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Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail

National Scenic Trail · Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee

Potkopinu Section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail
The Potkopinu section, between milepost 17 and 20, follows the historic Old Trace. The "sunken" nature of the trail is due to the footsteps of thousands of travelers between the 1780s and 1820s in the soft loess soil. Photo: NPS Photo

Hours

See this week's hours below.

Entrance fee
The Park Service lists no entrance fee for this site.
Phone
662-680-4027
Address
2680 Natchez Trace Parkway, Tupelo, MS 38804
DirectionsOfficial park page ↗

About Natchez Trace

The Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail is five sections of hiking trail running roughly parallel to the 444-mile long Natchez Trace Parkway scenic motor road. The foot trails total more than 60 miles and offer opportunities to explore wetlands, swamps, hardwood forest, and the history of the area.

Hours

Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail

The Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail is open every day during daylight hours. Severe weather resulting in washouts and downed trees can cause temporary trail closures. The trail is located entirely within the property boundaries of the Natchez Trace Parkway and questions about the trail and its condition should be directed to the Parkway's visitor center by calling 662-680-4027.

MondaySunrise to Sunset
TuesdaySunrise to Sunset
WednesdaySunrise to Sunset
ThursdaySunrise to Sunset
FridaySunrise to Sunset
SaturdaySunrise to Sunset
SundaySunrise to Sunset

Getting there

Directions to the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail vary greatly depending on what section you are trying to reach. For specific questions concerning how to get to a certain section or trail head of the National Scenic Trail, please call the Visitor Center at 662-680-4027.

Weather

Mississippi, Alabama, and most of Tennessee are classified as humid subtropical climates. The weather ranges from mild winters to hot summers. Average high temperatures reach into the high 80's in summer, and into the high 40's in winter. Thunderstorms are common in Mississippi, especially in the southern part of the state, and from June through November, the state is occasionally affected by hurricanes moving north from the Gulf of Mexico. Check local forecasts to plan your trip.

Things to do

Hiking, Horse Trekking, Horseback Riding.

Source: National Park Service data feed, checked September 24, 2026. Hours shown are the Park Service's posted standard hours plus any date changes it lists. Official page for Natchez Trace ↗