Twice ahead in a thrilling contest, Notts looked as if they would win but Northampton have not earned a top seven spot without resilience which they displayed in abundance.
The game was played at a high tempo throughout and ultimately either side could have stolen it.
Notts had the advantage at the interval thanks to David Pipe's second goal in as many matches.
Lovely link-up play between Eugene Dadi and Mark De Bolla could have been cut out by Chris Doig before the ball reached Pipe and the defender was left feeling sore when Pipe's cross-shot flashed into the far corner of Lee Harper's goal.
Both sides neglected other opportunities in the first half and Northampton, urged on by nearly 1,000 of their followers, stepped up a gear in the second period.
They were rewarded when a lovely move down the left finished with an great cross which Jason Crowe converted.
Notts continued to battle away and were in front again five minutes later. Chris Palmer's right-wing corner was beautifully flighted for Lee Crooks to head powerfully into the net.
But the best was yet to come as a Notts attack broke down and Northampton broke at speed and fed the ball to Eoin Jess. Given all the time and room he needed, Jess lashed the second equaliser beyond Kevin Pilkington.
After coming on as a substitute on 66 minutes, youngster Jake Sheridan was cautioned for the fifth time in his short career and will now face a suspension.