Rocky Springs Trail map (click to enlarge)

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Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail

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The Rocky Springs segment of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail is closed from the northern terminus on Fisher Ferry Road to the Rocky Springs Campground at milepost 55 until further notice. Visitors should observe posted closures. The trail is unsafe due to trail erosion and deteriorated bridges.

The Rocky Springs segment of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail (NST) takes its name from the ghost town of Rocky Springs located near Mile Post (MP) 55 on the Natchez Trace Parkway. The southern trailhead is located at Owens Creek Waterfall (MP 52.4). However, it looks to be in rough shape. Standing at the trailhead, I was hard pressed to see any trail at all, only forest. Even the trail sign has seen its better days. Check out the photos below, one from 2015 and one from 2021.

Trailhead for the Rocky Springs segment of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail in 2015

Trailhead for the Rocky Springs segment of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail in 2021

To get to the northern trailhead parking, exit the Natchez Trace Parkway at Fisher Ferry Road (MP 59) and turn right when you come to the end of the exit ramp. The parking lot, which is a field, is a short ways down on the right just after you pass back under the Parkway bridge.

Parking for the Rocky Springs segment of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail

Horseback riding is allowed on the Rocky Springs segment from the northern terminus to the Rocky Springs Campground. The Fisher Ferry Road parking area is the only access point that can accommodate horse trailers. However, no water is available for horses at this stop.

The only other access point is at Rocky Springs, which is where I made my short hike of the trail by combining it with a short, hike-able segment of the original Natchez Trace runs through the area. Using these two trails, you can form an easy 1.5-mile loop. Both trails are well maintained, but navigating the loop is extremely tricky due to poorly marked (or not marked at all) intersections. You can read a full report at Historic Trace Trail at Rocky Springs. I did not hike farther north towards Fisher Ferry Road nor south to Owens Creek Waterfall and therefore cannot vouch for the trail quality.

Rocky Springs Town Site Trail Map

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