Background

Witch Dance: A Mystical Stop on the Natchez Trace

Explore the mysterious Witch Dance on the Natchez Trace: folklore, camping, and trails await in this historic Mississippi site.

4.3

Witch Dance, located at milepost 234 on the Natchez Trace Parkway, is a bicycle-only campground steeped in local folklore. Said to be a gathering place for witches, legend claims their dancing feet cursed the ground, leaving barren patches. Today, it offers restrooms, picnic areas, and access to hiking and horseback riding trails in the Tombigbee National Forest.

A brief summary to Witch Dance

Local tips

  • Bring insect repellent, especially during warmer months, as mosquitoes and ticks can be prevalent in the wooded areas.
  • The water source is seasonal (April to October), so bring sufficient water or a filtration system if visiting outside these months.
  • Check the Natchez Trace Parkway's website for alerts and closures before your visit.
  • Be aware of the local legends and keep an eye out for patches of bare ground, remnants of the witches' dances!
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    Witch Dance is located directly off the Natchez Trace Parkway at milepost 234. From Houston, MS, head north on the Natchez Trace Parkway. The campground will be on your right. There are no fees for using the Natchez Trace Parkway.

  • Biking

    As a bicycle-only campground, Witch Dance is easily accessible for cyclists traveling the Natchez Trace Parkway. Simply follow the parkway to milepost 234. The campground is located directly off the parkway. There are no specific bike paths leading directly into the campground, but the shoulder of the parkway is wide enough to accommodate bicycle traffic safely. Remember that cyclists can use the picnic area directly across from the restrooms as a tent camping area. There are no fees for using the campground.

Unlock the Best of Witch Dance

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Witch Dance

Witch Dance is more than just a stop along the Natchez Trace Parkway; it's a place where history, legend, and outdoor recreation intertwine. The name itself evokes images of eerie rituals and supernatural gatherings, rooted in local folklore that has been passed down through generations. According to the tales, witches would meet here to dance, and wherever their feet touched the ground, the grass would wither and never grow again. Whether you believe the legends or not, Witch Dance offers a unique experience. The area provides a peaceful retreat for cyclists exploring the Natchez Trace, with a designated bicycle-only campground. Tent camping is permitted in the picnic area. The campground provides a serene environment, free from vehicle noise. Beyond the folklore and camping, Witch Dance serves as a staging area for the Witch Dance horse trail within the Tombigbee National Forest. Hikers and horseback riders can explore miles of trails, immersing themselves in the natural beauty of Mississippi. The site includes two shaded picnic areas, one near the horse trailer parking and another a bit further along a paved loop, with tables, grills, and accessible options. Restrooms are available for visitors. The history of the area goes back further than the witch tales. This area was once inhabited by Native American groups, including the Hopewell Indians who constructed the nearby Bynum Mounds. The Natchez Trace itself follows a route used for centuries by indigenous peoples, traders, and early settlers. Whether you're drawn by the legends, the outdoor activities, or the historical significance, Witch Dance offers a memorable stop along the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Popular Experiences near Witch Dance

Popular Hotels near Witch Dance

Select Currency