Natchez Trace from Natchez, Mississippi to Lorman, Mississippi

This will be the first of fifteen articles about attractions on and near the Natchez Trace Parkway. Each article will cover about 30 miles along the 444 mile-long Trace.

The first section starts at the beginning of the Trace in Natchez, Mississippi and goes north to milepost 30 near Lorman, Mississippi. The Trace parallels the Mississippi River and is within a few miles to no more than 15 miles east of the river. Tall pine trees line most of the parkway.

Traveling south to north you will encounter several sites that are part of the Natchez Trace Parkway and are overseen by the National Park Service:

• Elizabeth Female Academy Site
  Historical marker and building remains at the site of a school for women founded in 1818.
  
• Old Trace Exhibit Shelter
  A section of the old Natchez Trace wilderness road is preserved. Exhibit describes the Trace's history.
  
• Emerald Mound
  Largest Indian mound in Mississippi covers eight acres. A trail leads you to top of the tallest mound.
  
• Turpin Creek
  Picnic area along Turpin Creek.
  
• Loess Bluff
  This tall, eroded bluff consists of windblown topsoil known as Loess (pronounced Low-ess) that is prevalent east of the Mississippi River for up to 30 miles from Louisiana to Tennessee. Where any road, including the Old Natchez Trace, passed over loess soil it formed sunken roads, in places 20 feet deep.
  
• Mount Locust
  One of the many inns or "stands" that lined the Old Natchez Trace in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Interpretive programs are offered February thru November.
  
• Coles Creek
  Large picnic area under tall pine trees along Coles Creek.
  
• Bullen Creek
  A self-guiding trail leads through a mixed hardwood-pine forest.
  
• Mud Island Creek
  Picnic area along Mud Island Creek.
  
• North Fork Coles Creek
  Picnic area along North Fork Coles Creek.
  

For additional pictures, information and interactive maps of the Natchez to Lorman, Mississippi section of the  Trace please see NatchezTraceTravel.com.

Also, just off the Trace you will find:

• The historic town of Natchez, Mississippi
  Home to dozens of preserved antebellum homes, building and plantations.
  
• Grand Village of the Natchez Indians
  Located just outside of present day Natchez. The Natchez Indians lived in present-day southwest Mississippi circa. AD 700-1730. According to historical and archaeological evidence Grand Village was their main ceremonial center starting around 1682.
  
• William Johnson House
  Known as the “barber” of Natchez, William Johnson was born a slave. He became free at the age of eleven. He became an apprentice barber and later bought the barber shop in 1830. For 16 years as a barber in downtown Natchez he kept a diary of everyday life in Natchez. Johnson’s house on State Street in downtown Natchez is today a museum about his life.
  
• Jefferson College in Washington, MS
  Located in Washington, Mississippi about five miles north of Natchez, Jefferson College was the first educational institution of higher learning in Mississippi, being chartered in 1802. Today, visitors can tour a restored dormitory room, student dining room, kitchen buildings, and other historic sites.
  
• Springfield Plantation near Church Hill, MS
  Andrew and Rachel Jackson were married at Springfield Plantation. This area is a few miles off the Trace on MS Highway 553. You can drive or bike on a 25 mile loop on the Trace (milepost 10 to 20) and highway 553 and see Mount Locust, Loess Bluff, Coles Creek, Emerald Mound, the historic town of Church Hill and Springfield Plantation.
  

There are several bed and breakfasts in the area including several Natchez bed and breakfasts and Rosswood Plantation Bed and Breakfast near Lorman.

Next section north on the Trace: Port Gibson to Vicksburg