The Cypress Swamp, at Mile 122 is a fairly short and very scenic trail. Great Blue Herons and Prothonotary Warblers frequent the area. Summer Tanagers are often found here as well. Almost in sight is River Bend, another nice spot to stop at 122.6. It overlooks the Pearl River from high banks. These are a short distance from Jackson as Ridgeland is at Mile 105 and the Clinton Visitor’s Center is at Mile 91. If going north, there is a short nature trail at Myrick Creek, Mile 145. Stopping in the grass is permitted along the Parkway and you are encouraged by the Park Rangers to get safely away from the roadway. You may drive out and enjoy finding your own private picnic or birding spot. From Jackson you will pass by the Ross Barnett Reservior for several miles as you head north for the Cypress Swamp. In winter look for large rafts of ducks, cormorants, white pelicans, loons, and even horned grebes on the water. All year expect Pied-bill grebes, Coots, and Canada Geese.
Rocky Springs is the place for longer peaceful trails. It is located south of Jackson at Mile 55. One trail takes you past an old safe, and that’s about all that’s left of the old town along the trail. The historic Methodist Church can be reached from the trail. Keep an eye out for snakes if you check out its cemetery. Both picnicking and camping (free) are permitted here and also at Jeff Busby, north at Mile 193. Both of these spots are also quite good in spring and fall migration of birds. See the available Natchez Trace Parkway map for details of trails available in each of these major areas along the Trace. Two and a half miles below Rocky Springs the parkway and trail comes to the Owens Creek Falls. It is very near the Parkway, so don’t miss it.
The Natchez Trace Trail is something relatively new. Several sections are presently open. Some sections of the trail are too close to the roadway to offer solitude, but others have much to offer. Near Rocky Springs are 10 miles of trails from Mile 50.8 to Mile 59. South from Rocky Springs, one trail goes two and a half miles to Owens Creek and waterfall. North of Jackson there are 22 miles of trail from Mile 108 (West Florida Boundary to Mile 131 Yockanookany. These roughly follow the roadway, sometimes in site. You may see bridges from the parkway. These are along the trail. The Tupelo area has 7 miles of trails open – from Mile 262 to Mile 266. We look forward to more trail construction in the future. The next section is planned to carry you right through Jackson area!
At Highway 43 (mile 112) there is parking for dropping off horse trailers while riding. Go left on 43 and left again quickly . The trail goes north and south from here. Also, you can go right on Hwy 43 at Mile 109 for the Pearl River Waterfowl Refuge and Pipeline Rd, described as a separate Favorite Birding Place (a major one at that!).
If heading to Natchez, there are several streamside picnic areas between M12 and M17, a nature trail at M18, and the second largest ceremonial Indian Mound in the country at Mile 10, Emerald Mound. About 900 plant species help support 57 mammal species, 157 bird types and 70 reptile or amphibian species along the 444-mile parkway. The Trace also serves as a critical habitat for two federally listed threatened and endangered species and 19 other endangered species. The wildlife and plant life are able to thrive because park rangers try to keep the environment as natural as possible.
