Video: Shutdown And The Trace

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KOSCIUSKO, Miss.[WCBI]-One of the most visible reminders of the government shutdown is the Natchez Trace Parkway.

The 400 plus miles of the scenic roadway is open to traffic but that is about it. None of the visitor centers and cultural sites along the parkway are open for visitors. Kentucky resident Paula Upright and friends are biking the Trace and found out the hard way that the shutdown even extends to the bathrooms along the parkway.

“We just had to keep riding by we saw some very friendly rangers this morning though. We were able to go to the bathroom before they shut the doors but they did shut the doors right behind us and barricaded it and its disappointing everything has been closed since so its disappointing,” said Upright.

The closure does not mean the parkway can become a racetrack however. Trace Rangers will be out on patrol and available to assist motorists during emergencies.