Fall Foliage at its Finest with Tennessee Comfort at Natchez Trace State Park, TN (Family Friendly)

Join American Hiking Society for a week of building & maintaining trails in exciting locations across the country. Volunteer Vacations foster public land stewardship and provide volunteers the opportunity to give back to the trails they love, meet new people, and have a great time doing it! Crews consist of 6-15 volunteers accompanied by a crew leader. Volunteer Vacations involve backpacking or day hiking and accommodations vary from primitive campsites to bunkhouses or cabins. Tools and supervision are provided by the host agency or organization. Experience nature up close. Travel to new destinations. Meet other outdoor enthusiasts. Take a vacation that nourishes your body & your spirit. Get Out. Give Back.

Project Specifics:

Natchez Trace State Park and Forest contains 48,000 heavily forested acres of hardwood and pine, with many lakes and abundant wildlife including turkey, deer, squirrels and many bird species. While staying in the group lodge, volunteers will work near the picturesque Cub Creek Lake, a 58 acre lake built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in 1938.

Volunteers will focus on re-routing a section of the 40 mile Red Leaves Backpacking Trail. Volunteers will learn about sustainable trail design, trail maintenance, and hone their trail building skills utilizing various tools including Pulaskis and Mcleods. Trail building each day will be moderate with hikes of less than one mile to the work site.

When finished for the day and on the day off volunteers can enjoy the park’s hiking trails ranging from a one-half mile up to 4.5 miles, and even a section of the 40 mile overnight trail. The trails wind through the forest and fields and along the lakeshores and streams of Natchez Park. Volunteers can also enjoy the museum that features local and park history, picnic facilities, boating and the park’s restaurant.

Volunteers will have access to the park’s fishing boats, kayaks, and pedal boats for afternoon relaxation.

Hiking/Access

Trail access is on both paved and unpaved roads. Volunteers will need to drive or carpool to the project site.

Area and Attractions

Natchez Trace State Park and Forest contains 48,000 heavily forested acres of hardwood and pine, with many lakes and abundant wildlife including turkey, deer, squirrels and many bird species. Volunteers will be working near the picturesque Cub Creek Lake, a 58 acre lake built by the Civilian Conservation Corp in 1938. The park has 13.5 miles of hiking trails, ranging from a one-half mile up to 4.5 miles, and a 40 mile overnight trail (where volunteers will be working). The trails wind through the forest and fields and along the lake shores and streams of Natchez Park. Visit Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum in Jackson, about an hour drive, featuring the former home of Jones, a museum, country store and shopping venue or drive 1.5 hours to see Nashville, the capital of Tennessee.

Accommodations Description

Volunteers will stay in the group lodge which consists of five separate cottages, four of which sleep 10 each and one which will accommodate eight, each with a full kitchen, two full baths, dining room, living room, and deck with a picnic table. All sleeping arrangements are bunk beds. Volunteers need to bring their own sheets, bedding or sleeping bag; towels; and personal cup, bowl, mug, and eating utensils.

Trip Cost: $425 per person

Find More Information & Register Here: https://americanhiking.org/volunteer-vacation-trip/natchez-trace-state-park-tn-volunteer-vacations-2025/