Camping is allowed only in approved camping areas, three of which are at information centers and designated as cyclists only. Large, organized groups of riders are expected to notify the Park Service of their plans. They'll send a form to submit. Law enforcement is managed by the National Park Service and local communities also have some jurisdiction. Traffic is generally light on the Trace.
Traffic can, however, be relatively heavy in the Jackson and Tupelo areas at rush hour.
Once beyond the immediate city areas, it is normally quiet again. At spring and fall pilgrimmage time and in hunting season traffic is somewhat heavier, with RVs and pickups pulling ATVs more prevalent, but it's still light by comparison. Normally, traffic is lighter on the segment south of Jackson than the northern segment. The terrain of the Natchez Trace has been tamed considerably. Most of the roadway is relatively flat with rolling hills.