Start of the Rock Spring Trail on the Natchez Trace Parkway

Length: .6-mile loop
Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy with a slight uphill climb

Begin your journey on the Natchez Trace Parkway’s Rock Spring Nature Trail by hiking from the parking lot along a gravel path. In .1 mile you will come to Colbert Creek where you will cross via a set of stepping stones. If it has been raining, there are plenty of places along the trail that can get very muddy, so wear hiking boots if possible.

Stepping stones over Colbert Creek on the Rock Spring Trail

Once you cross the creek the trail splits, for this is the start of the loop. You can go either way, but for the record I took a left and followed along Colbert Creek.

Colbert Creek at the start of the loop on the Rock Spring Trail

The sign at the start of the trail hints that you might spot a beaver, and there is indeed a some sort of natural dam across the creek that has created a small pond. This, of course, got my hopes up, for the beaver is one of the few large animals in North America that has eluded me my entire life. Unfortunately, I failed to spot any, so they remain on my list of animals I hope to see one day.

Beaver dam on Colbert Creek seen from the Rock Spring Trail

Along the way are information signs that describe Colbert Creek’s role in nature and the effects that the dams have on the environment.

Informational signage along the Rock Spring Trail on the Natchez Trace Parkway

The walk along the creek is very short, and the trail soon veers off to the right and works its way up a small hill and into the forest. Once the trail levels out you will find yourself circling back along a high ridge that now overlooks the creek and the trail below. Unfortunately, trees block much of the view and you never really get a good look. Eventually you will find yourself back at the stepping stones. Cross over Colbert Creek and head to your car.

Rock Spring Trail returns along a ridge above Colbert Creek

The entire trip is about .6 mile and shouldn’t take more than a half hour. While not completely flat, the trail is easy to hike and has a smooth surface free of rocks and roots that you could trip over. There are no tricky intersections or unmarked spur trails. Of the many trails along the Natchez Trace Parkway, this is one of the few that is worth your time and effort. You will have the opportunity to take some nice photos, plus there’s always the chance of spotting the elusive beavers.

There is one picnic table located near the parking area, but no grill.

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