Totty Lane Parking Lot just off the Natchez Trace Parkway

Horesback riding is allowed on certain segments of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail, which while a separate entity from the Natchez Trace Parkway, is accessed by parking lots on or just off of the Parkway. See National Park Planner’s Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail web page for details on the trail itself.

The Witch Dance Horse Trail, which runs through Tombigbee National Forest, is also accessible from a Parkway parking lot.

For more information, see the National Park Service’s Horseback Riding web page for the Natchez Trace Parkway.

The following is a list of parking lots that can accommodate horse trailers. Some have detailed descriptions and photos. Parkway mileage marks are in parenthesis.

Rocky Springs Segment (MP 52.4 – 59)

Fisher Ferry Road Parking Lot (59)

The trail is closed to horseback ridging north of the campground at MP 55. Riders can still travel south to Owens Creek Waterfall, a 2.5-mile stretch of trail.

Yockanookany Segment (MP 108 – 131)

There is a parking lot between the West Florida Boundary (107.9) and Cypress Swamp (122) stops on the Parkway. Exit the Parkway at MP 115 and head west on Highway 43. A short ways down the road, turn left on Yandell Road. The parking lot is 100 feet farther and on the left. In addition to parking for horse trailers, there is water for the horses.

⚠

The Yockanookany section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail is closed to equestrian use effective immediately, due to safety concerns with trail bridges and boardwalks. The trail will remain open to pedestrians. We regret the impact that this closure will have on the many equestrian users of the trail, and ask for your patience as we improve the safety for equestrian users of this unique resource. Work will begin this spring, with an anticipated re-opening to equestrian use in stages as work is completed. The total anticipated time for repair is no more than two years.

Witch Dance Horse Trail

Witch Dance (233.2)

This is an 18-mile, multi-loop trail.  Toilet facilities, hitching posts, and parking are provided at the trailhead by the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Blackland Prairie Segment (MP 260.8 – 266)

Parking for horse trailers is allowed at the parking lot on West Jackson Street in Tupelo, Mississippi. This is not part of the Natchez Trace Parkway, nor accessed from it. Horses area allowed up to the Chickasaw Village stop (MP 261.8), a 3.5-mile round trip.

Highland Rim Segment (407.9 – 427.4)

Totty Lane Parking Lot (408)

Fly Trailhead Parking Lot (415)

Garrison Creek Picnic Area (427.6)

Horses are allowed on the entire 25-mile stretch of the Highland Rim trail.

Back to the Top