10 Amazing Mississippi Hikes Under 3 Miles You’ll Absolutely Love
The Magnolia State is home to some pretty incredible hiking spots. Luckily, some of the best hikes in Mississippi are also some of the easiest hikes in Mississippi. It’s true! And, you don’t have to be an avid hiker to enjoy the spectacularly scenic hikes in Mississippi. There are plenty of short, kid-friendly hikes around Mississippi. So, don’t waste another second searching the net for “hiking trails near me.” Instead, check out the treks below, which, at three miles or less, are among the easiest and best hikes in Mississippi.
The popular Columbus Riverwalk is a 2.2-mile walking/biking trail that begins at Main Street and winds along the Tombigbee River, which means great views are practically guaranteed. Along the way, you’ll find two pavilions, bathrooms, benches, bike racks, and picnic tables.
Probably the closest you’ll ever get to walking on water, the Coldwater River used to flow in the present-day location of this trail. Rated as easy, the 1-mile Swinging Bridge Nature Trail trail is feasible for just about anyone and definitely worth the trek. Aside from being lined with informative panels on the history of the Arkabutla community, the redirection of the Coldwater River, and native plants and wildlife, the trail also includes a beautiful azalea garden.
3. LeFleur’s Bluff Sate Park Trail System (Jackson)
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 one-half mile and many feature paved walkways and boardwalks.
4. Beaver Dam Hiking Trail (Brooksville)
Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge Admin Building And Visitor Contact Station, 13723 Bluff Lake Rd, Starkville, MS 39759, USA
Located in the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, this point-to-point trail runs 1-mile each way, making for a 2-mile round-trip. The popular Beaver Dam Trail winds through bottomland hardwood forests, following the bank of Oktoc Creek. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the various species of wildlife that inhabit the area including blue herons, wood ducks, and deer.
5. Bridge of Sighs (Natchez)
Natchez Bluff WalkingTrail, Natchez, MS 39120, USA
Offering some of the best views of the Mighty Mississippi, the Bridge of Sighs is a pedestrian bridge, which connects the two sections of Natchez’s historic Spanish Promenade. Even if you walk just a portion of the bridge, you’ll be treated to unparalleled riverfront views.
Aside from providing unique views of a bald cypress swamp, the Cypress Swamp Trail is a half-mile loop trail that includes plenty of detailed signage about the trees and the swamp. The simplicity of this trail combined with the awesome learning experience it provides makes it the perfect family outing, especially when young children are involved.
7. The River Trail (Columbus)
Plymouth Bluff Environmental Center, 2200 Old W Point Rd, Columbus, MS 39701, USA
Located within the Plymouth Bluff Nature Center, The River Trail has received several updates over the years, including the addition of signage, footbridges, steps, rest areas, and interpretive kiosks. The 1.75-mile journey begins with a 64-step descent into a floodplain, which is considered the toughest part of the trek. The rest of the loop trail is on pretty level ground, making the hike feasible for most.
8. The Arkabutla Lake Education and Nature Center (ARK) Trail (Hernando)
This 2-mile trail is made up of gently rolling hills with little elevation gain, making it ideal for any skill level. Part of the Arkabutla Lake Education and Nature Center, the trail closes regularly for maintenance, so make sure to check its status prior to visiting.
9. The Boardwalk at Sky Lake Wildlife Management Area (Belzoni)
Sky Lake WMA boardwalk, 1090 Simmons Rd, Belzoni, MS 39038, USA
Situated 12 feet off the ground, this 1,700-foot boardwalk takes you directly through the Sky Lake Wildlife Management Area, which is home to an ancient forest. From the trail's unique vantage point, visitors are afforded exceptional views of enormous bald cypress trees, the swamp, birds, and other wildlife. Along the way, you'll find plenty of signage that provides information about the history of Sky Lake, its bald cypress trees, Native Americans of the area, and other topics.
