Trail down to Jackson Falls on the Natchez Trace Parkway
Located at Mile Post 404.7 on the Natchez Trace Parkway, Jackson Falls is a five-minute walk along a slightly steep, paved path. Unless you have mobility issues or severe back or knee problems, you should not have any trouble making it to the bottom. There are some stairs with a railing that you can use to help yourself up and down the trail.
From the parking lot, if facing the valley, look for a paved trail on your right. A little ways down the trail forks—follow the sign to the “Waterfall.” Heading in the direction of the “Trail” takes you to an overlook of the Duck River, which I did not hike due to confusing it with a hike to the Baker Bluff Overlook, which I did do. It’s a pretty pointless hike, but if you want some exercise, be sure to read the Baker Bluff – Jackson Falls Trail review here on National Park Planner.
The hike to Jackson Falls on the Natchez Trace Parkway is along the paved path
On the way to the falls you will pass a few small cascades of water that gently flow down the cliffs that skirt the trail. It was below freezing on the November day of my visit, and this water froze to form beautiful icicles.
Icicles formed on the cliffs near Jackson Falls on a cold, November day along the Natchez Trace Parkway
The paved trail does not go all the way to the very bottom of the waterfall, so if you want to get to the lower pool that forms at the base, you must hike off the paved path. Hiking poles will definitely be welcome on this section, but not entirely necessary. For those photographers familiar with how to photograph a waterfall using a slow shutter speed, but like me find themselves without a tripod, there is a pile of rocks that you can rest your camera on. Allow up to a half hour for the visit. The hike alone will take about ten minutes round trip, which gives you twenty minutes to see and photograph the falls.
Lower section of Jackson Falls on the Natchez Trace Parkway
The Jackson Falls stop also features a restroom, two picnic tables with grills, and a third picnic table located under a pavilion attached to the restroom building. All of these amenities are situated near the parking area, not at the bottom of the waterfall.
Picnic tables at the Jackson Falls stop on the Natchez Trace Parkway
Pavilion with a picnic table at Jackson Falls on the Natchez Trace Parkway
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Last updated on April 18, 2024
