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Natchez Trace Parkway
Jackson to Tupelo
This portion of the Parkway map will help you plan your visit from Jackson to Tupelo. 
 
Ross Barnett Reservoir

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

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.

 
A boardwalk takes you over a tupelo/bald cypress swamp.

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

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. 
 
Little Mountain Overlook

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

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, trails, and overlook are still available. 
 
Bynum Mounds

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

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.
 
The open area of the Chickasaw Village Site.

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

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.
Double arch bridge at mile post 438 on the Natchez Trace Parkway  

Did You Know?
The double arch bridge at milepost 438 on the Natchez Trace Parkway was completed in 1994 and received the Presidential Award for Design Excellence in 1995 for its innovative design. The bridge rises 155 feet above the valley and eliminates the need for spandrel columns.

Last Updated: March 18, 2009 at 12:55 EST