Once in Natchez, there was but one practical way for “Kaintucks” to get home. According to French maps from the 1730's, the most direct route was a series of unmarked Indian footpaths heading towards the northeast. Originally created by Native Americans while foraging for bison, deer and other large game, the trails were dangerous and full of hazards including floods, swamps, disease carrying insects, thieves, and sometimes unfriendly Indians. Despite these inconveniences, travelers tramped the crude trails into a clearly marked wilderness road known as the Natchez Trace.