Posted in Mississippi
May 17, 2017
12 Magnificent Trails You Have To Hike In Mississippi Before You Die
Mississippi is full of natural beauty, and a great way to see that beauty is by going on a hike. Fortunately, there are amazing trails scattered throughout the Magnolia State. From picturesque paths in state parks to those that lead to scenic overlooks, here are 12 magnificent trails you have to hike in Mississippi before you die.
Encompassing 29 acres, the Depot Creek Greenway includes an improved hiking trail, which is perfect for exploring the area and observing wildlife in its native habitat. Both fun and educational, the path is lined with a series of signs that feature pictures and facts about the variety of wildlife that live in the area.
Located just north of Tupelo, the Blackland Prairie Trail is part of the Natchez Trace Parkway. The 4.2-mile point-to-point trail is open year-round and traverses a pristine river and beautiful fields of wildflowers as well as offers access to interesting sites, such as the Chickasaw Village.
Also known as the "Lower Trail," this one-a-kind hike features a 200’ descent, provides unparalleled views of the Mighty Mississippi, and leads straight to Natchez’s historic district, Under-The-Hill.
Considered one of the best hikes in the entire state, the Outcroppings Trail is located in Tishomingo State Park. Featuring a swinging bridge, rare rock formations, and breathtaking scenery, the enchanted trail practically guarantees a magical journey.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is full of must-visit sites, and Cave Spring is definitely one of them. One of only a few caves in Mississippi, it’s not only beautiful but rare. And with a trail leading straight to it, a visit to Cave Spring makes for one unforgettable hike.
Nestled in Chautauqua Park, this 1,500’ boardwalk zigzags through the tops of trees and crosses a trickling stream, before leading to Chautauqua Spring House, a structure that shelters the spring, which once supplied drinking water to the area. The park also has another trail, the Trail of Tranquility, which is worth checking out. Perfect for a laid-back stroll, the picturesque path will lead you through a wooded area to a small stream that runs along the northern edge of the park.
This may be the toughest of the trails on this list, but the effort is definitely worth it. The 1-mile trek traverses hilly Appalachian-like terrain and includes a graveled stairway trail, which leads to a ridge top overlooking the stunning Baker’s Pond.
The Plymouth Bluff Center is a 190-acre educational and recreational facility, complete with a lake, pond, and several nature trails. One of the most popular trails, the Old Channel Trail, is ideal for a scenic stroll as it goes along the top of a bluff before coming to an end at the base of the bluff, which is the perfect spot to look for fossils.
Located along the Natchez Trace Parkway, Jeff Busby Park offers a serene setting, camping, and the chance to hike to the second highest point in the state, Little Mountain. Rated "easy to moderate," the point-to-point trail will take you to the top of Little Mountain where, on a clear day, visibility spans about 20 miles.
If your idea of a beautiful hike includes a variety of stunning scenery and unbelievable photo-ops of wildlife, then you’ll definitely want to visit the Davis Bayou Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Considered "rare and exceptional," the area’s diverse terrain includes a forested area, salt marsh, and amazing 2-mile loop trail to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Spanning over one thousand areas, Percy Quin has a lot to offer in the way of recreation, including great hiking. The park’s scenic 8-mile nature trail circles the beautiful Lake Tangipahoa and offers ample opportunities for viewing wildlife and stunning foliage and flora.
Part of the Greenwood-Yazoo River Natural Area, the Yazoo River Trail includes two routes – the meadow trail, which meanders through gorgeous groves of trees, and the forest trail, which winds along the breathtaking Yazoo River. Other onsite amenities include picnic tables, benches, and bike racks.
Have you hiked any of the trails listed above? Know of another great hiking spot? Tell us in the comments section!
Looking for more outdoor fun? Check out “This Might Just Be The Most Beautiful Campground In All Of Mississippi.“
