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A spur of the Natchez Trace, the famous wilderness highway of the late 18th century, once crossed these state lands.
Around 1815, according to legend, a soldier returning from the Battle of New Orleans gave a local settler here a nut that grew into what is now the nation's third-largest pecan tree.
During the 1930s, the area was used by the federal government to demonstrate methods of restoring land that had been abused and seriously eroded.
Today, Natchez Trace State Resort Park and the adjacent Natchez Trace State Forest are popular recreation destinations.
The unit totals more than 48,000 acres.
Forty-eight miles of trails, including a 25-mile trail for backcountry campers, are just for hikers. An additional 150 miles of trails are shared by cyclists, equestrians, and off-road vehicles.
Water lovers find four lakes at Natchez Trace, the largest being 690-acre Pin Oak Lake and the smallest, 58-acre Cub Lake. Cub Lake is for swimmers, anglers and renters of the park's paddleboats.
The other lakes are open to private craft. Anglers catch bluegills, catfish, crappie and several types of bass.
A host of more urbane activities are also available, including tennis, softball, archery, horseback riding, volleyball, and a firing range.
Developed accommodations include 143 campsites with water and electricity, more than 30 cabins along Cub Lake and the Pin Oak Lodge and a restaurant. New facilities include modern villa cabins, Wrangler Camp, a group lodge and an equestrian center.
One campground is open year-round.
The park is not affiliated with the Natchez Trace Parkway, administered by the National Park Service.
Outdoor Activities |
Another day winds down at Natchez Trace State Park.
Encompassed by the Natchez Trace State Forest, the two units of Natchez Trace State Park include a total of four lakes.
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