Last updated: May 22, 2021
Place
Potkopinu Section Northern Terminus, Milepost 20
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
River Road near Fayette, MS near Natchez Trace Parkway, Milepost 20
Significance:
Trailhead
Designation:
National Scenic Trail
Amenities
4 listed
Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead
This trailhead is the larger of the two for Potkopinu. Vehicles may be parked parallel to the road. If you have an oversized vehicle this is the only place to park to access this trail. To reach this trailhead exit the Parkway at Milepost 20. Turn left (east) on Road #553 known as River Road. Turn right onto a dirt road and travel a short distance and parking is on the right.
Potkopinu (Pot-cop-i-new), the southernmost section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail, is only three miles long, but it is the longest stretch of "sunken" historic Trace remaining. Named for the Natchez word meaning "little valley." Thus trail cuts deep into the rich, fine-grained soil. It doesn't take much to erode this type of soil, and centuries of human and animal traffic have done an impressive job. This trail has some embankments over twenty feet high!
The land surrounding the trail is private property. Please stay on the trail at all times.
Safety Alert: Prepare to walk through water at stream crossings. Crossing conditions vary from muddy areas to knee-deep water, depending on rainfall.
Horses are not permitted on the Potkopinu section.
See Alerts & Conditions for additional information.
See Hiking the Potkopinu Section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail for additional information.
Potkopinu (Pot-cop-i-new), the southernmost section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail, is only three miles long, but it is the longest stretch of "sunken" historic Trace remaining. Named for the Natchez word meaning "little valley." Thus trail cuts deep into the rich, fine-grained soil. It doesn't take much to erode this type of soil, and centuries of human and animal traffic have done an impressive job. This trail has some embankments over twenty feet high!
The land surrounding the trail is private property. Please stay on the trail at all times.
Safety Alert: Prepare to walk through water at stream crossings. Crossing conditions vary from muddy areas to knee-deep water, depending on rainfall.
Horses are not permitted on the Potkopinu section.
See Alerts & Conditions for additional information.
See Hiking the Potkopinu Section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail for additional information.