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There are a lot of great hiking trails in Mississippi, but not all of them lead to interesting remnants from the past like the Tuxachanie Trail. A must-visit for avid hikers and history buffs alike, the route includes plenty of beautiful views before coming to an end at an abandoned POW camp in Mississippi, which dates back to WWII. This is one of the best hiking trails in Mississippi, and it should definitely be on your bucket list. Take a look:

Located within the DeSoto National Forest, the Tuxachanie Trail is a 12-mile out-and-back trail.
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Loaded with beautiful views and a ton of history, it follows an abandoned lumber railroad and leads through forests, savannahs, and swamps straight to a POW camp from WWII.
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Don’t let the 12-mile length deter you, though. There are three different trailheads, so you can shorten the route or even drive straight to the POW camp.
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To hike the entire trail, begin the route at the western trailhead on Highway 49 near Saucier. Cut the trail in half by accessing it via the Airey Lake Recreation Area. Or, you can omit the hiking completely and enter through the POW Lake Recreation Area.
Whether you choose to drive...
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...or hike, beautiful surroundings are practically guaranteed.
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Today, ammunition bunkers are all that remain of the POW camp, which used to house German and Italian prisoners during WWII.
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It was an extension of Camp Shelby, which housed thousands of prisoners during the war. Records state that this particular site held about 100 men.
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According to local historian Charles Sullivan, "Most of these German soldiers that we had here were just out of high school in Germany, put in uniform and told to shoot Americans. They weren’t really Nazis."
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Remember, the POW camp is part of a recreation area, so, in addition to an incredible piece of the past, there's also a lake...
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...and the opportunity for some camping. Primitive sites are permitted within 100' of the trail.
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For more information on the Tuxachanie Trail, including a map and directions, visit the USDA website.

So, did you know about the Tuxachanie Trail POW camp? Ever visited? Know of any other intriguing, long-forgotten abandoned places in Mississippi? What about other can’t-miss hiking trails in Mississippi? Whatever you have to say, we want to hear it, so tell us!

This is just one of the abandoned places in Mississippi that you can explore. There’s also an abandoned cemetery in Mississippi, which is tucked away in a desolate ghost town. Looking for another POW camp in Mississippi? You’re in luck; there are actually several abandoned POW camps in Mississippi.

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Tuxachanie Trail

Daniella DiRienzo | April 18, 2023

What are the best hiking trails in Mississippi?

Mississippi is known for its rich cultural heritage, but it also has a variety of beautiful hiking trails for nature enthusiasts. Here are some of the best hiking trails in Mississippi:

  • Tishomingo State Park - This park has a network of trails that wind through beautiful forests, rocky outcrops, and along the banks of Bear Creek. The trails range from easy to moderate, and the highlight is the 4.5-mile Bear Creek Canyon Trail.
  • Clark Creek Natural Area - Located in southwest Mississippi, this natural area boasts more than 50 waterfalls along its trails. The trails range from easy to strenuous, with the highlight being the 4-mile loop trail that takes you past several waterfalls.
  • Natchez Trace Parkway - This historic parkway has a number of hiking trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. The Old Trace Trail is a 2-mile trail that takes you through beautiful forests and is perfect for a short hike.

 

Are there any other abandoned places in Mississippi?

There are several abandoned places in Mississippi, ranging from old buildings and structures to entire ghost towns. Here are a few of the abandoned places in Mississippi:

  • Rodney - This once-bustling river town on the Mississippi River was largely abandoned after the river changed course in the 1800s. Today, only a few historic buildings remain, including the Rodney Presbyterian Church.
  • Windsor Ruins - These ruins are all that remain of a grand mansion that was destroyed by fire during the Civil War. The ruins consist of 23 Corinthian columns that still stand today.
  • Mississippi Industrial College - This college for African-American students was established in Holly Springs in 1905 but closed its doors in 1924 due to financial difficulties. Today, the campus is largely abandoned, but a few buildings still stand, including the president's house and several classroom buildings.

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Tuxachanie Hiking Trail (West End Trailhead), 26204-26154 US 49, Saucier, MS 39574, USA