Jackson to Tupelo

This portion of the Parkway map will help you plan your visit from Jackson to Tupelo.

 

A view of the Ross Barnett Reservoir north of Jackson, Mississippi

Image by Marc Muench

The Ross Barnett Reservoir parallels the parkway for about eight miles, and provides spectacular scenery from the roadway. Those interested in spending more time in the area may enjoy starting at walk from the West Florida Boundary at milepost 107.9, or taking in the views at the Reservoir Overlook at milepost 105.6.

 

The boardwalk trail at Cypress Swamp allows you to walk above a water tupelo/bald cypress swamp.

Image by Marc Muench

Cypress Swamp, at milepost 122.0, is a self guiding trail through a water tupelo/bald cypress swamp. A lucky visitor may have a chance to see an alligator on this one half mile trail with boardwalks.

 

A clear day provides spectacular views from the Little Mountain Overlook at Jeff Busby.

NPS image

The Little Mountain Overlook at Jeff Busby can be reached by a short drive to one of Mississippi's highest points along the Parkway. While the gas station at Jeff Busby has recently closed, the picnic area, campground, and overlook are still available.

**On March 1, 2013, the Natchez Trace Parkway was required to reduce its annual budget by five percent, in accordance with the sequestration provision of the Budget Control Act of 2011. Impacts to the Jeff Busby Site include:

• Restrooms at the old service station and in the campground will remain open

• Restrooms at the picnic area and on Little Mountain will remain closed.

 

A short trail at Bynum Mounds allows visitors to walk around a Middle Woodland period village and burial site.

NPS Photo

Bynum Mounds is a Middle Woodland period burial mound site located at milepost 232.4. This archeological site consisted of six mounds, five of which were excavated in the 1940's. Two of the largest mounds have been restored, and you can see them today. Interpretive exhibits tell the story of early residents of the Natchez Trace.

 

Imagine hundreds of people living in the open area of the Chickasaw Village Site.

NPS Photo

The Chickasaw Village Site is an archeological site at milepost 261.8 that represents the village that once occupied the area. While there are no structures standing today, there is an outline of a Chickasaw winter home, summer home, and fort. A short nature trail gives more information on native uses of plants in the area. This site also allows access to the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail for those interested in longer walks.