Posted in Mississippi
May 02, 2020
This 10-Foot-Deep Gully In Mississippi Was Created Thousands Of Years Ago, And You Can Hike It
At over 400 miles, the Natchez Trace Parkway boasts some incredible sites – one of which is the Sunken Trace. Part of the original Natchez Trace, this portion of the famous pathway appears sunken – a feature that’s attributed to a combination of easily eroded soil and thousands of years worth of travelers. Take a look:
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The Natchez Trace was a main thoroughfare in the late-1700s – mid-1800s; however, that didn’t mean it was easy to traverse. Travelers along the Trace faced countless hardships, including heat, mosquitoes, lack of accommodations, poor food, and more. And don’t forget about the criminals that lurked along the trail, preying on unsuspecting travelers.

Much of the Old Trace has been plowed over or developed; however, there are several places where you can still experience the original trail – and the Sunken Trace is one of them.



The soil also played a role in the trail’s sunken appearance. Known as loess, the soil has a sandy consistency, which means it erodes easily.

The Natchez Trace was travelled by people from all walks of life, including some well-known historical figures, such as Jefferson Davis, Ulysses S. Grant, and General Andrew Jackson.

There are several others, including the Potkopinu Trail (milepost 17), which has some embankments over 25’ high!
Ready to take a walk on this historic trail? To learn more about the Sunken Trace, visit the National Park Service website. You can also check out Natchez Trace Travel here.
So, did you know about the Sunken Trace? Ever walked along it? If so, what’d you think? Know of another trail loaded with history? Tell us in the comments section.
This isn’t the only trek that combines nature and history. Read about another here.
Address: Port Gibson, MS 39150, USA