

• take place at least in part in Natchez Trace Parkway, 
• use park resources, and 
• result in compensation, monetary gain, benefit, or profit. 

The Following Services Require CUAs in Natchez Trace Parkway

• Bicycle Tours
• Road Based Commercial Tour (Charter Bus)
• Contact us for other opportunities

Fees for a CUA at Natchez Trace Parkway

• Application Fee: The standard application fee is $350 for the first application submitted and $250 for subsequent applications submitted to the same park within the same CUA season. These standard application fees will be reviewed every two years and may be adjusted to ensure the NPS is collecting the full cost of receiving and processing the application, as required by federal law.
• Management Fee: Currently, there is no management fee. Natchez Trace Parkway will begin using a market price fee-based management fee in January of 2026. This management fee will be paid at the end of the operating and reporting season, so the first management fee will be due in January 2027.

How do I apply for a CUA? 

• NPS is excited to announce the development and deployment of the online CUA system. The system is designed to standardize, modernize, and streamline the CUA application and reporting process. The system allows potential CUA applicants and CUA holders to view available CUA opportunities, apply for CUAs, submit required CUA reports, and pay CUA fees.
• Natchez Trace Parkway should recieve an application at least 10 buisness days prior to the start of an organized tour. At this time, the park accepts applications year round.

What are the CUA Reporting Requirements?

• CUA holders must submit an annual report via the online CUA system each year by January 31 for the operations that occurred during the preceding year. This report provides the park with visitation statistics, reportable injury data, and a record of annual gross receipts. 
• CUA holders must also submit monthly reports via the online CUA system by the 15th of each month for operations that occurred during the previous month. This report does not require the CUA holder to submit financial information.
• Failure to submit the required reports or misrepresentation of statistics or earnings may result in the inability to submit subsequent CUA applications via the online CUA system or the suspension of active CUAs.

CUA Office Contact Information

Natchez Trace Parkway's CUA Coordinator can be reached at 662-680-4014 or via email, Monday-Thursday, and every other Friday, 7:00 AM to 4:30 PM.