Work to walk on the Natchez Trails Project began in earnest six years ago.

Now, one of the most successful community-led projects will celebrate the culmination of its first phase.

The public is invited to a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday.

But most of the feet that stand at the trailhead for the ceremony will likely already be familiar with the new path.

The sidewalk along the bluff was completed more than a month ago, and it didn’t take long for walkers, runners, stroller-pushers and four-legged visitors to be drawn to it.

With a great view, a smooth path and even tidbits of Natchez history along the way, the Natchez Trails are the most significant improvement in Natchez-Adams County recreation in a decade.

The trails truly offer something residents and tourists can enjoy every day of the year.

The Natchez Community Alliance pushed the project forward starting in 2005, leading fundraising efforts and encouraging the community to recognize the benefit of creating nice sidewalks and trails throughout downtown.

It’s a wonderful example of what our city can do when the people lead the way.

So even if you can’t make the official ceremony Saturday, get out soon and enjoy the trails. They tie our community together literally and figuratively.