Closure of Rocky Springs Section of the National Scenic Trail (NST)

The section of Rocky Springs National Scenic Trail, north of the campground to Fisher Ferry Road, has the following significant deferred maintenance issues:

• Multiple bridges are in need of repair. Currently most users of the trail circumvent these bridges, causing social trails.
• A culvert, located along a gravel road that intersects with Fisher Ferry Road near Natchez Trace Parkway (Parkway) milepost 59, is badly eroded. This could threaten the stability of the trail surface for users. The need for repair was forwarded to Claiborne County in April 2018.
• Significant erosion along steeper sections of the trail requires mitigation. Continued horse use until these repairs are made will cause unacceptable resource damage.
• Portions of the trail are not well marked, and this could impact trail user safety.

It is therefore recommended, that the portion of the NST from the Rocky Springs campground north to Fisher Ferry Road be closed as described in the Superintendent's Compendium, Section 1.5, Closures and Public Use Limits, (a)(1): Closure of visitor use areas (Campgrounds, trails, overlooks, interpretive stops along the Parkway, etc.) may occur when necessary by posting appropriate signs to mitigate resource impacts associated with 32 overuse, misuse, environmental, or health and safety issues.

The Park Compendium allows for the Superintendent to close areas to the public that are considered hazardous. Signs will be posted indicating that the area is closed. These designations will remain in effect within the Superintendent's Compendium until changed by a superseding regulation.

Mary Risser /s/
Superintendent of Natchez Trace Parkway