Looking for a super simple hike with a big pay off? Then you’ve got to check out the Rocky Springs Trail. The short path leads straight to the ghost town of Rocky Springs. Even better, it’s located just off the Natchez Trace Parkway, so it’s incredibly easy to access. Take a look:

The town of Rocky Springs was first settled in the 1790s. It quickly flourished, and by 1860, it covered 25 square miles and was home to 2,616 people.

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Sadly, Rocky Springs’ good fortune didn’t last, and the town was completely deserted by 1930. Practically all that remains of the town today is a church and cemetery.

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To get to Rocky Springs, exit the Natchez Trace Parkway at milepost 54.8. A visitor center is located right off the exit and is a great place to begin your journey.

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Inside, you’ll find information on the former community. You’ll also find one of three bank safes that were left behind by residents of Rocky Springs.

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A short path leads the way through the now-vacant Rocky Springs.

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As you make your way along, you’ll come across the old Rocky Springs Methodist Church.

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The historic church, which was built in 1837, is the town’s only remaining structure. A marker provides some background on the church.

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Even though it’s privately owned, the church is open to visitors. So be sure to step inside and look around.

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A graveyard is situated behind the church.

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It serves as the final resting place for some of the town’s original settlers.

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Scattered about, the dated headstones are a grim reminder of the town that once was.

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A short loop trail sits across from the church. Follow it to see the only other remnants of Rocky Springs – a post office safe and a cistern.

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Rocky Springs is located at milepost 54.8 on the Natchez Trace. For more information, visit the National Park Service website.

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So, ever visited Rocky Springs? Know of another hidden cemetery? Tell us in the comments section.

This isn’t the only ghost town cemetery in Mississippi. Read about another here.

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