Newsom, Mississippi - Grand Canyon of Mississippi

Red Bluff is called "The Grand Canyon of Mississippi". This natural canyon is formed by the erosion of millions of years accumulation of river and airborne dirt. It is over 150 feet deep, 1/2 mile wide and nearly a mile long. It gets larger with every rainstorm. The most striking feature of this wonder is the huge variety of colors in the soils. The large trees at the bottom did not grow there but slid downslope as the canyon walls eroded.

The state had to relocate MS Hwy. 587 several times, finally moving the road about 1/4 of a mile back. The original road is now closed to through traffic and is used at both ends for parking. Red Bluff Park is clearly marked. A short walk from the parking area brings you to the precipice. Rugged trails wind down to the bottom on both the north and south ends of the canyon. Some people climb the cliffs and carve their initials in the soft cliff face. [Tophat Arte, 06/26/2008]