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Witch Dance: A Mystical Stop on the Natchez Trace

Explore the legendary Witch Dance campground on the Natchez Trace Parkway, where history, nature, and folklore converge.

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Witch Dance, located on the Natchez Trace Parkway, is a bicycle-only campground steeped in local legend and Native American history. Said to be a gathering place for witches, the site features barren patches where, according to lore, their dances withered the ground. Today, it offers a serene rest stop for cyclists exploring the historic Natchez Trace.

A brief summary to Witch Dance

Local tips

  • Bring insect repellent, especially during the spring and summer months, as wood ticks can be abundant.
  • The campground is bicycle-only, ensuring a peaceful and quiet environment.
  • Water is available from April to October, but it's wise to bring your own supply just in case.
  • Explore the nearby Bynum Mounds to delve deeper into the area's Native American history.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Witch Dance is directly accessible from the Natchez Trace Parkway. From the north or south, follow the Parkway to milepost 233.2. The campground is well-signed. There are no tolls on the Natchez Trace Parkway. Parking is free and readily available.

  • Biking

    As a bicycle-only campground, Witch Dance is easily accessible for cyclists traveling the Natchez Trace Parkway. Simply follow the parkway to milepost 233.2. The campground is located directly off the main road. There are dedicated bike paths connecting to the broader trail network.

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Discover more about Witch Dance

Witch Dance, situated at milepost 233.2 on the Natchez Trace Parkway, offers more than just a campground; it's a place where history and legend intertwine. The name itself evokes images of shadowy forests and mysterious rituals. According to local lore, this area served as a gathering spot for witches who would dance the night away, leaving barren patches where their feet touched the ground. These spots are still visible today, and it's said that nothing ever grows there. Before the legends of witches, the area was significant to Native Americans. Paleo-Indians, ancestors of the Choctaw and Chickasaw tribes, inhabited the land and constructed the Bynum Mounds nearby. Legend tells of their leader guiding them with a medicine stick and a white dog, eventually leading them to their new home. The mounds served as burial sites, growing with each generation. Today, Witch Dance provides a peaceful, bicycle-only campground for travelers along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Cyclists can find restrooms, picnic tables, and drinking water (April through October). It also serves as a staging area for the Witch Dance horse trail in the Tombigbee National Forest, though camping is no longer permitted along the horse trail itself. Whether you're drawn by the legends, the history, or simply a quiet place to rest, Witch Dance offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Mississippi.

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