It was named for the historic Natchez Trace woodland path, an important wilderness trail during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

The park covers more than 48,000 acres (190 km2) and features several wilderness trails, camping, horseback riding, and waterfront activities.

Today, the park includes cabins, a group lodge, camping areas, picnicking sites, playgrounds, a ball-field, a regulation pistol firing range, hiking trails, a wrangler camp, 250 miles (400 km) of horse riding trails, a park store, and an archery range.

Jon-boats, life jackets and paddles are made available on a first-come, first-served basis, and permits are available at both sites.

Natchez Trace is located in Carroll, Henderson, and Benton counties, near the unincorporated community of Wildersville.