October 27, 2003

The Natchez Trace Parkway
by James L. Cummins

The sweet gum is certainly not my favorite tree. However, it does retain one attribute - it is faithful in brightening up the October landscape, especially on the Natchez Trace.

The Natchez Trace Parkway is one of my favorite ways to travel. And there is no better time to travel it than in Autumn. Then again, the dogwoods on the Trace in Tishomingo County are not bad to look at in the Spring either.

The Natchez Trace was the earliest and most important way to travel into the Mississippi Territory. The Trace begins in Natchez, which was founded by the French in 1716, even before New Orleans, and, at the time, was considered the Southwest. Today, Natchez is not only the home of my Aunt Hattie and Uncle George, but of the most extensive historic preservation in North America. If that's bragging a bit, that's ok. I don't back down at all.

By 1801, when Natchez grew large enough to be recognized by the eastern establishment, the army cut a path as a route for government mail. Outlaws were common on the Natchez Trace, but travelers used it anyway. By 1818, there were over 50 inns and outposts scattered along the Trace in Mississippi. Unfortunately, after steamboats came into use, the Trace was hardly used.

The initial funding for the Natchez Trace began in 1934 and was established as a parkway by the National Park Service in 1938. It is rather large and encompasses a total of 51,740 acres. Today, the Trace has become one of this country's favorite National Parks. The Natchez Trace proceeds to the northeast not far from Port Gibson, the town that General Grant said was "too beautiful to burn." At Jackson, the Trace is interrupted by Ross Barnett Reservoir. From there it proceeds to Kosciusko, which honors the "George Washington of Poland," and then to French Camp.

It continues past Okolona, where I also had relatives (they had the Darnell Dairy). The only visitor center is located in Tupelo. It is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Christmas Day. Near Dennis is my favorite park - Tishomingo State Park.

Activities on the Trace include hiking, walking, auto tours, swimming, boating, horseback riding, exhibits, bicycling, an interpretative slide program, fishing, running and jogging, talks and seasonal craft festivals and demonstrations.

There is no fee to use the Trace; however, commercial trucks are prohibited, except for recreational horse and boat trailers. Unless posted otherwise, the speed limit is 50 miles per hour.

So, just about anywhere you are in Mississippi, you are not too far from the Natchez Trace. As the leaves change from the many shades of green to the reds, oranges and yellows, take some time and go for a drive on the Natchez Trace. You'll be glad you did.


James L. Cummins is Executive Director of the Mississippi Fish and Wildlife Foundation in Stoneville, Mississippi. Known as "Wildlife Mississippi," the Foundation is a non-profit, conservation organization founded to conserve, restore and enhance fish, wildlife and plant resources throughout Mississippi