Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail – Blackland Prairie Section

The Blackland Prairie Section is the six-mile leg of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail near Tupelo. Walk it one way between Beech Springs and West Jackson Street, or return to Beech Springs for the official 12-mile round trip. The route runs through forest and bottomland, then by the Chickasaw Village Site and prairie. It is a long, gentle walk on mixed trail and roadside surfaces; the distance, more than steep climbing, is the commitment. Allow about five hours for the full return walk with a stop at the village.

The tread averages about three feet wide and changes between grass, gravel, wooden boardwalk, and pavement. Shady woods and open fields alternate along the corridor. The Chickasaw Village Site at milepost 261.8 is the main landmark. Chickasaw people used fire to maintain the prairie, and prescribed burns continue that pattern. Spring is the best time for the prairie flowers; late October is the season noted for fall color. The site's separate half-mile interpretive trail explains plants and their uses, especially for Chickasaw people. It makes a good short visit, but it is not part of the six-mile section.

The trail parallels the Parkway and has a creek crossing near milepost 264.5 and a US 178/McCullough Boulevard crossing near milepost 262.5. At both, hikers use the Parkway shoulder. There is also a railroad crossing north of the village. These crossings interrupt the walk, so take care around traffic and trains. This route mixes natural tread with short roadside connections; it is not an uninterrupted greenway. Bicycles are not allowed.

At the north end, use the Beech Springs parking area: at milepost 266, take the access road opposite the Parkway Visitor Center and follow it about 0.2 mile to the lot. The south-end lot is on West Jackson Street, off Parkway property. To reach it, exit to MS 6 near milepost 260, go west about half a mile to Air Park Road, turn right, then right again on West Jackson; the paved lot is on the left. Pets are allowed on a six-foot leash. Start at Beech Springs if you want the full out-and-back without arranging a second car.