This Hike Takes You To A Place Mississippi’s First Residents Left Behind
Mississippi is home to some great hiking trails, but the Rocky Springs Trail has got to be one of the best. Not only does it include beautiful natural sites, but it leads straight to the remnants of an abandoned town. The best part is, the trail is nice and short, so it’s perfect for all ages and skill levels. Take a look:

Exit the parkway at milepost 54.8, and the first thing you’ll come across is Rocky Springs Visitor Center, where you can get some information about the history of Rocky Springs.

When it comes to hiking the trail, there are several different options, including a short loop-to-loop trail that leads straight to the old town of Rocky Springs.

In its heyday it was home to nearly 4,500 residents and included a church, private school, post office, tavern, banks, and more. The town’s location on the Natchez Trace had a lot to do with its growth. Since several miles of the old Trace went right through Rocky Springs, the town included several stores and inns that provided food and shelter to the large numbers of travelers passing through.

So, what happened to Rocky Springs? Well, by the 1940s, the once prosperous community didn’t have a single resident. Its demise is linked to several factors, including the Civil War, two Yellow Fever outbreaks, and a boll weevil epidemic.



Built in 1837, the church was used regularly until 2010. Though closed for quite some time, it's open to visitors.


According to legend, a group of outlaws known as the Mason-Harpe Gang had a hideout in Rocky Springs and allegedly buried "tens of thousands of dollars in stolen gold and silver" somewhere near the cemetery.

Not only does the campground have both primitive and RV sites, but it’s FREE.
For more information on Rocky Springs, visit the NPS website.
Address: Natchez Trace Milepost 54.8, Hermanville, MS, 39086
So, ever hiked through Rocky Springs? If so, what’d you think? Know of another trail that leads to a great spot? Tell us in the comments section.
This isn’t the only trail that’ll lead to an interesting piece of history. Learn about others here.