Enjoy a stroll in Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park while learning about the area’s rich natural and cultural history. We will pass the nation’s largest group of Native American mounds of the Middle Woodland period, view one of the only known occurrences of the endangered whorled sunflower (Helianthus verticillatus), and end overlooking the forested floodplain wetlands of the South Fork Forked Deer River. We will begin this walk at the entrance to the park’s Interpretive Center and will end at the Nature Trail via sections of the Inner Mounds Loop and the Passion Flower Trail. The guided portion of the walk will be approximately 1 mile (i.e., 2 miles round trip back to the Interpretive Center), but participants will be free to stay and continue exploring the park on their own once the guided walk ends. This walk involves a combination of paved pathways, unpaved trails, and boardwalk, and is considered low difficulty. Please wear sturdy footwear and sun protection, dress appropriately based on the local weather forecast, and bring water, snacks, and insect repellent if desired. Restrooms are located at the Interpretive Center.
Program Host: Claire Wainwright and Allan Trently
Contact Email: claire.wainwright@tn.gov, allan.trently@tn.gov
Contact Phone: 615-840-0696 (Claire), 731-571-9729 (Allan)
Meeting Place: Flagpole outside front entrance of the Interpretive Center/Museum/Park Office, Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park (35.498264, -88.682310). The park entrance is at 460 Ozier Rd and Pinson Mound Rd, Pinson, Tennessee 38366. From Jackson travel south approximately 10 mi. on US-45/S Highland Ave, turn left and travel approximately 2.6 mi. on TN-197 East/Ozier Rd, turn right at park entrance on Pinson Mound Rd and follow signs to parking lot and Interpretive Center.
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