Beautiful Views Abound On These 10 Picturesque Trails In Mississippi

Filled with huge rock formations and waterfalls, Tishomingo State Park boasts some of the most beautiful – and unique – scenery in the state. Several trails meander through the park, but the CCC Camp Trail is by far one of the most popular. At 0.5 miles, it’s short enough for kids and less-than-avid hikers. The 1.8-mile Bear Creek Outcropping Trail is another great trek and since it starts and ends at the park’s famous swinging bridge, you can take in the fantastic surroundings from an elevated view point.

Basically the on-foot version of the Natchez Trace Parkway, this scenic trail generally follows the famous 444-mile parkway from Mississippi to Tennessee. Unlike other National Scenic Trails, this one is not designed to be a continuous footpath. Instead, it features five trail segments, totaling over 60 miles. The five trails that make up the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail are Potkopinu Trail, Rocky Springs Trail, Yockanookany Trail, Blackland Prairie Trail, and Highland Rim Trail. All except the Highland Rim Trail are located in Mississippi and all offer some breathtaking views.

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 a few trails, which range in length from 0.25 miles to one mile, to make sure you don’t miss a thing.

A true treasure, this 19,000-acre reserve is the only place in the world you’ll find the endangered Mississippi Sandhill Crane. In addition to safari tours, the refuge offers some great hiking opportunities via two trails – the C.L. Dees Nature Trail, which is a ¾-mile loop trail known for its carnivorous plants, and the 1-mile Fontainebleau Nature Trail, which leads to a stunning overlook.

Regardless of the type of hike you’re searching for, you’ll find it at De Soto National Forest. There are over 60 miles of trails to explore, including the 12-mile 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 from WWII. And don’t let the 12-mile length deter you. There are three different trailheads, so you can shorten the route or even drive straight to the POW camp.

Part of Mississippi’s Rails to Trails program, the Longleaf Trace spans 41 miles from Hattiesburg to Prentiss and allows for running, biking, hiking, and horseback riding. Regardless of how you traverse the trail, you’ll be afforded lovely views along the way.

Beautiful vistas abound on this short and sweet trek that starts off atop of the state’s tallest waterfall. Once you finish taking in the views of the waterfall – and its old-fashioned water wheel - from above, you can make your way down to the base of the fall and even splash around in its waters. A picnic area, BBQ grills, and boat and paddleboat rentals are also part of the park’s perks.

A prime example of Mississippi urban forestry, this city-owned park features three lakes, a jogging and walking track, biking and horseback riding trails, and fishing. There are also several nature trails, including one that circles the lake.

Spanning 1,800 acres, there’s plenty to see at this famous park. In addition to historical gems, such as cannons, monuments, and a museum, there are lots of lovely natural features, including the Heritage Garden, a replica of a typical Victorian-era kitchen garden. Self-guided auto-tours are the most common way to explore the park. Of course, you can always stroll around at your leisure.

The longest of Mississippi’s Rails to Trails conversions, this trail is a little over 43 miles, running from New Albany to Houston. In addition to a diverse landscape that includes fields, forests, meadows, and wetlands, the trail travels through several small, historic towns.