Last updated: January 7, 2021
Thing to Do
Walking or Biking the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail
NPS Photo
The Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail is a 10-mile paved path that runs through historic Choctaw homelands. Named in honor of the Choctaw town that stood where the city of Jackson is today, Chisha Foka (cheek-shad-foe-ka) translates to “among the post oaks.” Today, trail users can enjoy the recreational opportunities and the trees, wildflowers, and wildlife of this protected greens in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Click Here for a trail map.
Enjoying the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail
The Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail is a great way for joggers, bicyclists, and nature enthusiasts to experience the Natchez Trace Parkway in Ridgeland and the busy Jackson metropolitan area. The trail runs from Milepost 95.8 to Milepost 105.6, providing nearly 10 miles of recreational trail.
The trail gradually slopes and winds through various hardwood and pine trees. Each season offers new sights and smells as different foliage, blossoms, and wildflowers appear. While on the trail, search for the variety of birds and mammals that call this area home.
The trail is a shared public space with users of various skill levels, speeds, and modes of transportation. It is important for all users to be respectful, courteous, and safe to create a positive trail experience for everyone.
Trail Recommendations
• Stay on the right, pass on the left.
• If walking or bicycling side by side, switch to single file when others need to pass.
• Bicyclists should yield to pedestrians.
• Give an audible signal when passing.
• Leave nature as you find it for others to enjoy.
• Carry out any litter.
• Pets must be on a leash six feet long or less. Please pick up after your pet.
• The trail runs close to private property. Please respect owners’ privacy and posted signs.
• Motorized vehicles are prohibited.
Accessibility
We strive to make our facilities, services, and programs accessible to all. The Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail is a great area for visitors looking for wheelchair-accessible trail options along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Motorized equipment required for accessibility is permitted.
For a Safe Visit
• Be aware of your surroundings, carry a cell phone, and call 911 for emergencies.
• Use extreme caution when the trail crosses roads or runs near the Parkway shoulder.
• During excessive heat, rest in shaded areas, stay hydrated, and understand your limits.
• Bring extra water and know water fountain locations.
• Avoid fatigue; stop often to refresh.
• Stay on the established trail.
• Be watchful for fire ants, poison ivy, and venomous snakes.
• Respect wildlife, and keep a safe distance.
• Rest and water pets.
Hours of Operation
The trail is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Organized Events
Organized special events and commercial photography on the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail requires a permit issued at least 10 business days prior to the event. For more information, call (662) 680-4014 or visit https://www.nps.gov/natr/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm
Enjoying the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail
The Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail is a great way for joggers, bicyclists, and nature enthusiasts to experience the Natchez Trace Parkway in Ridgeland and the busy Jackson metropolitan area. The trail runs from Milepost 95.8 to Milepost 105.6, providing nearly 10 miles of recreational trail.
The trail gradually slopes and winds through various hardwood and pine trees. Each season offers new sights and smells as different foliage, blossoms, and wildflowers appear. While on the trail, search for the variety of birds and mammals that call this area home.
The trail is a shared public space with users of various skill levels, speeds, and modes of transportation. It is important for all users to be respectful, courteous, and safe to create a positive trail experience for everyone.
Trail Recommendations
• Stay on the right, pass on the left.
• If walking or bicycling side by side, switch to single file when others need to pass.
• Bicyclists should yield to pedestrians.
• Give an audible signal when passing.
• Leave nature as you find it for others to enjoy.
• Carry out any litter.
• Pets must be on a leash six feet long or less. Please pick up after your pet.
• The trail runs close to private property. Please respect owners’ privacy and posted signs.
• Motorized vehicles are prohibited.
Accessibility
We strive to make our facilities, services, and programs accessible to all. The Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail is a great area for visitors looking for wheelchair-accessible trail options along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Motorized equipment required for accessibility is permitted.
For a Safe Visit
• Be aware of your surroundings, carry a cell phone, and call 911 for emergencies.
• Use extreme caution when the trail crosses roads or runs near the Parkway shoulder.
• During excessive heat, rest in shaded areas, stay hydrated, and understand your limits.
• Bring extra water and know water fountain locations.
• Avoid fatigue; stop often to refresh.
• Stay on the established trail.
• Be watchful for fire ants, poison ivy, and venomous snakes.
• Respect wildlife, and keep a safe distance.
• Rest and water pets.
Hours of Operation
The trail is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
Organized Events
Organized special events and commercial photography on the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail requires a permit issued at least 10 business days prior to the event. For more information, call (662) 680-4014 or visit https://www.nps.gov/natr/planyourvisit/permitsandreservations.htm
Details
Duration
1-10 Hours
The Trail is ten miles in length and gives you the ability to cover 20 miles if you start at one end and do the whole trail out and back.
Activity
Road Biking
The Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail is a great way for joggers, walkers, bicyclists and nature enthusiasts to experience the Natchez Trace in Ridgeland, Mississippi. The trail is roughly ten miles long and stretches from Milepost 95.8 to Milepost 105.6.
Age(s)
The Natchez Trace Parkway encourages all bicyclists to wear a helmet while riding as well as high visibility clothing. For more information on Bicycling Safety follow the link https://www.nps.gov/natr/planyourvisit/bicyclinghome.htm
Pets Allowed
Yes
Pets must be on a six foot leash at all times. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.
Activity Fee
No
There is no fee associated with this activity.
Location
Ridgeland, Mississippi
The access points for the Chisha Foka Trail are as follows:
Click here for a trail map of the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail
- Reservoir Overlook, Milepost 105.6
- Old Trace and Brashears Stand Site, Milepost 104.5
- Parkway Information Cabin Parking, Milepost 102.4
- Choctaw Agency, Milepost 100.7
Click here for a trail map of the Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Day, Dawn, Dusk
The Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail is a great alternate route for bicyclists traveling through the Jackson, MS area during times of increased commuter traffic. Traffic is the heaviest in the Jackson, Mississippi Metropolitan Area Monday thru Friday 5:00 am - 8:00 am and 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm, Saturday 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm and Sunday 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm.
Accessibility Information
This trail is fully accessible. The trail width is about 6 feet wide. The trail is paved making a hard compact surface. Motorized equipment required for accessibility is permitted on this trail.