Mississippi Petrified Forest

The Mississippi Petrified Forest is a privately owned park near Jackson, close to the town of Flora. The only petrified forest in the Eastern United States, it is believed to have been formed 36 million years ago from fir and maple logs washing down an ancient river channel, and coming to rest (and petrify) where the remnants now reside. The park is open to the public and for a small fee you are welcome to walk the one-mile interpretive loop and learn a little about the conditions that led to this National Natural Landmark. The forest, a mix of ancient wood and living trees, is filled with birdsong, sweet smelling flowers (honeysuckle was in bloom when we were there), and our walk wound us through a shady pine needle covered path. The short walk ends up in the earth science museum where you can browse a collection of fossils, petrified wood, and minerals, and a gift shop highlighting gemstone jewelry as well as decorative pieces of petrified wood.