This Underrated Mississippi City Is Overflowing With Scenic Trails And Southern Flavor

Tucked away deeply within the central confines of the state of Mississippi, you find yourself surrounded by old floodplain forests, marshes, and low-lying flowered plains that the Magnolia State is known for. The Choctaw indigenous people called this area home, being the most numerous of the groups in the region, and used the historically crucial Natchez Trace corridor for millenniums for trade and connection between communities. It is along that old corridor that you encounter the alluring, yet under-the-radar city of Kosciusko, pronounced "Kah-zee-ESS-ko," named after a hero of the American Revolutionary War, the Polish General Tadeusz Kosciuszko.

Kosciusko's character can be defined by its rich tapestry which is woven by its historical significance as a key stopping point of the old southwestern American frontier, its abundant natural wealth, and Southern cultural fabric. American history is deeply enshrined around its national scenic trails, long predating even the earliest European settlers, and the Natchez Trail Parkway is a highlight of your visit to Kosciusko. Stretching for 444 miles across multiple states, you can follow it through guided tours found in the city, and explore the surrounding abundant trails, or admire its pristine nature from the comfort of your car as far as the eye can see along the Natchez Trail Parkway.

Originally named Redbud Springs after the local tributaries, Kosciusko's scenic downtown is deserving of a thorough exploration to admire its local heritage buildings. Ranging from the impressive Attala County Courthouse, to Choate's Stand, named after David Choate, a founding member of the community who opened a supply stop and inn along this precious lifeline on the American Frontier, this city, which came to be known as "The Beehive of the Hills" for its burgeoning commercial activity, will fill your bowl with historical sightseeing and Southern hospitality.

Spanning across three states, it would take you about 11 hours to drive through the Natchez Trace Parkway, but that would completely negate your visit to Kosciusko, so one can content oneself with exploring the countless local picturesque trails. Managed by local volunteers, the Kosciusko Information Center is a perfect starting point for your outdoor adventure, located on the Natchez Trace Parkway milepost 160. Its humble building offers washrooms, a few picnic tables and maps of the locale to get your bearings. They are open from 9 a.m to 5 p.m, seven days a week, and even offer a surprisingly lifelike wax statue of General Tadeusz Kosciuszko displayed behind a glass case. 

It may not be America's official oldest long-distance hiking trail, but this travel corridor has been used for over 10,000 years for trade and communication . The Kosciusko area of the Natchez Trace is but a fragment of the Natchez Trace Parkway, which is the country's only National Parkway that commemorates the ancient travel route. From the information center, you may choose the trail of your liking, whether it is to head northwards to Hurricane Creek for a leisurely walk of approximately 4.5 miles, or head deeper into the ancient path under the canopy of pine and maple. 

The Natchez Trace heading south towards Myrick Creek offers a serene loop trail that will immerse you deeply within the local flora and fauna, stretching for about 15 miles. Keep your eyes peeled, as you may spot a famous native resident that thrives in the area: the beaver. You will witness abundant proof of the animal's naturally engineered ecosystem, with felled trees, dams, and swelling creeks, all while filling your lungs with fresh Mississippi forest air.

It is high time to head into town and let your senses savor both the architecture and cuisine that this city in the heart of the state has to offer. The Natchez Trace turns into a street crossing through Kosciusko's city core, and a visit to the Attala County Courthouse is an excellent point zero to start from. Rising proudly on 100-198 North Madison Street, this beautifully preserved landmark was built in 1897 in the Classical Revival Style. Take in the sights of the surrounding square, and see if you can spot sculptures of beehives paying homage to the city's unofficial nickname, "The Beehive of the Hills."

No visit to any city in the Magnolia State would be complete without sampling some of the local cuisine, and Jason's Southern Table stands out to live up to your expectations of Southern hospitality. With its signature quality service and a rating of 4.5 stars with over a 140 reviews at the time of writing, the general consensus seems to highlight their steaks, with one Google reviewer claiming them to be "the best in Mississippi". Honey's Place, located on the western side across the Attala Courthouse, boasts a near perfect rating of 4.9 stars at the time of writing for its incredible service and delicious sandwiches.

Kosciusko may not be titleholder of the "Cultural Mecca of the South" like its northern neighbor, but it exemplifies how much rural Mississippi has to offer. It is a wonder that you can leave the busy streets of Jackson, Mississippi's capital, and reach it in just over an hour along the well mentioned Natchez Trace Parkway. Summon your inner pioneer, lace up your hiking boots, and fly under the radar for some authentic Southern country adventure.