Yockanookany River

"A site along the Natchez Trace Parkway that is half way between the cities of Jackson and Kosciusko in Mississippi is known as the Yockanookany Picnic Area.

"As we journey on up the Natchez Trace we will be crossing several streams: Nine Mile Creek, Bain Creek, Myrick Creek, Blatlock Creek, Hurricane Creek, Bird Creek. They all drain into the Yockanookany River that flows south and joins the Pearl River near this picnic area.

"These creeks were mileposts to early travelers that marked their progress up the old road. We hardly notice them when we drive the Trace today, but to the Kaintucks and Boatmen on their journey home, these creeks were obstacles to be waded and swum, they were also their source of water and food.

"For some 60 miles of their journey early travelers paralleled the Yockanookany River which lay to their east as they followed the ancient trail of the migrating buffaloes and the Indian hunters.

"So, if during your northbound journey along the Natchez Trace you should happen to stop at the Yockanookany Picnic Area and rest among the Southern Pine trees, think about the early travelers there, who would soon set foot into the bottom lands of the Yockanookany River.

"Join us on our next program when we'll cross Robinson Road. I'm Frank Thomas, your guide along the Natchez Trace, a road through the wilderness."

For more about Natchez Trace: A Road Through the Wilderness, visit eddieandfrank.com