According to this awesome book entitled Hiking Waterfalls - Tennessee - A Guide to the State's Best Waterfall Hikes, the Natchez Trace has two of the closest waterfalls to the West Tennessee area. Yes, you still have to make a bit of a drive, but the topography in this region of the state doesn't exactly gift us with waterfalls.
Back in December I attempted to leave Memphis going east on Highway 64 in order that I may hit the Natchez Trace Parkway. I was determined to check out a few of the sites, but due to my late departure it was already dark. My stroll down the Trace was a little too quick for me to even be able to appreciate the beauty and history behind the Tennessee side of it.
This past weekend, as I was dropping my friend Kent off in the Smyrna area, I decided to see if I could get on the Trace and practice my picture taking skills. I am still just in the beginner phase with my Canon EOS Rebel T7, and I really wanted to see how I could do with some waterfalls.
As you may or may not know the Natchez Trace is 444 miles long. Between miles 391.9 and 404.7, you get two light but very unique waterfalls that you can view without very little work required. That's a bit of a relief compared to some of the hikes you may have to take in TN to get to an awesome waterfall.I'll start with that one at mile marker 404.7, named after a former POTUS, who resided in TN. Perhaps one reason it was named after him was because he used the Natchez Trace while on his way to defeat the British at a pretty significant battle in 1812. Oh yeah, it's called the War of 1812. Yes, you guessed Mr. or Miss History Buff - we are talking abut Andrew Jackson.
When you pull over to the parking area for Jackson Falls, you will see a sign that will lead you two directions. If you want to see a beautiful overlook known as Baker Bluff, you will go 1/3 mile to the left. However, to see Jackson Falls you will encounter a steep (I would say somewhat steep, depending on footwear), 900 foot trail that will lead you to the base of these falls that are formed when Jackson Branch reaches a bluff above the Duck River and tumbles down into two very cool stages.
Like I mentioned earlier, when I arrived in December at Jackson Falls, my timing did not work so well. I had arrived sometime after 5 that Saturday afternoon, and could barely see much of anything but the lights of the parking area once I walked back to the car. I was so pumped that I was getting to see this waterfall after a week of downpours. It was definitely rewarding to see Jackson Falls the 2nd time around, especially considering it was daytime and sunny, though a mere 37 degrees.
My Tennessee Waterfall Hiking guide gives Jackson Falls a rating of 3/5. The first go around I would have agreed with that. This time I had give it a 4, maybe even a 4.5. First of all, I had plenty time to admire it from different angles. Secondly, a week of downpours added a little more to the flow. Lastly, there were blue skies, and some sunshine to add to the fullness of this waterfall. Lighting is huge in photography, even if I don't know how to use it very well just yet.
So, next time you are heading toward the Nashville area, or coming back from there, take a little detour. Go see Jackson Falls. Go drive the Natchez Trace. I will give you an account of Fall Hollow Falls later, but enjoy this Jackson Falls piece for now. Remember, it is at milepost 404.7, west of Columbia. I believe they used to make those Saturns there at one time.
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