CCC Camp Trail Loop

The CCC Camp Trail is a 4 mile loop located within Tishomingo State Park, located alone the Natchez Trace Parkway near Tishomingo, MS. that features massive rock formations and fern-filled crevices found nowhere else in Mississippi. The trail is rated as moderate and is primarily used for hiking. This trail leaves the Pioneer Cabin area, following along rocky outcrops, crossing numerous springs and streams. The nature trail parallels the park road, and provides a perfect opportunity to view areas of ferns, wildflowers, outcroppings and wildlife. There is a place to get a cool drink from a natural spring along a spur trail that leads to the left. The main trail continues along and crosses a gravel road, which was the original entrance to the park. Past the gravel road is the site of the old CCC camp. This is where the CCC men lived while the park was being built. The roads and majority of the park buildings were built by the CCC. Along this trail the building foundations of the historic camp can still be seen. The trail continues past this area and divides as it enters some large rocks. The upper trail travels above the rocks ending below Pavilion #1, while the original path follows along below the rocks. The lower trail works its way towards the banks of Bear Creek travelling down approximately 98 stone steps. This area is known as Horseshoe Bend due to the shape of the creek. Rock cliffs are located on the other side of the trail from the creek. Above these rocks are the family cabins. The trail continues around and ends at the Swinging Bridge area where the Bear Creek Trail begins and follows Bear Creek back to the Parking lot near the Pioneer Cabin. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Tishomingo State Park is steeped in history and scenic beauty. Archaeological excavations confirm the presence of Paleo Indians in the area now encompassed by the park as early as 7000 B.C.; the park takes its name from the leader of the Chickasaw nation, Chief Tishomingo. The famous Natchez Trace Parkway, the premier highway of the early 1800s and a modern scenic parkway, runs directly through the park. Today's visitors to Tishomingo State Park discover the same timeless natural beauty that enchanted the Indians centuries ago. Tishomingo offers a unique landscape of massive rock formations and fern-filled crevices found nowhere else in Mississippi. Massive boulders blanketed in moss dot the hillsides, and colorful wildflowers border trails once walked by Native Americans.