Horseback Riding

Horeseback riding is strictly prohibited in all areas of the Natchez Trace Parkway. Horses should not be ridden on the roadways or trails of the Parkway. The Parkway provides access to the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail, our sister park. Visitors may utilize hitching posts at designated trailheads marked on the map as staging areas.

The Parkway also provides access to the Witch Dance horse trail managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Rules and Regulations

Trailers

Trailers are permitted on the Parkway when used non-commercially to transport horses for recreational riding, and must be properly equipped with red taillights, red stoplights, and mechanical turn signals. Clearance lights are required on trailers over six feet high.

Trailers carrying over one ton must be properly equipped with brakes designed so as to be applied by the driver of a towing motor vehicle from its cab and so connected that in case of an accidental breakaway of the towed vehicle the brakes will be applied automatically.

All trailers must be connected to the towing vehicle by means of a safety chain or equivalent device and may not exceed a total length of 55 feet (including vehicle and trailer).

The loading and unloading of horses and pack animals is permitted only at designated horse trailheads, referred to as staging areas on Parkway maps.

All horses transported shall be accompanied by an official negative test for equine infectious anemia (EIA), also known as a "Coggins test", administered within the previous 12 months.

Camping

Horses are not permitted in camping or picnic areas. There are private campgrounds off the Parkway that have accomodations for horses. Visit Campgrounds Adjacent to the Parkway for more information.

 

Ride the Scenic Trail

Learn about horseback riding opportunities at our sister park.