Coming Together for the Trails of Natchez Trace

Natchez Trace State Park, TN 2025 Volunteer Vacation

This year’s Volunteer Vacation at Natchez Trace State Park brought together 16 volunteers who spent the week learning new skills, giving back, and exploring one of Tennessee’s most peaceful forest landscapes. Each morning, the crew headed toward Cub Creek Lake, a 58-acre CCC-built lake, to work on rerouting a section of the Red Leaves Backpacking Trail. With guidance from park rangers, volunteers practiced sustainable trail design and built confidence using tools like Pulaskis and McLeods on short hikes to the work site.

Throughout the week, the crew noted how meaningful it felt to better understand the inner workings of a state park. As one volunteer shared, “We love these trips…the people we meet, the scenery. We especially enjoy seeing behind the scenes of how parks operate, how they are maintained, their goals, and learning from the rangers.” That curiosity and appreciation helped guide the tone of the week, with volunteers asking questions, learning from staff, and growing their understanding of what goes into caring for public lands.

Outside of trail work, volunteers took advantage of everything the park had to offer. Some explored forest loops and lakeside trails, while others enjoyed the museum, relaxed at picnic areas, or paddled the lake using fishing boats, kayaks, and pedal boats. A group hike quickly became a favorite shared activity as people got to know one another.

Another volunteer reflected, “Always amazed how strangers from all over come together with ease and enthusiasm to complete beautiful projects.” That sentiment rang true as the week progressed. Volunteer Vacations bring together people from across the country and sometimes beyond who might never have crossed paths otherwise. Yet with a shared purpose and a willingness to pitch in, the group quickly formed a supportive and fun community.

By the end of the week, volunteers spoke about how meaningful it felt to spend time with others who care deeply about the outdoors. New friendships formed naturally, skills were strengthened, and the crew left knowing they had improved a section of trail that will serve hikers for years to come.

A memorable week of stewardship, connection, and shared purpose at Natchez Trace State Park.

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