Upper Choctaw Boundary stop on the Natchez Trace Parkway
The Upper Choctaw Boundary stop on the Natchez Trace Parkway marks the northern boundary of the Choctaw Indian Nation after the 1820 Treaty of Doak’s Stand. The treaty was named after William Doak, who had been operating a stand (aka inn) within the Nation since 1812. An interpretive panel gives information on the treaty. In addition, there is an information panel with an audio commentary (broken when I visited) about the forced removal of the Choctaw Indians in the early 1830s.
If you feel like stretching your legs, the Southern Pines Trail is a short nature trail that focuses on southern pine trees. It is a flat and easy .2-mile trail that takes about 5-10 minutes to hike, which includes reading the information signs along the way. You can pick up some good information on pine trees. If you aren’t going to read the half dozen or so signs, then there isn’t much point in walking the trail.
Start of the Southern Pines Trail on the Natchez Trace Parkway
Typical terrain of the Southern Pines Nature Trail
The Upper Choctaw Boundary stop is also a parking area for the Yockanookany segment of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail. Walk around to the left of the stop identification sign and follow the tree line along a large field until you reach the trailhead. Unfortunately, this trail is no longer maintained from here to Highway 43, which makes up 16 of the trail’s 25 miles. The National Park Service has even posted a Proceed At Your Own Risk sign at the trailhead.
Trailhead for the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail at the Upper Choctaw Boundary
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Last updated on December 7, 2021
