The Natchez Trace Parkway encourages leisurely exploration of the history and beauty of Old Southwest while setting rules for safe travel, protecting natural, historical, and archeological objects, and outlining activities such as hiking, camping, biking, fishing, Junior Ranger programs, and horseback riding. It directs travelers to obey speed limits, watch for animals, avoid fatigue, and be alert for poison ivy, fire ants, and venomous snakes, while also prohibiting hunting, certain firearms, non-recreational hauling, commercial vehicles, and trucks over one ton capacity. Camping is allowed only in designated areas, fires are limited to fire rings or grills, dogs are allowed outdoors on short leashes, and service animals alone are permitted in buildings. The parkway is also presented as a designated bicycling route with campgrounds and ranger locations along the route, including National Park Service campgrounds at Rocky Springs, Jeff Busby, and Meriwether Lewis, along with state, private, and other campgrounds between mileposts 257 and 444.