11 Totally Kid-Friendly Hikes In Mississippi That Are 1 Mile And Under
Hiking is a great way for people of all ages to enjoy the great outdoors. Although, when kids are involved, it’s probably best to stick with trails that are a bit on the shorter side. Luckily, Mississippi has plenty of hikes that are big on fun, yet small in miles. Read on for 11 of the best hikes in Mississippi for kids – all of which are one mile or less. Perfect for a short dose of adventure!
Clear Springs Nature Trail, Sardis, MS 38666, USA
One of several trails surrounding Sardis Lake, this 0.6-mile trek runs right along the lake before leading to a wooden boardwalk. Sure to delight kids and adults of all ages, the boardwalk extends directly over a Tupelo/bald cypress swamp, offering one-of-a-kind views.
If you’re on Sardis Lake and looking for hiking trails near me, we highly recommend this easy stroll.
Cypress Swamp, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Canton, MS 39046, USA
Explore a natural wonder and enjoy a great hike with this easy 0.5-mile trail, which you’ll find along the Natchez Trace Parkway. And while the short length is a major plus, it’s not the only reason it’s great for kids. The hike is loaded with history and close-up views of the swamp and a variety of wildlife, making for a great educational experience.
We love the views of the sunlight through the trees, but honestly, there are so many ways to enjoy the Cypress Swamp Trail in Mississippi.
Swinging Bridge Trail, Mississippi 38618, USA
Rated as easy, this 1-mile trail is feasible for just about anyone and definitely worth the trek. Both fun and educational, the path is lined with signage, providing lots of info on the history of the Arkabutla community, the redirection of the Coldwater River, and native plants and wildlife. This is one of the best hikes in Mississippi and features a beautiful azalea garden, which usually starts to bloom in March and continues through the summer, so plan your hike accordingly.
The Coldwater River Nature Conservancy in Mississippi is a must-see because there are three great kid-friendly hiking trails in the area.
Woodall Mountain, Mississippi 38852, USA
Traversing a mountainside trail probably doesn’t seem very kid friendly; however, Mississippi’s Woodall Mountain includes a 0.1-mile path straight to the top, making it suitable for all ages and skill levels. At 806’, it’s the tallest mountain in the state, so visiting the landmark should be on the bucket list of all residents – despite their age.
This easy hike in Mississippi is the perfect trail to get a great view, as the top will offer some spectacular scenery.
Eden, MS 39194, USA
A literal version of "off-the-beaten-path," this lightly-trafficked trail is hidden in the small town of Eden. Sure to appeal to both boys and girls, the 0.7-mile loop trail features up-close views of a cypress swamp along with an incredible mixture of wildflowers.
We love this scenic hike in Mississippi, and you may even get the chance to spot a wild alligator or two.
Persimmon Hill, Mississippi 38948, USA
Children’s imaginations are sure to run wild as they follow this path straight into the forest. Accessible year-round, the loop trail is only 0.7 miles and is rated "good for all skill levels," so this one should be a breeze for you and your brood.
This easy hike in Oakland is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. And because it’s paved, strollers and wheelchairs are easily accommodated.
Pope, MS 38658, USA
If you’re looking for another short forest hike, the Beech Hollow Nature Trail is for you. Just over 0.5-miles, the loop trail is feasible for all ages, making it the perfect choice for some quick outdoor fun.
This kid-friendly hike in Mississippi checks all the boxes: short, not a lot of incline, and well marked. It should only take you about 15 minutes to complete.
C L Dees Nature Trail, Gautier, MS 39553, USA
This 0.75-mile loop trail can be easily accessed from the parking lot of the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge. In addition to getting a glimpse of the elusive Sandhill Crane, the trail offers the opportunity to get close-up views of a variety of carnivorous plants – two things that hikers of all ages are sure to enjoy.
The Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge in Mississippi has two scenic trails to hike. And the best part? Both of them are easy enough for the whole family.
Tupelo, MS, USA
At 1.2 miles, this hike is a little over the 1-mile limit, but it’s too good not to mention. It’s located in Tombigbee State Park, which is a major plus because that means it’s easy to access. It also means there’s camping nearby, so you can turn your day hike into a full-on adventure. The winding trail, which has been deemed "kid and dog friendly," winds through the forest to Lake Lee, where you’ll find a variety of amphibians, birds, and small animals.
Tombigbee State Park in Mississippi is always a crowd-pleaser, so plan to spend the weekend if you can!
Columbus, MS, USA
Spanning 190 acres, the Plymouth Bluff Center includes several nature trails. One of the most popular, the Old Channel Trail, begins with incredible views at an observation deck and then traverses the top of a bluff before coming to an end at its base. This one is probably better for older children; however, they’ll definitely be motivated when you mention that finding fossils is a real possibility. Since the area that now includes the trail was once part of an inland sea, it has an abundance of fossilized remains, such as mollusk shells and shark teeth.
We can’t think of a more kid-friendly hike in Mississippi than this one: fossils, an observation deck, and more!
LeFleur's Bluff State Park, 3315 Lakeland Terrace, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
Perfect for escaping city life, LeFleur’s Bluff State Park has five trails, most of which loop and interconnect. A majority of the trails can be accessed just behind the Museum of Natural Science. Though each trail is different, they’re all well under 0.5-miles and many feature paved walkways and boardwalks.
LeFleur’s Bluff State Park in Mississippi is a great day trip destination, right in the heart of Jackson. And with 305 acres to explore, you’ll love meandering around this beautiful area.
So, have you hiked any of the best hikes in Mississippi? Know of another kid-friendly hike that’s short and sweet? Tell us in the comments section below!
Looking for more of the best hikes in Mississippi? Check out “The Riverside Trail In Mississippi With Breathtaking Views You’ll Want To Explore.“
Address: Mississippi, USA
Address: Clear Springs Nature Trail, Sardis, MS 38666, USA
Address: Cypress Swamp, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Canton, MS 39046, USA
Address: Swinging Bridge Trail, Mississippi 38618, USA
Address: Eden, MS 39194, USA
Address: Persimmon Hill, Mississippi 38948, USA
Address: Pope, MS 38658, USA
Address: C L Dees Nature Trail, Gautier, MS 39553, USA
Address: Tupelo, MS, USA
Address: Columbus, MS, USA
Address: Woodall Mountain, Mississippi 38852, USA
Address: LeFleur's Bluff State Park, 3315 Lakeland Terrace, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
Best Hikes In Mississippi
April 22, 2022
Are the trails in Mississippi kid-friendly?
There are more than 150 trails in Mississippi that the whole family will love. One of the best things about the relatively flat areas in Mississippi is that most hikes are accessible for children.
What are some of the best kid-friendly activities to do in Mississippi?
Beyond the great outdoor spaces that Mississippi offers, be sure to check out the museums, zoos, parks, and aquariums that are all located in the state of Mississippi.
Address: Mississippi, USA
Address: Clear Springs Nature Trail, Sardis, MS 38666, USA
Address: Cypress Swamp, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Canton, MS 39046, USA
Address: Swinging Bridge Trail, Mississippi 38618, USA
Address: Eden, MS 39194, USA
Address: Persimmon Hill, Mississippi 38948, USA
Address: Pope, MS 38658, USA
Address: C L Dees Nature Trail, Gautier, MS 39553, USA
Address: Tupelo, MS, USA
Address: Columbus, MS, USA
Address: Woodall Mountain, Mississippi 38852, USA
Address: LeFleur's Bluff State Park, 3315 Lakeland Terrace, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
