Madison Mississippi

The Natchez Trace Multi-use Trail, also officially known as the Chisha Foka Multi-use Trail, is a 10 mile trail used for walking, running, and biking. It meanders along the Natchez Trace Parkway beginning at mile marker 105, where it overlooks the Ross Barnett Reservoir. The trail ends at mile marker 95 next to a small clearing. Surrounding the trail are forests. Some points of interest along the way include:

Reservoir Overlook Point which contains a small parking circle and is a jumping off point for area residents to join with their pontoon-boating friends.

The Yacht Club and a marina offer a gathering place for area boat enthusiasts.

The Mississippi Crafts Center hosts art work and artisan craftsmanship from local artists.

“Old Town” Ridgeland is along Jackson Street and borders quiet neighborhoods and quaint shops and boutiques.

Just outside the city limits of Madison, Mississippi you come to a place where you can see the history of the world in a different light. By taking a relaxing stroll on the shady even trails among the ancient trees through the Mississippi Petrified Forest, guests enjoy the many points of interest along the self-guided six block nature trail.

At the end of the walk on the trail, guests encounter the Earth Science Museum. There you can browse the fascinating exhibits that include a wonderful collection of fossils, petrified wood and minerals from around the world. Beautiful pieces of petrified wood can be purchased in the gift shop as a remembrance of a journey through time. A tranquil picnic area is offered as a place to relax and enjoy a lunch or afternoon snack. Also available is the "Gem Fluming" area for searching for stones that can add to a gem and mineral collection.

The Mississippi Petrified Forest offers a wooded campground that has full hookup campsites with 20, 30 and 50 AMP electric service, water and sewer. Primitive campsites are also available. The use of the campsites also include use of the picnic area, restroom and shower facility.

As guests walk along the Nature Trail, they can pause to read the Trail Guide at each point of interest. Each trail guide builds on the story of the Mississippi Petrified Forest. The natural beauty surrounding the Trail and the soothing sounds of nature, transport you to an ancient time when the forests were developing. Huge petrified logs lie next to the trail within touching distance. The rugged roughness of stone beneath your fingers reminds you of what was once living bark and wood.

The most photographed log is the "Caveman's Bench," which lies right on the Forest Trail where the eroding sands deposited it. It is huge and serves as a favorite spot for taking pictures. Beside the "Bench" a large number of log sections can be seen embedded in the old piece of canyon wall.

Mississippi Petrified Forest
124 Forest Park Road
P.O. Box 37, Flora, MS 39071

CONTACT

601-879-8189

info@mspetrifiedforest.com

Open year round

(except Thanksgiving & December 24, 25, 26)
 

Summer hours April 1 to Labor Day

Sunday - Saturday 9am - 6pm
Winter hours Labor Day to April 1

Sunday - Saturday 9am - 5pm

The Madison-Ridgeland Bike Trail provides a Multi-Use Path for (for bicycles, walkers, joggers, and roller-bladers) along the Natchez Trace Parkway. This separate trail keeps bikers and pedestrians safe while still allowing them to travel the same route as the major parkway.

The Madison-Ridgeland Bike Trail is part of the greater Natchez Trace Parkway bicycle route that spans 444 miles between Natchez, Mississippi and Nashville, Tennessee.

The Bike Trail provides a safe place for enthusiasts to enjoy this national road. All Commercial traffic is prohibited, and the maximum speed limit fifty miles per hour. There are no stop signs or stop lights, and all access on and off the Trace uses ramps which eliminates the worry of crossing traffic. The scenery is incredible since the Trail is lined with forests, farmland, creeks and beautiful vistas. Numerous side trails take you past Antebellum and Victorian homes, sunken roads, civil war battlefields and southern towns.