Natchez Trace Parkway (Mississippi)

As we worked our way across Mississippi we continued to explore portions of the Natchez Trace Parkway. Using a map with detailed descriptions of each mile marker, it felt like we were on a grand treasure hunt, and I found myself eagerly anticipating each stop along the way. The two-lane highway that makes up the parkway has well marked pull outs and picnic areas every few miles, encouraging you to stop for frequent explorations. We discovered diverse ecosystems including a lush cypress swamp and an impressive beaver dam; we saw ancient burial grounds of nomadic Native Americans nestled in a field of spring wildflowers; we took short hikes through groves of alder trees and loblolly pines and longer hikes through parts of the Sunken Trace, an area of deeply eroded trails carved out by thousands of travelers walking on the easily eroded loess soil. Finally, and all too soon, we found ourselves at the end of our journey at the southern terminus of park in Natchez, Mississippi.