Trail Review: Natchez Trace Parkway, Baker Bluff Overlook to Jackson Falls

While we were enjoying the view from the Baker Bluff Overlook, we noticed a sign at the southern edge of the parking lot that said there was a ⅓ mile trail in that direction, which seemed perfect for us, so we started walking.

The trail led along a ridge with a pretty steep drop off and a lot of ups and downs and tree roots to navigate. You could see the river and some fields and houses far down below, and it was beautiful. The trail is maybe a little bit scary with little ones, but our kids were fine and had fun climbing around the trees.

This trail ended at a big pavilion with locked bathrooms. There were port-a-potties all along the Trace at various stops, so this was disappointing. The area had a big parking lot and clearly this is a popular stop at other times of year.

The sign posted there said it was a ⅓ mile hike to Baker Bluff and a “steep trail 900 feet long” to get to Jackson Falls. While the trail from Baker Bluff to here was difficult terrain, the steep trail down to the falls would be navigable by stroller. It’s steep, yes, but it’s also wide and paved. There are railings, but they are the kind with wide gaps, so enterprising kids could easily slip through them and there’s a very steep drop off at the beginning of the trail.

There are about 15-20 steps that you would have to carry the stroller down, but I assure you it is worth it.

If you stop anywhere along the Natchez Trace Parkway, make it Jackson Falls.

You can hear the falls long before you see them. You approach them from above and you can walk down the river bank and get views of Jackson Falls from below where you can see the entire length.