Donivan Slough information panel (click to enlarge)

A slough (pronounced slew) is a shallow, swamp-like body of water that appears to be stagnant but actually flows slowly over time. A perfect example is the Shark Valley area of the Everglades, a wetland of grass that most people associate with airboats. However, slough hardly describes the Donivan Slough that I saw during my 2015 visit, for everything was perfectly dry other than what looked like a standard creek. This may be because the forest has filled in much of the area over the centuries, although a sign along the trail states that the water levels fluctuate and the area stays wet year-round…except when I visit. On my October 2021 trip on the Natchez Trace Parkway, the trail was closed due to a bridge being out.

Creek flowing through Donivan Slough

A .35-mile loop trail leads through the area. It is flat and easy to hike and should take you no longer than 15 minutes to complete. Standard nature trail signs point out the different trees along the path. However, much of the trail is out-of-date when compared to the signage. I believe one sign mentioned the 1970s, so that’s probably when the trail was cut. In many cases the signs discuss trees and other vegetation that no longer exist or have been surrounded by so many other trees that there’s no telling what the sign is referring to. Thus, as a learning tool the trail becomes insignificant, and as a hiking trail it is too short to be a source of serious exercise, plus it is completely uninteresting.

There is a picnic table Donivan Slough, but no grill.