Fell asleep last night to the sounds of coyotes and owls calling in the night. Dry camping has the advantage of quieting down the noise of civilization and allowing me to experience the sounds of the forest. I awake to a different owl off in the distance announcing the end of his shift.
I break camp and head to Rocky Springs. Rocky Springs was a thriving settlement whose economy was dependent on the Trace and the traffic passing north. There was also a fairly successful cotton trade but the Civil War and the Bolweivel combined to put an end to that. The only thing left of this rural community is a Methodist Church, a couple of cisterns and two very old safes, one of which probably served the post office.
A short drive down the Trace brings me to Owens Creek Falls. Stopping here is a no brainer for obvious reasons. The falls aren’t much to look at mainly because late summer is typically drier in this area and a second cause that I will let the NPS explain.
Over the years the water table has dropped several feet, and the spring which feeds Owens Creek has all but dried up. The NPS has tried to shore up the surrounding trail but with little success. You could sense the previous glory of this site but much of what attracted people to this area.
My next stop was Bullen Creek. Promised was a mature hardwood pine forest, but what I found was another transitioning eco-system. The pines that were present were the Loblolly Pine, one of my favorites and quite majestic. The lower branches are typically 30 feet off of the ground our more. They’re built in such a way that they can survive forest fires allowing the undergrowth to burn away and the upper stories continue to survive.
What has already started taking over this forest is Black Cherry, Black Walnut and Oak. I even found an example of American Holly.
My finale on the Trace is Mount Locust, the only surviving “Stand” or Inn on the trail and one of the oldest structures in the entire state of Mississippi. This farm and inn were able to survive over the years because it was more than just an inn, a trading post or a farm, but all of these and then some. It was it’s own self contained community and it’s owners were able to adjust as the world changed around it.
A point of interest here is that one of the Park Rangers at this site was a descendent of the founders of Mount Locust and was born on site in one of the bedrooms.
I finish the Trace. Driving 444 miles, four days, over 600 photos and walking probably 10-12 miles per day.
Lunch was in Natchez, MS at the Pig Out Inn. By far, the best pulled pork I have ever had and that is saying a lot. Views of the Mississippi River from the park built on the bluff overlooking the river. A barge on the river provides a point of interest for some photos.
The balance of my day is spent traveling to Baton Rouge, LA to spend the night.
Louisiana is the 14th state that I will visit on this trip and the 46th state for me life time. Four more states to see. Can you say road trip?!?