In 2021, Take These 12 Incredible Mississippi Hikes, One For Each Month Of The Year
2021 may have just begun, but it’s never too early to start making some plans for the upcoming year. If you’re in agreeance, you’ll want to read on because we’ve compiled a list of 12 incredible hikes – one for each month of the year.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
There’s no better way to kick off the year than with a trek along the Outcroppings Trail, which is considered one of Mississippi’s best hikes. And with a swinging bridge, rare rock formations, and an abundance of breathtaking scenery, it’s easy to see why the 2-mile trail is so highly rated.
Spanning 0.43 miles, this 3-tiered trail, which is also known as the Lower Trail, is dotted with relaxation areas, vista points, and shaded benches. Featuring a 200’ descent, it’s rated as medium in terms of difficulty.
If you’re looking for a hike with a variety of stunning scenery and plenty of wildlife photo-ops, you’ll definitely want to visit the Davis Bayou Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Deemed "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.
Sure to delight avid hikers and history buffs alike, the Tuxachanie Trail spans 12 miles and 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.
If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind trek to add to your bucket list, Dunn’s Falls Trail won’t disappoint. Not only does the trail start off at the top of the state’s tallest waterfall, but it includes an easy-to-navigate staircase that leads straight to the river below, where you can splash around in its cool waters.
Not so much a hike, accessing this waterfall requires just a short trek along a well-beaten path. Once at the fall, you can splash around in its waters, making for a refreshing adventure that’s perfect for a hot summer day.
Located in Tupelo, this 4.2-mile point-to-point trail is suitable for all skill levels. In addition to beautiful fields of wild flowers and vibrant greenery, the popular trail leads to the Chickasaw Village Site.
Nestled in Chautauqua Park, this 1,500-foot boardwalk zigzags through the tops of trees and crosses a trickling stream, before leading to Chautauqua Spring House, a structure that shelters the spring, which once supplied drinking water to the area.
Home to some of the oldest – and biggest – bald cypress trees on Earth, Sky Lake WMA is an incredible natural wonder. Luckily, there’s a boardwalk trail that makes it easy to explore the ancient forest. And since the cypress creates somewhat of a canopy, the temperature on the boardwalk is noticeably lower, making for a comfortable trek.
This may be the toughest trail on this list, but the effort is definitely worth it. The 1-mile trek traverses hilly Appalachian-like terrain and includes a graveled stairway trail, which leads to a ridge top overlooking the stunning Baker’s Pond.
The Natchez Trace was once a vital pathway for Native Americans, explorers, and traders. Over time, the trail eroded, resulting in a “sunken” appearance. Today, only parts of the original trail are still accessible, and you’ll find the longest portion of the sunken Trace at the Potkopinu Trail. A trek like no other, the 3-mile trail has some embankments over 25 feet high!
Part of the Plymouth Bluff Center, the Old Channel Trail is brimming with beauty AND history. The scenic path meanders along the top of a bluff before coming to an end at its base, which is the perfect spot to look for fossils.
So, ever trekked along any of the trails mentioned? Did we include your favorite? Or leave out your favorite? Tell us in the comments section.
These aren’t the only hikes worthy of a place on your bucket list. Read about another here.
Address: 105 Co Rd 90, Tishomingo, MS 38873, USA
Address: Silver St, Natchez, MS 39120, USA
Address: Davis Bayou, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, USA
Address: 26204 US 49, Saucier, MS 39574, USA
Address: Dunn's Falls Park, 6890 Dunns Falls Rd A, Enterprise, MS 39330, USA
Address: Ovett Moselle Rd, Ovett, MS 39464, USA
Address: Unnamed Road, 38801, Tupelo, MS 38801, USA
Address: 26031 US-51, Crystal Springs, MS 39059, USA
Address: 1692 Townsend Lake Rd, Belzoni, MS 39038, USA
Address: Old Hwy 72, Mississippi 38683, USA
Address: MS-553, Fayette, MS, USA
Address: 2200 Old W Point Rd, Columbus, MS 39701, USA
