Trace State Park offers a quiet, natural retreat located just minutes from the excitement of Tupelo, one of Mississippi's fastest growing cities. Trace State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities ranging from fishing and water sports to exploring miles of secluded nature trails. Trace State Park also adds to Mississippi's History as within the park was once called the home of one America's early and colorful pioneers, Davy Crockett. Crockett lived here as a horse trader with the Chickasaw Indians after his defeat for re-election to Congress in his home state of Tennessee. It was while living here he learned of his friend, Sam Houston's plight in Texas and traveled there to help and was later killed in the Battle of the Alamo.
2139 Faulkner Road
Belden, MS 38826
United States
Day use and overnight camping.
Please note: If using driving devices such as Garmin, etc. please check settings as they may bring you to the park using narrow, winding, dirt roads. Most have settings as "shortest distance instead of "quickest route." If your device does not show you entering park via MS Hwy 6/278 routes, you are most likely coming in the less desirable way.
From Natchez Trace Parkway - North or South Bound - Take exit at mile post 259.7 for MS Hwy 6 / 278/ West main St. (see signs for Trace State Park). Travel West for 7.5- miles (8-min.), be looking for Trace State Park signs on right and turn right onto Faulkner Road/ CR65 travel 2-miles until arrive at Trace State Park Entrance/Office.
From Memphis - US-78 and drive 74.5 - miles (1-hr 15-min.). Take exit #64 onto MS Hwy 15 South (New Albany 3rd Exit) travel South for 12.8-miles (17 min.) to Pontotoc, MS. Take MS HWY 6/278 ( go under four lane Hwy and take left) travel East for 8.7-miles (10-min.), exit right at exit reading "Tupelo Exit" (back onto Old MS Hwy 6) travel about 1.1-mile (1-min.), turning left onto Faulkner Road/CR 65 for 2-miles until arrive at Trace State Park Entrance/Office. From Birmingham AL - Exit US-78 via ramp at sign reading "Exit 85- Natchez Trace Parkway" and go south (left turn) 3.9 miles 95-min.) to MS Hwy 6/278/ West Main St. - mile post 259.7 exit will be on right (see signs for Trace State Park). Take right traveling west for 7.5-miles ( 8- min.), be looking for Trace State Park signs on right and turn right onto Faulkner Road/ CR65 travel 2-miles until arrive at Trace State Park Entrance/Office.
Arriving on Highway 78 at Belden Exit - Take exit 81 (Belden exit). Go approximately 1.5 - miles (3-min.) to the third traffic light (Shell Gas Garden on corner) and take a right on Coley Road. Travel Coley Road to 3rd red light 3.4-miles (6-min.), which will be MS Hwy 6/278/West Main St. intersection take right onto (west). West Main St./MS Hwy 6/278 travel 6.7-miles (7-min.) to Faulkner Road/CR 65 looking for Trace State Park sign on right and turning right, travel 2-miles until arrive at Trace State Park Entrance/Office.
Arriving on Highway 45 from the south (Columbus, Meridian, West Point) - Take the Eason Boulevard exit. This is the same exit as Itawamba Community College, University of Mississippi Tupelo Campus, and North Miss. Medical Center. Turn left on Eason Boulevard which changes names to Cliff Gookin after crossing 145 intersection dive approximately 6-miles (13-min.). Take left onto West Main/ MS Hwy 6/278, travel 6.7-miles west, be looking for Trace State Park signs on right and turning right onto Faulkner Road/CR 65, travel 2 miles until arrive at Trace State Park Entrance/Office.
Arriving on Highway 45 from the north (Corinth) - Take Tupelo Exit for MS 145, take Natchez Trace South until reach MS Hwy 6/278 main (mile post 259.7). Turn Right on MS- 6/278 heading west. Follow MS-6/278 for 6.7 miles to Co. Rd. 65/Faulkner Rd/CR 65. Turn right on CR 65/Faulkner Rd traveling 2-miles until you see Trace State Park Entrance/Park Office.
Other helpful exits - Natchez Trace Parkway Exits
>MS Hwy 78/ Interstate 22
Find and learn more about Trace State Park...
A variety of recreational activities and facilities are available at Trace State Park. Facilities for use include two playground areas, picnic sites, a large picnic pavilion and a laundry facility. Recreation activities include disc golf, non-motorized and motorized trails and access to a bordering 18-hole golf course. Water activities include a 565 acre lake.
Twenty-five picnic sites featuring tables and barbecue grills are located throughout the park, many affording views of Trace Lake.
A large picnic pavilion is available by reservation, providing the ideal spot for company picnics, family reunions, and church and school outings.
Trace features two playgrounds for park guest enjoyment. The main playground is located in our day use area and is open to all park guests. The second is located in the Deer Run Campground area and is limited to Campers use only.
Trace State Park has two 18 hole disc golf courses. The Old Warrior Run course is the first North Mississippi long arm course. The Trace Gold course is a professional course. Disc course is open to the public, free of charge; however, the normal entrance fee is required.
Disc Golf Helpful links:
Bordering, but not affiliated with Trace State Park is Pontotoc Country Club's 18-hole golf course, in which Trace State Park's overnight guest may be entitled to free GREEN FEES for up to two persons per stay/receipt. No play is allowed on tournament dates, other restrictions may apply and extra fee are applied for rentals. For more information please contact the park office or you may log onto the Pontotoc Country Club's Website or by calling (662) 489-1962 for more information.
