Start of the Baker Bluff-Jackson Falls trail on the Natchez Trace Parkway
Length: .75-mile round trip
Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Strenuous
A short trail runs between the Jackson Falls and Baker Bluff Overlook stops on the Natchez Trace Parkway. While you can start the hike at either end of the trail, I hiked from Jackson Falls to Baker Bluff and will describe the hike following this route. When at the Jackson Falls parking lot, face the valley and look for a sign directing you to Baker Bluff. The trail passes behind the restroom facility and then makes a moderate ascent for the first three tenths of a mile.
However, it is the last tenth of a mile that you need to worry about, for this section has an extremely steep hill that you must descend—so steep that there is a good chance that you may slip and slide all the way down on your butt. Hiking poles are extremely welcome. Keep in mind that you will be returning on this same trail, so this steep descent will be an extremely steep ascent on your way back.
Very steep hill greets hikers on the Bluff side of the trail
The hike between Jackson Falls and Baker Bluff is pretty pointless. There is no view of the valley from Jackson Falls, no views along the trail itself, and no views at Baker Bluff. You won’t even see Jackson Falls on this trail. Thus, with no good views of anything, do this hike for exercise purposes only.
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Last updated on November 25, 2021
