Rolling through the bucolic hills of North Mississippi, this 44-mile cycling trail (the longest in the state) was converted from an abandoned railroad. The route, which is straight and flat, courses through rolling fields and woodlands, passing through quaint hamlets and old Indian territory. The beginning of the trail is at its southern gateway, near downtown Houston’s shops and restaurants.

The Natchez Trace, which runs from Nashville, Tennessee to Natchez, Mississippi allows for no commercial traffic and is popular with cyclists from around the world. Houston’s location near the halfway point make it the perfect place from which to explore the parkway, with many nearby points of interest, camping, hiking and other recreational opportunities. 

Stinkin’ Jim’s has become famous for its southern hospitality, rustic, yet comfortable, facilities, and miles of horse trails. The camp, which sits on 120 shaded acres, offers both primitive and RV camping and even bunkhouses. The horses have an area, too, with 80 horse stalls and five horse paddocks. With over 19 miles of trails, visitors spend a full day riding before heading back to camp.

The Paymantha Horse trails are located within the Tombigbee National Forest between Houston and Okolona. The trails are free to the public and may be used for horseback riding. No vehicles are allowed. The entrance to the trails features trailer parking and a picnic pavilion. Restroom facilities are available. A day ride on the Payamatha Horse trail will take horse and rider through the natural beauty of the National Forest to the Witchdance trails of the Natchez Trace Parkway.

Located just south of Houston, in the village of Woodland, Mudslangers Outdoor Off-road park offers 560 acres of rolling hills, mud and sand pits and longer trails that are open to ATVs and UTVs. The trails are well maintained and occasional night rides are hosted. When you're not riding you can visit the duck pond for a relaxing break and a chance to meet other riders or check out the concession stand which serves backyard BBQ fare and crawfish when in season.

Located just north of town, in the Tombigbee National Forest near village of New Houlka, this public, 12-mile trail winds through a mixed pine and hardwood forest and around several scenic lakes and ponds. The smooth and hardpacked trail with light climbs is perfect for a leisurely ride. Visitors should note that the trail is only open to machines that are 48 inches or less in width. The staging area has a vault toilet, informational kiosk and a self-service pay station.

Famous for being one of the most “haunted” campgrounds in America, The Witch Dance Bicycle-only Campground is located just outside of Houston at milepost 234 along the Natchez Trace Parkway. This area is also the staging area for the Witch Dance horse trail on the Tombigbee National Forest.  Tent camping is allowed at the picnic tables near the restrooms.

In the museum, you can view everything from dinosaur bones and artifacts from ancient history, old farm implements, military contributions from folks who lived in the area, information on cultural icons from Chickasaw County, and exhibits focusing on the way people have lived in the area throughout history. In the research center, you can look through old newspapers and records for information on relatives from the area. 

Davis Lake Recreation Area is home to the beautiful Davis Lake Campground and Day Use Area, popular for all kinds of recreational opportunities, including swimming, fishing, boating, birding, and wildlife viewing. The surrounding scenic forests make Davis Lake a picturesque place to spend quality time outdoors.

The campground, which includes over two dozen sites is situated in a hilly, mixed hardwood and pine forest that stretches along the eastern shore of the lake.

Located within the city of Houston and only about a quarter mile from the Tanglefoot Trail, Legion Lake is a great place for a picnic or an afternoon of bank fishing with the kids. Stocked annually by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife and Fisheries with bass and catfish, this little lake also plays host to the city’s popular fishing rodeo held each Spring. The lake is located at 248 Dulaney Street.

This archaeological site was originally composed of five Indian mounds, a central plaza, a village area, and other key features. Many of these have disappeared over the years, but the central two mounds remain and are preserved in a park area that also features walkways, interpretive panels, and a picnic area. Archaeologists believe the Owl Creek Mounds were probably built 800 to 900 years ago at the height of the Mississippian era.

Among the oldest of the "Indian mounds" on the Trace are the fascinating Bynum Mounds, located about 6 miles east of Houston on the Natchez Trace Parkway.

The twin mounds preserved by the National Park Service are part of a larger group of six mounds that archaeologists believe were built by people of the Woodland period over a 200-year span between 100 B.C. and 100 A.D. They served as burial mounds and fulfilled other ceremonial purposes.