LeFlore Trail / Malmaison WMA

Hike Name: LeFlore Trail / Malmaison WMA Location: north MS Length: 2 Submitted by: Lawrence Kerr Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more Mississippi trail reviews Mississippi national parks Mississippi state parks
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Description
The refuge covers a large area of land south of Holcomb, MS. I have visited this trail several times. The first time I found it to be in poor shape, but I recently revisited it and it seems to have improved though it is still not very well marked. The trailhead is located at the division of two major geologic areas: the Mississippi River Delta and the Loess Bluffs. The delta is a flat alluvial flood plain while the bluffs are hilly. You can usually find maps and other literature at the trailhead (Beware of wasps). At one point there was a place for you to sign in. If the register is there then do it. The Greenwood Garden Club that maintains the trail would like to know you were there. All of the land you are on was once owned by the LeFlore family in the 1800’s. Greenwood LeFlore was the last of the Choctaw chiefs prior to the tribe and others in the southeast being forced to move to Oklahoma by the government in the early 1800’s. Leflore was granted a large tract of land by the government for convincing his brethren to leave. Greenwood owned a lavish mansion called Malmaison in Carroll County. It burned in the 1940’s, but its remains can still be visited. It is worth a side trip and a little bushwhacking if you go to the community of Teoc and ask around. Teoc is a few miles to the south of the refuge. Back to the trail. Greenwood’s brother, Jackson (named after you know who) kept a plantation on the very land you are about to explore. The remains of his house are here as is a cemetery with graves from that era. Please treat these historic places with respect as you admire them and the surrounding natural area. One of the graves is that of a slave who belonged to LeFlore. The last name is the same as that of the owner. It is interesting that in addition to being treated as chattel slaves were also thought of as part of the family. You will also find what is left of Jackson’s home. It is just a pile of rubble but is said to have once been the center of a large plantation. At the base of the bluff you are standing on was once the site of a saloon. The trail also branches off and passes by a huge grove of pecan trees.

Camping is allowed at designated sites in the refuge, but I think there is a fee.

Directions to Hike
From I-55 take highway 8 West to Holcomb. Then take Highway 7 south almost to the town of Avalon where there is a sign. The trailhead is across the gravel road from the large metal building.

Contact Information
Malmaison WMA Manager
628 Malmaison Headquarters Road
Holcomb, MS 38490
601-453-5409
or
Greenwood Garden Club
c/o Mrs. Mary Deaton
807 Robert E. Lee Drive
Greenwood, MS 38930

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