Potkopinu Section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail

The Potkopinu Section is a 3.38-mile one-way trail between mileposts 17 and 20 on the Natchez Trace Parkway. It follows the longest surviving walkable stretch of the old Natchez Trace, where centuries of traffic cut a low roadbed into the hills. This is a point-to-point history walk, not a loop: arrange a pickup at the far end or turn back on the same trail. Walking it both ways makes an outing of about 6.8 miles. Plan roughly 1.5 to 2 hours one way, with extra time if water is over the crossings.

Potkopinu means “little valley” in the Natchez language. The trail follows the original Trace for its full length. Its fine-grained soil erodes readily, and repeated passage by people, wagons and animals carved the old road into a sunken corridor. Some banks stand more than twenty feet above the tread, though the whole route is not walled in like a trench. The route threads through rolling ground east of the Parkway, with the southern mile described as relatively level and easy to follow. The deeper cut banks are the distinctive feature to watch for; toward the north end, the old road is at its most visible. A view along the worn corridor makes the clearest photo; stay on the path because the surrounding land is private.

This is a natural dirt path, not a surfaced walking trail. The main physical complication is the water: several small creeks cross the route without bridges. Their crossings can be muddy or, after rain, knee-deep, so the walk may be slower than the mileage suggests. The route rises and falls rather than holding one long climb; it is a manageable distance, but wet crossings change the effort. Exact crossing locations are not established, so do not count on being able to avoid a wet one. Dogs are permitted on a leash no longer than six feet; horses are not permitted. Camping along this section or at its trailheads is prohibited without an advance special-use permit.

The south start is at South Potkopinu Trailhead near milepost 17. Follow the signed dirt access road about a quarter-mile to a small lot, then take the short connector to the historic path. The lot fits only a few cars, has no overflow, and is not recommended for RVs. The north terminus near milepost 20 has the larger parking area and is reached from MS 553. For the full point-to-point walk, leave a vehicle there or arrange a ride; no reliable walking connection along the Parkway between ends was established. Neither trailhead listing describes food, restrooms or drinking water, so start prepared. No trail-specific fee or reservation is required, though a Parkway entrance fee may apply.