Fall Foliage at its Finest with Tennessee Comfort at Natchez Trace State Park- Returning Favorite

Fall Foliage at its Finest with Tennessee Comfort! 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 do general trail maintenance on the Pin Oak 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.

There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.

Avg. Temperature:

Typical weather for this area during this season has highs of about 65-72°F and lows of 51-44°F. Early-November in western Tennessee is comfortable fall weather, perfect for outdoor activities, with layers recommended as temperatures fluctuate.

Sample Schedule:

Day 1: Arrival

Typically meet in the afternoon for check in, introductions, orientation, and camp setup. (Time/place TBD)

Day 2: Work Day

Enjoy a hearty breakfast, pack lunches, and be on the trail between 8 AM and 9 AM

Lunch and plenty of other breaks will be included.

Wrap up the work day in the late afternoon and head back to camp and enjoy a few hours of daylight for free time.

Reconvene at a chosen time for dinner.

After dinner has been cleaned up, evenings offer plenty of  time to relax, sit around the campfire and get to know your fellow crew members, or enjoy more free time.

Day 3: Work Day

Day 4: Rest Day (Specific Day on Trip Will Be Confirmed By Host)

Your choice! Explore the area, take a recreational hike,  tour local attractions, or hang out at camp. Group excursions can be planned or set-out on your own.

Day 5: Work Day

Day 6: Work Day

Day 7: Departure

Pack up and clean up, celebrate your accomplishments, wish each other a fond farewell, and depart. Please note: This schedule is subject to change due to weather or other circumstances. Any updates will be communicated to the group.

Land Acknowledgment:

AHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Tsalaguwetiyi (Cherokee, East), Shawandasse Tula (Shawanwaki/Shawnee), Chikashsha I̠yaakni’ (Chickasaw), and S’atsoyaha (Yuchi) peoples, past and present. We honor the land, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded it for generations, and those who continue this stewardship today. This land acknowledgement is a first step in our commitment to uplift Indigenous voices, and we invite the American Hiking Society community to continue learning about and supporting the Indigenous peoples whose lands we live, work, and recreate on.