7 Cool And Calming Hikes To Take In Mississippi To Help You Reflect On The Year Ahead
Wondering, “Are there any easy hiking trails near me?” Well, you don’t have to wonder anymore! There are tons of easy hikes in Mississippi. In fact, some of the best hikes in Mississippi are short, easy, and just plain cool – and the following trails are proof. From idyllic vistas to historical remnants, these leisurely treks are not only among the best hikes in Mississippi, but they’re some of the most scenic hikes in Mississippi, too.
1. Bailey’s Woods National Recreation Trail (Oxford)
Rowan Oak, 916 Old Taylor Rd, Oxford, MS 38655, USA
Soak up some Oxford history AND scenic beauty on this 3/5-mile trail, which will take you from the University of Mississippi campus through the beautiful greenery of Bailey’s Woods. The short-but-sweet trail comes to an end at Rowan Oak, the home of award-winning author William Faulkner. You can tour the grounds of the famous home for free, daily from dawn to dusk. For more info, visit the Rowan Oak website.
Another trek that merges history and beautiful scenery, this trail navigates the ghost town of Rocky Springs. There are three different trailheads, but if it’s the easiest route you’re after, you’ll want to start the hike at the trailhead at Rocky Springs Campground. From the campground, a short loop trail winds through the once bustling community. Along the way, you’ll find a Methodist church, the town’s only remaining structure, and other interesting remnants, including a post office safe, cistern, and cemetery. For more info, visit the NPS website.
3. Chautauqua Park Trails (Crystal Springs)
Chautauqua Park, 26031 US-51, Crystal Springs, MS 39059, USA
Featuring 74 acres of wooded rolling hills, flowing springs, spring-fed creeks, and a lake, Chautauqua Park offers the perfect backdrop for an outdoor adventure. Exploring the park is a breeze, thanks to several trails. The park’s most popular path is the Tree Top Trail – a 1,500-foot boardwalk that zigzags through the treetops, offering exceptional views of the surroundings. The Trail of Tranquility is another option for a laidback stroll, as it meanders through a wooded area, across a swinging bridge, and to a small stream. For more info, visit the park’s website.
At just 0.6 miles, this trail is perfect for hikers of all ages. But just because it’s short, don’t assume it’s lacking in the vistas department. Not only does the trail run along Sardis Lake, but it includes a boardwalk that extends directly over a Tupelo/bald cypress swamp. For more info, visit the Sardis Lake website.
5. Sky Lake Boardwalk (Belzoni)
Sky Lake WMA boardwalk, 1090 Simmons Rd, Belzoni, MS 39038, USA
The Sky Lake Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is home to some of the oldest – and biggest – bald cypress trees on Earth! And the best way to explore the ancient forest is the WMA’s namesake boardwalk, which is situated 12 feet off the ground and spans 1,700 feet. For more info, visit the Mississippi Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website.
6. Depot Creek Greenway (Lucedale)
Depot Creek Greenway Nature Preserve, 127-159 Depot Rd, Lucedale, MS 39452, USA
With walking trails, a handicap accessible boardwalk, and two small fishing ponds, this 29-acre green space is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. As you stroll along the walking trails, you’ll find signage with pictures and facts about the variety of wildlife that live in the area. It’s also likely that you’ll spot a few of the wild residents, so keep your eyes peeled. For more info, visit the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area website.
7. Outcroppings Trail (Tishomingo)
Tishomingo State Park, 105 Co Rd 90, Tishomingo, MS 38873, USA
At 2 miles, this is one of the longer trails on our list; however, as one of the state’s best hikes, we had to include it. A loop trail, it begins and ends at the iconic Tishomingo Swinging Bridge, which offers vistas that are both stunning and expansive. The incredible bridge views really set the tone for the remainder of the hike, which boasts scenic beauty throughout. Huge rock formations and waterfalls are just a few of the lovely sights you’ll find along the way. For more info, visit the Tishomingo State Park website.
So, did you know about these amazing trails? Do you think they’re the best hikes in Mississippi? Ever traversed any of the trails mentioned? Know of any other kid-friendly hikes around Mississippi? Tell us!
Address: University Ave & S 5th St, Oxford, MS 38655, USA
Address: 54 Natchez Trace Pkwy, Natchez, MS 39120, USA
Address: Chautauqua Dr, Crystal Springs, MS 39059, USA
Address: Sardis, MS 38666, USA
Address: 1692 Townsend Lake Rd, Belzoni, MS 39038, USA
Address: Main Street & Depot Street, Main St & Depot St, Lucedale, MS 39452, USA
Address: Rowan Oak, 916 Old Taylor Rd, Oxford, MS 38655, USA
Address: Rocky Springs, MS 39086, USA
Address: Chautauqua Park, 26031 US-51, Crystal Springs, MS 39059, USA
Address: Clear Springs Nature Trail, Sardis, MS 38666, USA
Address: Depot Creek Greenway Nature Preserve, 127-159 Depot Rd, Lucedale, MS 39452, USA
Address: Tishomingo State Park, 105 Co Rd 90, Tishomingo, MS 38873, USA
Address: Sky Lake WMA boardwalk, 1090 Simmons Rd, Belzoni, MS 39038, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Mississippi
March 18, 2022
Daniella DiRienzo
What other hikes qualify as the best hikes in Mississippi?
Definitely among the best hikes in Mississippi, Fontainebleau Nature Trail in Ocean Springs is an extension of the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge. The 1.5-mile loop trail meanders through a mix of habitats, including southern mixed hardwood forest, a longleaf pine forest, wet pine savannah, swamp, tidal marsh, and bayou. Several observation platforms can be found along the trail, providing plenty of opportunities to stop and take in the scenic sights.
Are there any kid-friendly hikes around Mississippi?
If you’re searching for kid-friendly hikes around Mississippi, you’ve got to check out Dunn’s Falls Park in Enterprise. The park is brimming with perks, including Dunn’s Falls, the tallest waterfall in Mississippi. Getting a glimpse of the fall couldn’t be easier, thanks to a short 0.4-mile trail, which begins at the top of the fall and meanders all the way down to its base, where you can splash around in the pool below the waterfall.
Are there any easy hikes in Mississippi?
Not all worthwhile hikes are extremely strenuous. There are several easy hikes in Mississippi that, though simple, are rewarding. The Vicksburg Battlefield Tour Road is one such trail. Open to both hikers and bikers, the route extends a total of 16 miles; however, it can be divided into smaller loops, making it suitable for novice and experienced hikers alike.
Address: University Ave & S 5th St, Oxford, MS 38655, USA
Address: 54 Natchez Trace Pkwy, Natchez, MS 39120, USA
Address: Chautauqua Dr, Crystal Springs, MS 39059, USA
Address: Sardis, MS 38666, USA
Address: 1692 Townsend Lake Rd, Belzoni, MS 39038, USA
Address: Main Street & Depot Street, Main St & Depot St, Lucedale, MS 39452, USA
Address: Rowan Oak, 916 Old Taylor Rd, Oxford, MS 38655, USA
Address: Rocky Springs, MS 39086, USA
Address: Chautauqua Park, 26031 US-51, Crystal Springs, MS 39059, USA
Address: Clear Springs Nature Trail, Sardis, MS 38666, USA
Address: Depot Creek Greenway Nature Preserve, 127-159 Depot Rd, Lucedale, MS 39452, USA
Address: Tishomingo State Park, 105 Co Rd 90, Tishomingo, MS 38873, USA
Address: Sky Lake WMA boardwalk, 1090 Simmons Rd, Belzoni, MS 39038, USA
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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.