Trace State Park Nature Trail offers a unique landscape of upland pine, hardwoods, and wetland forest offering over 14 miles of trails for hikers and mountain bikes. More in depth information may be view by downloading the below brochure. A fee is charged.
Trace State Park offers equestrian lovers a wide range of trails use. A trail dedicated to mountain bike users is set aside for dedicated use. This trail meanders through a canopy of hardwoods and pines, great views of the lake along the way and if so desired you may enter the ORV Trails Area. A vast complexity of 35-miles of combined usage trails for ORV's, mountain bikers, hikers, and equestrian users. Also available in our ORV Trails Area is a horse barn for overnight accommodations and may be made by contacting the park office. A map of our ORV Trails Brochure may be helpful and may be downloaded below. Release forms must be on file (yearly) at the park office for each user. A daily fee is charged. Requirement: Persons operating or riding on an ATV must possess a valid driver's licenses or possess a All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Course Certificate.
Trace Lake offers 565 acres of freshwater for fishing and water sports. Ramps are provided for those who wish to launch their own boats. A fee is charged.
Trace Lake offers 565 acres of freshwater for water sports. Water skiing is allowed year-round. A fee is charged.
Trace Lake offers 565 acres of fresh water for fishing and water sports. The lake is stocked with bass, catfish, redear, bluegill, and crappie. A Mississippi fishing license is required for all persons ages 16 through 65. Out-of-state guests 16 and older are required to have Mississippi fishing license. License may be purchased during office hours at the park office. Boat ramps are provided for those who wish to launch their own boats. A fee is charged.
The following attractions are located within a short drive of Trace State Park. The park staff will be happy to provide you with directions.
Trace State Park Brochure (PDF)
February
Boat Show (Tupelo Furniture Market Buildings)
Spring Tupelo Furniture Market (Tupelo)
March
Tupelo Flea Market & Gun Show (Tupelo Furniture Market Buildings)
April
Azalea Festival (Tupelo Veterans Park)
Tupelo Flea Market & Gun Show (Tupelo Furniture Market Buildings)
Spring Flea Market & Gun Show (Tupelo Furniture Market Buildings)
May
Gum Tree Festival (Tupelo Downtown)
Tupelo Film Festival (Tupelo Downtown)
Down From the Hills annual State of Mississippi Bluegrass Competition. Fiddle, Dobro, Banjo, Guitar and Mandolin, youth and adult. www.mississippifiddlers.com , Union County Fairgrounds
June
Tupelo Elvis Festival (Tupelo Downtown)
Tupelo Flea Market (Tupelo Furniture Market Buildings)
Children's Discovery Day/ Living History and Skirmish
(Brice's Crossroads National Battlefield)
July
Pontotoc County Fair (Pontotoc)
August
Tupelo Flea Market (Tupelo Furniture Market Buildings)
Fall Tupelo Furniture Market (Tupelo)
September
Tupelo Flea Market (Tupelo Furniture Market Buildings)
Bodock Festival (Pontotoc Downtown Square Area)
Sportsman's Bonanza (Tupelo Furniture Market Buildings)
Heritage Pioneer Days - Living history and lots of hands on fun. Come and experience life in the past lane with old time games, live music, basket weaving, textile arts including quilting, spinning and weaving; and lots more!
October
Tupelo Flea Market & Gun Show (Tupelo Furniture Market Buildings)
November
Tupelo Flea Market (Tupelo Furniture Market Buildings)
Tupelo Flea Market Tupelo Furniture Market Buildings)
December
Rudolph Run 10K (Pontotoc) info. (662) 488-0531
Tupelo Flea Market & Gun Show (Tupelo Furniture Market Buildings)
Trace State Park offers 76 developed camping sites, 16 tent sites, 5 cabins, and 3 cottages.
Trace State Park offers 76 sites available for RV camping, featuring picnic tables, and grills. All sites have full hookups (electric, water, and sewer).
Three bathhouses with hot showers, laundromat, and a central sewage dumping station are located in the developed camping area. A playground is located in the Deer Run Campground area. All sites are reservable.
Reservations are highly recommended and may be made up to 13 months in advance by online reservations or by contacting the Park Office at (662) 489-2958.
Monthly camping may be available. Please check with the park office for availability.
Sixteen sites along the lake area are available for primitive camping. Tent camping is also allowed in our developed campground; however, the developed camping rates apply.
Trace State Park features five (5) air-conditioned cabins accommodating two to six persons, each equipped with bed and bath linens and basic kitchen equipment. Cabins feature outdoor grills and back porches and are located lakeside overlooking Trace Lake. Please note one cabin listed as "MH010", is a mobile home unit.
Reservations are highly recommended. Other rules and regulations may apply. Smoking is not allowed in any Mississippi government building including cabins.
Three (3) cottages have two bedroom units with two queen beds, a combination living, dining, and kitchen area. All have central air/heat, TV (satellite service), bed and bath linens, basic kitchen equipment, grill, and patio table/chairs on the back deck overlooking the lake.
Reservations are highly recommended. Other rules and regulations may apply. Smoking is not allowed in any Mississippi government building including cottages.
