Natchez Trace State Forest and WMA
Site Directions: Take I-40 to exit 116. Travel south for 1.8 miles to Park Visitor Center. Go north to other areas of the park.
Lat: 35.8193°N Long: -88.2527°W
Seasonality: year-round, but some roads may be closed to all access
Fees: none
Benton/Carroll/Henderson Counties
48,000 acres
Evan Gaskin (731) 593-0588
Horses are permitted on roads and trails open to motorized traffic and other trails or routes established for their use. Riding off roads into fields, woods, or on foot trails is prohibited unless otherwise provided.
All motorized vehicles must be mufflers equipped to suppress noise and spark-arrestor equipped to prevent fires.
The operation of motorized vehicles is confined to roads not designated as closed. Off-road vehicles are restricted to roads open to other motorized traffic (except where prohibited by state or federal statute) and designated trails only. ORVs may be operated during daylight hours and at other times when participating in authorized activities. Driving off roads into woods, fields, or utility right-of-ways is prohibited for all motorized vehicles
Big Game, Small Game, and Trapping are the same as statewide seasons, except as noted below.
Henderson County portion follows Unit CWD dates and bag limits including the August G/M/A Hunt.
Quail - Nov. 4, 2023 - Jan. 15, 2024
Turkey - Two weekly hunts (Tues-Wed and Fri-Sun) each week of spring turkey season. All hunts will be quota hunts and will be drawn prior to turkey season. North I-40 and South I-40 Zones. Hunter quota 48 per hunt per zone. One bearded turkey per hunt counts toward the statewide bag limit.
Firing Range - see Firiing Range page.
Camping - Natchez Trace State Park managed campgrounds and cabins. Must contact State Park office.
Site Description: Primarily pine and deciduous woods comprise the 48,000 acres of Natchez Trace State Park and State Forest. Some areas are overgrown with kudzu, a highly invasive and difficult pest plant.
Hiking trails, including overnight trails, are available and pleasant walks for exercise and bird watching.
Wildlife to Watch: Summer birds that can be seen include Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Eastern Phoebe, Great Crested and Acadian Flycatcher, Scarlet and Summer Tanager, Wood Thrush, Pine, Prairie, and Kentucky Warbler.
In winter, Brown Creepers, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and usually Red-breasted Nuthatch can be found.
Small numbers of ducks can be found on the small ponds in winter.
NOTE: Some areas are used for recreational purposes. Please use these links before visiting the location.
Contact Information
Region 1 Office: 731-423-5725
Phone: Toll-Free: 800-372-3928
E-mail the office
Area Manager: Billy LaGrange (731) 593-0588
