Jackson Falls - Natchez Trace - Tennessee
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
This waterfall, named after President Andrew Jackson, draws visitors from all over. It is one of the most noticeable spots on the Natchez Trace and is known for its beauty. It's not a large waterfall but it's sculpted into a rock formation. It is located near Williamsport, Tennessee. One can visit the falls by accessing the Trace from Highway 50 East and travel four miles south from there.
Images
A view of Jackson Falls, Tennessee. Photo: National Park Planner - Jackson Falls, Natchez Trace.
Frontal view - Jackson Falls, Tennessee. Photo: National Park Planner - Jackson Falls, Natchez Trace.
Backstory and Context
Text-to-speech Audio
According to legend, Andrew Jackson visited the area when travelling along the Natchez Trace in the early 1800s.
The United States Park Service described it this way: A steep trail (concrete sidewalk) 900 feet long takes you to a clear pool at the base of these falls. This trail descends to Jackson Falls, a beautifully sculptured cascade that seems ageless but it isn't. For thousands of years before the falls existed Jackson Branch flowed into this high valley isolated from the Duck River below. Then in a classic case of stream piracy, the Duck River captured Jackson Branch. The flooding river and other erosional agents wore away at the bluffs, cutting a new channel through faults in the rock. At the site of Jackson Falls, the diverted stream slips down into the Duck River Valley abandoning its former course.
A steep trail (concrete sidewalk) 900 feet long takes you to a clear pool at the base of these falls. This trail descends to Jackson Falls a beautifully sculptured cascade that seems ageless but it isn't. For thousands of years before the falls existed Jackson Branch flowed into this high valley isolated from the Duck River below. Then in a classic case of stream piracy, the Duck River captured Jackson Branch. The flooding river and other erosional agents wore away at the bluffs, cutting a new channel through faults in the rock. At the site of Jackson Falls, the diverted stream slips down into the Duck River Valley abandoning its former course.
There are steps with railings to help people up and down the paved path. It is a fairly easy walk to the falls unless one has severe knee or back problems. To go to the very bottom of the falls where the lower pool forms, one needs to get off the trail and descend from there. Using hiking poles are a good idea but is not necessary.
The Jackson Falls is a great place for photographers. Those using slow shutter speeds without a tripod will be able to get a stable area to put their cameras on a pile of rocks.
Located at milepost 404.7, there is a picnic area, a large parking lot and bathroom facilities in addition to Jackson Falls and the trail.
Sources
1. Jackson Falls - Natchez Trace. NatchezTraceTravel.com. Accessed July 05, 2018. https://www.natcheztracetravel.com/natchez-trace-tennessee/columnbia-centerville-tn/85-jackson-falls....
2. Natchez Trace Parkway | Jackson Falls (MP 404.7). (No publication date given). National Park Planner - Natchez Trace Parkway, Jackson Falls. Accessed August 03, 2018. http://npplan.com/national-historic-trails/natchez-trace-parkway-park-at-a-glance/natchez-trace-park....
3. Pruett, M.B. (no publication date given) Jackson Falls. Visit Hickman County Tennessee.com. Accessed August 03, 2018. http://visithickmancounty.com/jackson-falls/.