There are lots of natural wonders in Mississippi worth exploring when you have some free time. There’s also an abundance of hidden gems in Mississippi, too. The Loess Bluff qualifies as both. A testament to the incredible power of Mother Nature, the bluff was created back during the Ice Age! Worth adventuring through, it’s easily one of the most unique and best natural wonders in Mississippi.
The Loess Bluff is in Natchez, at milepost 12.4 on the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Google Brian Jacobs
Initially, you might not think it looks like much. However, your opinion will change once you learn its backstory.
Harald Padeborn/Google
In case you didn’t already guess, this bluff is comprised of loess.
Terry Addington/Google Pronounced low-ess, it is a sandy soil that was formed during the Ice Age, when glaciers covered the northern half of the U.S.
At the time, nearly-continuous dust storms swept in from the west, covering present-day Natchez as well as other areas, with windblown dust, creating a layer of sandy soil 30 to 90 feet deep.
loc.gov Originally, a vast region was covered. Today, all that remains is a three to 30-mile-wide strip east of the Mississippi River, spanning from Louisiana into Tennessee.
Loess is extremely soft, much like sand – and that’s why portions of the Old Trace appear to be “sunken.”
Vicki Runyan/Google When countless people, horses, and wagons traveled the Trace over time, the road sank deeper and deeper.
Today, the Loess Bluff stop on the Natchez Trace provides a great view of the ancient layer of soil.
nps.gov
In addition to admiring the bluff, you can also explore the surroundings.
Google Sherry Thomas Cooper Take note of the beach-like sand in the area, which serves as a reminder of the immense changes that have taken place over the centuries.
Google Brian Jacobs
Harald Padeborn/Google
Terry Addington/Google
Pronounced low-ess, it is a sandy soil that was formed during the Ice Age, when glaciers covered the northern half of the U.S.
loc.gov
Originally, a vast region was covered. Today, all that remains is a three to 30-mile-wide strip east of the Mississippi River, spanning from Louisiana into Tennessee.
Vicki Runyan/Google
When countless people, horses, and wagons traveled the Trace over time, the road sank deeper and deeper.
nps.gov
Google Sherry Thomas Cooper
Take note of the beach-like sand in the area, which serves as a reminder of the immense changes that have taken place over the centuries.
So, what do you think? Ready to seek out this lesser-known natural wonder? Remember, the Loess Bluff is located at milepost 12.4 on the Natchez Trace Parkway. So, did you know about this underrated natural wonder in Mississippi? Ever visited? If so, what’d you think? We want to know!
Looking for more natural wonders in Mississippi? Then you’re sure to love Mississippi’s Little Grand Canyon.
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Address: Loess Bluff, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Natchez, MS 39120, USA
