Permits & Reservations

Special Use Permits

Certain activities within the boundary of the Natchez Trace Parkway may require a special use permit. Below is a list of critera and common activities that may require a special use permit. Please read thoroughly to see if it applies to your situation. Filming within the park may also require a permit, depending the nature of, and the extent of the filming. If your filming activity involves multiple vehicles, it may be considered a large filming activity and require a more extensive application. For questions and permit applications, please contact the Ranger Activities Assistant by calling (662) 680-4014 or email us. Please note that we must recieve a completed application at least 10 buisness days prior to an event or activity.

A special park use is an activity that takes place on park land or waters that meets the following criteria:

• Provides a benefit to an individual, group, or organization, rather than the public at large,
• Requires written authorization and some degree of National Park Service (NPS) management to protect park resources and public interests,
• Is not prohibited by law,
• Not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the NPS,
• Is not managed under a concession contract and,
• Is not managed through a lease.

The following are some of the activities that may require a Special Use Permit. Please contact the Ranger Activities Assistant for questions and permit applications by calling (662) 680-4014 or email us.

• Bicycles
• Weddings
• Religious Ceremonies
• Motorcycles
• Walk/Run
• 1st Amendment
• Bus (school or church)
• Agricultural Lease Program
• Miscellaneous

Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording

Visit this link for more information regarding filming, still photography, or audio recording in National Parks.

• In most cases, permits and fees are not required for filming, still photography, or audio recording that involves eight or fewer individuals. However, any filming that impacts the motor road will likely need a permit. In order to avoid permit and fee requirements, the filming, still photography, or audio recording must meet all of the following conditions:
  • Occurs in areas open to the public;
  • Uses hand-carried equipment only;
  • Does not require exclusive use of a site;
  • Does not adversely impact park resources, values, or other visitors; and
  • Is not likely to result in additional administrative costs for the NPS.
• All filming, still photography, and audio recording is treated the same under the new law. It does not matter whether it is commercial, non-commercial, for content creation, by a student, or conducted by media or for news gathering.
• When a filming, still photography, or audio recording permit is required, the National Park Service will charge location fees and fees to recover its costs to administer the permit, including application fees.
• Individuals and groups conducting filming, still photography, or audio recording remain subject to all other laws and regulations applicable to visitors to park areas, including those requiring permits for certain activities (e.g., special events or demonstrations) and those prohibiting disturbance or other negative impacts to natural or cultural resources.

The Use of Drones is Prohibited
Currently, the use of drones is prohibited in all National Parks. Detailed information about the policy is available here.

Commercial Use Authorizations

A Commercial Use Authorization allows an individual, group, company or other for-profit entity to commercially operate within a National Park Service area. See Natchez Trace Parkway's commercial use authorization page for more information.

How to Apply:

All permits are issued from the Chief Ranger's Office, located in Tupelo, Mississippi. If you have questions about permits or want a permit application, please call Monday-Thursday, and every other Friday, 7 am-4:30 pm (662) 680-4014 or email us. Please note that we must recieve a completed application at least 10 buisness days prior to an event or activity. Applications can be faxed to (662) 680-4034. Applications may be mailed to:

Natchez Trace Parkway
Chief Ranger's Office - Permit Application
2680 Natchez Trace Parkway
Tupelo, MS 38804