Last updated: May 22, 2021
Place
Potkopinu Section Southern Terminus, Milepost 17
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Location:
Just off the Natchez Trace Parkway near Milepost 17
Significance:
Trailhead
Designation:
National Scenic Trail
Amenities
3 listed
Parking - Auto, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead
This trailhead has room for a few cars. There is no overflow parking at this location. This locations is not recommended for oversized or recreational vehicles. Follow the signs on the Parkway to reach this trailhead. You will travel on dirt roads to reach the trailhead.
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.