10 Easy Hikes To Add To Your Outdoor Bucket List In Mississippi
If you’ve ever wondered, “What are the best hiking trails near me,” you’ve come to the right place. The Magnolia State is brimming with great trails. There’s everything from super scenic hikes in Mississippi to extremely easy hikes in Mississippi. You’ll even find kid-friendly hikes around Mississippi. Lucky for you, we’ve investigated trails around the state and compiled a list of the best hikes in Mississippi. Now, the next time you find yourself searching for “hiking trails near me,” you can refer to this list.
The Blackland Prairie Trail is part of the Natchez Trace Parkway and is located just north of Tupelo. The 4.2-mile trail is a point-to-point trail that is considered good for all skill levels. Opened year-round, the trail traverses a river and beautiful fields of prairie flowers as well as offers access to interesting sites, such as the Chickasaw Village. For more info, visit the National Park Service website.
Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Tupelo, MS, USA
Combining Oxford’s heritage and scenic beauty, this ¼-mile trail will take you from the University of Mississippi campus through the beautiful greenery of Bailey’s Woods, before ending at Rowan Oak, the home of award-winning author William Faulkner. Touring the grounds of the famous home is free, while touring the house will cost you a few bucks. For more info, visit the Rowan Oak website.
Rowan Oak, 916 Old Taylor Rd, Oxford, MS 38655, USA
Aside from being the site of the state’s tallest waterfall, Dunn’s Falls Water Park also offers some great hiking. The park’s scenic 3-mile 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. For more info, visit the Dunn’s Falls Park website.
Dunn's Falls Park, 6890 Dunns Falls Rd A, Enterprise, MS 39330, USA
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 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, how the Coldwater River was redirected, and native plants and wildlife, the trail also includes a beautiful azalea garden. For more info, visit the Coldwater River Nature Conservancy website.
Swinging Bridge Trail, Mississippi 38618, USA
5. Lefleur’s Bluff State Park Hiking Trail, Jackson
Perfect for escaping city life, LeFleur’s Bluff State Park has five trails, most of which loop and interconnect. Many of the trails can be accessed just behind the Museum of Natural Science. The old Mayes Lake Camp Store is also a good place to start since it offers access to the Purple Trail, which leads to the other trails. While each trail is different, they are all well under ½ mile and many feature paved walkways and boardwalks. For more info, visit the LeFleur’s Bluff State Park website.
LeFleur's Bluff State Park Mayes Lake, 3315 Lakeland Terrace, Jackson, MS 39216, 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 path winds through bottomland hardwood forest, 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. For more info, visit the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge website.
Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge Admin Building And Visitor Contact Station, 13723 Bluff Lake Rd, Starkville, MS 39759, USA
Okay, so this may be the toughest of the trails on the list, but the effort is definitely worth it. The 1-mile trail traverses hilly Appalachian-like terrain and includes a graveled stairway trail, which leads to a ridge top overlooking the stunning Baker’s Pond. For more info, visit the USDA website.
Old Highway 72, Old Hwy 72, Mississippi 38683, USA
The Rocky Springs Trail has three different trail heads, but if it’s an easy hike you’re searching for, you’ll definitely want to stick with the trails in the Rocky Springs Campground. Located at milepost 54.8 on the Natchez Trace Parkway, the campsite is surrounded by several open trails and the ghost town of Rocky Springs. Begin your tour of Rocky Springs by taking the short loop trail, which starts across from the town’s only remaining structure, the Methodist Church. Along the way, you’ll find other interesting remnants from Rocky Springs, including a cemetery, post office safe, and cistern.
For more info, visit the National Park Service website.
Rocky Springs Trail, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Hermanville, MS 39086, USA
9. Chautauqua Park Tree Top Hiking Trail, Crystal Springs
Although only 2.5 miles, this trail is jam-packed with stunning scenery, including wooded rolling hills, flowing springs, and a beautiful 35-acre lake. And just to make sure you don’t miss a thing, the boardwalk portion of the trail is elevated. Keep your eyes peeled for the area’s "wild" residents, which include wading birds, waterfowl, birds of prey, deer, turkey, and foxes. For more info, visit the Chautauqua Park website.
Chautauqua Park, 26031 US-51, Crystal Springs, MS 39059, USA
Think 20-30 minutes isn’t enough time for a scenic stroll? Think again. One of the shortest trails in the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, this ½-mile round-trip trail winds through beautiful forests of loblolly pine and passes right by the tranquil Bluff Lake. You’ll definitely want to bring your camera along on this hike since all species of woodpeckers native to the southeast can be found on the trail. For more info, visit the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge website.
Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge Admin Building And Visitor Contact Station, 13723 Bluff Lake Rd, Starkville, MS 39759, USA
On or off this list, what’s your favorite hiking trail in the state? Do you think the trails above are the best hikes in Mississippi? Know of any other spectacularly scenic hikes in Mississippi? Tell us!
The best hikes in Mississippi aren’t limited to the trails above. There are also these incredible hikes – all of which are 5 miles or less.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Mississippi
March 18, 2022
Daniella DiRienzo
What are the best hiking trails near me?
The Tanglefoot Trail is easily one of the most unique and best hikes in Mississippi. Part of what makes it unique is that it’s a rail-trail, meaning it’s an abandoned railroad that’s been repurposed into a multi-use trail for hikers and bikers. Spanning 45 miles from New Albany, MS to Houston, MS, it passes through several charming towns, old-growth forests, cotton fields, cow pastures, and freshwater wetlands.
Are there any kid-friendly hikes around Mississippi?
When seeking kid-friendly hikes around Mississippi, you won’t be disappointed with the Cypress Swamp Loop Trail. Located at milepost 122 on the Natchez Trace Parkway, the boardwalk trail is just 0.4 miles long, making for a short, easy trek. Though short, it’s brimming with great sights, as the boardwalk extends out over a cypress swamp.
What are the most scenic hikes in Mississippi?
The most scenic hikes in Mississippi are sometimes the easiest too. That’s certainly the case with Moon Lake Scenic Overlook. As the name implies, the overlook offers incredible views of Moon Lake, a 2,300-acre oxbow lake in Coahoma County. Not only does the overlook stretch out over the lake, but it features a covered seating area at the end, so you can comfortably soak in the views for as long as you’d like. Accessing the overlook couldn’t be easier. It’s located at the end of a short path through a pecan grove.
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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.
