Beginning in March, countries have been put on lockdowns, allowing for very few visitors, so traveling out of the country is not an option for someone planning an extravagant Christmas vacation. Traveling in-state or just around the edges is the best option if you just can’t bear to stay at home. Mississippi offers tons of hidden gems that anyone would enjoy, and that could be packed into a short weekend or day trip. The Natchez Trace has a plethora of historical places to see and nature to explore.

     The Natchez Trace has lots of historical spots where you can hike or walk around. According to the Natchez Trace website, some of the coolest spots are just a short drive away, and it may be something you have never seen before.

     “I walk my dog everyday on the Natchez Trace,” SA Junior Kaitlin Wade said. “It is so beautiful on the Natchez Trace, and I live right next to it.” Wade says. “I almost never get sick of the atmosphere. 

     On milepost 15.5 sits Mount Locust. Mount Locust is one of the stands left from the frontier days, dating all the way back to the 1800’s. Mount Locust is one of the most significant historical sites in the South. And while you are there, you can stop for a quick break and a refreshment. 

     Next, on milepost 41.5, is the Sunken Trace. The Sunken Trace is one of the most photographed sites in the park. The trace is lowered in here and it is due to the early travelers walking on the eroded soil. In this spot, you can walk the exact trail just as many have all the way back to the 1800’s. 

     On Milepost 106.9, is a place called Boyd Site. Boyd Site was built during the late Woodland/ early Mississippian period (between 800 and 1100 AD) Boyd site is now home to one of the 20 interpretive Native American sites on the parkway.

     And finally, for the ghost hunters of Mississippi, on milepost 233.2, is a spot called Witch Dance. The elderly people would say that witches would gather there to dance, and wherever they placed their feet, the grass would wilt and die, and never grow again. While you’re there, check to see if you can find any bald spots in the grass.

     Just around the Mississippi area on the Natchez Trace are lots of historical and cool sites to visit with your family for a vacation. Pre-covid, you may have never even thought to look in a place as well known as the Trace for a new adventure.