The Natchez Trace Parkway is filled with iconic Mississippi views. The 444-mile recreational road makes its way through three states, offering an unforgettable road trip through history. On this route, you’ll wander through some of the most iconic views in Mississippi.
You don’t have to tackle the entire journey in one road trip. I’d argue that this road trip is better if you take your time and spread it out over multiple days — or even years! Ok, years may be a stretch, but you know how it is; sometimes, life just gets in the way.
Out of all of the amazing scenic and historical landmarks on the Natchez Trace, there’s one in particular that I think is worth your time.
Located at Milepost 193.1, the Jeff Busby Overlook provides a beautifully scenic view of Mississippi. The park was named to honor U.S. Congressman Thomas Jefferson Busby (1884-1964) who introduced a bill to authorize a survey of the Old Natchez Trace. Four years after the bill was introduced, the Natchez Trace became an official part of the National Park System.
The park is most commonly used for day use, but there are 18 campsites available for folks who want to spend a few nights sleeping under the stars. There are plenty of picnic tables and restrooms, too.
Jeff Busby Park is a delightful spot for a picnic, but to really explore this area I’d recommend taking an adventure along the Little Mountain Trail. The trail is just shy of a mile one-way, with a 1.6-mile round trip.
The trail is well marked, but I’ll always recommend picking up an AllTrails+ account before setting off on any trail, regardless of size.
The trail is great for families, but there are some stairs at certain points so it’s not ADA-friendly nor is it stroller-friendly. There aren’t too many stairs on this trail, but enough to warrant a warning. Generally speaking, the trail is kept in good condition. Of course, a heavy rainfall makes everything slippery!
While I love the opportunity to walk underneath the canopy of trees, I absolutely love all of the wildlife in the area. Songbirds sing a beautiful melody as you wander through the woods, and if you’re really lucky, a deer or two might cross your path!
The overlook from Little Mountain is one of the highest elevations in Mississippi (about 584 feet). Sure, it’s laughable as far as mountains go, but we love our Little Mountain and soak in those tree-top views any chance we can! On a clear day, you can see for 20 miles!
We have so many wonderful hiking trails in Mississippi. Which ones are your favorites? Let us know in the comments!
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