Aside from being home to the state’s tallest waterfall, Dunn’s Falls Water Park offers some great hiking. The park’s scenic namesake, Dunn’s Falls Trail, winds through the surrounding woods and even includes a suspended overlook along the tranquil Chunky River. The secluded park has both primitive and developed camping, so you can easily turn your hike into an overnight adventure.
Do you agree? Are these some of the easiest and best hikes in Mississippi? Ever embarked on any of these scenic hikes in Mississippi? If so, which ones? Know of any other easy hikes in Mississippi? We love to hear from our readers!
These aren’t the only easy hikes in Mississippi. There are lots more, including these kid-friendly hikes in Mississippi, all of which are one mile or less.
Address: Dunns Falls, Mississippi 39330, USA
Address: Swinging Bridge Trail, Mississippi 38618, USA
Address: LeFleur's Bluff State Park, 3315 Lakeland Terrace, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
Address: Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge Admin Building And Visitor Contact Station, 13723 Bluff Lake Rd, Starkville, MS 39759, USA
Address: Cypress Swamp, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Canton, MS 39046, USA
Address: Plymouth Bluff Environmental Center, 2200 Old W Point Rd, Columbus, MS 39701, USA
Address: Sky Lake WMA boardwalk, 1090 Simmons Rd, Belzoni, MS 39038, USA
Address: Columbus Riverwalk, Columbus, MS 39701, USA
Address: Natchez Bluff WalkingTrail, Natchez, MS 39120, USA
Address: The Arkabutla Lake Education and Nature Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Mississippi
April 11, 2022
Daniella DiRienzo
What other trails are among the best hikes in Mississippi?
Some of the best hikes in Mississippi can be found within Tishomingo State Park. Located in north Mississippi, the park is consistently revered as the best state park in Mississippi. Part of its allure is its terrain. Unlike anywhere else in the state, the landscape boasts huge boulders, rocky bluffs, and waterfalls. A swinging bridge and pioneer cabin are also among the park’s unique features. Visitors can easily explore Tishomingo State Park — and all its perks — via the seven trails that wind through it.
Are there any kid-friendly hikes around Mississippi?
There are quite a few kid-friendly hikes around Mississippi, and the Bailey Woods Trail is one of them. Located in Oxford, it’s a National Recreational Trail that connects the University of Mississippi Museum to Rowan Oak, William Faulkner’s former home. The path is the same route used by Faulkner, allowing visitors to essentially walk in the legendary author’s footsteps. Spanning 3,000 feet, the trail takes about 20 minutes to complete, making it a great choice for those seeking a quick, easy stroll. If the 20-minute trek doesn’t satisfy your need for adventure, consider visiting the museum and Rowan Oak, which are situated at either end of the trail.
What are the most scenic hikes in Mississippi?
When searching for scenic hikes in Mississippi, Chautauqua Park in Crystal Springs doesn’t disappoint. The 74-acre park isn’t huge, but it’s got quite a few perks, including some great hiking trails. Of the park’s trails, the Tree Top Trail is undoubtedly the most popular. As the name implies, it’s an elevated trail, spanning 1,500 feet through a forest of trees, offering hikers a “squirrel’s-eye view” of the surroundings.
Address: Dunns Falls, Mississippi 39330, USA
Address: Swinging Bridge Trail, Mississippi 38618, USA
Address: LeFleur's Bluff State Park, 3315 Lakeland Terrace, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
Address: Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge Admin Building And Visitor Contact Station, 13723 Bluff Lake Rd, Starkville, MS 39759, USA
Address: Cypress Swamp, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Canton, MS 39046, USA
Address: Plymouth Bluff Environmental Center, 2200 Old W Point Rd, Columbus, MS 39701, USA
Address: Sky Lake WMA boardwalk, 1090 Simmons Rd, Belzoni, MS 39038, USA
Address: Columbus Riverwalk, Columbus, MS 39701, USA
Address: Natchez Bluff WalkingTrail, Natchez, MS 39120, USA
Address: The Arkabutla Lake Education and Nature Center
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Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for the past 25 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships, working for The Royal Obsession and Anatomie clothing. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as Parents & Kids Magazine and Girl Meets Strong. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
