10 Incredible Hikes Under 5 Miles Everyone In Mississippi Should Take
When the weather is too nice to stay indoors, take a hike! Wondering what the best hikes in Mississippi are? Don’t waste another second searching online for “hiking trails near me.” We’ve already done that. We looked high and low for everything from easy hikes in Mississippi to kid-friendly hikes around Mississippi – and we did not come up empty handed. There are all kinds of great treks in the Magnolia State, but if you ask us, the following treks are the easiest and best hikes in Mississippi.
Located along the Natchez Trace Parkway, Little Mountain Trail is classified as easy to moderate, making it suitable for people of all ages. The trail is technically a point-to-point trail that covers a distance of just under 2 miles; however, there is also a shorter loop trail, which is one-half mile – both of which take hikers to the top of Little Mountain, the second highest point in the state.
2. Bear Creek Outcropping Trail, 3.3 miles
Tishomingo State Park, 105 Co Rd 90, Tishomingo, MS 38873, USA
The Bear Creek Outcropping Trail, which is located in Tishomingo State Park, is rated as moderate on the difficulty scale, but with scenic views of the Appalachian foothills, huge rock formations, and fern-filled crevices that exist nowhere else in the state, it’s definitely worth the extra effort.
3. Natchez Trace Parkway Cypress Swamp Hike, .5 miles
Cypress Swamp, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Canton, MS 39046, USA
At one-half mile, the Cypress Swamp Loop Trail is quite short, but according to reviews, it shouldn’t be ignored. Aside from providing unique views of a bald cypress swamp, the trail includes detailed signage regarding the trees and the swamp’s role in the environment. 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.
4. CCC Camp Trail, 3 miles
Tishomingo State Park, 105 Co Rd 90, Tishomingo, MS 38873, USA
Located in Tishomingo State Park, the CCC Camp Trail is a 3-mile loop trail that follows rocky outcrops and crosses several pristine springs and streams before coming to an end at a swinging bridge.
5. Clark Creek Improved Trail, 4.5 miles
Clark Creek Natural Area, 366 Ft Adams Pond Rd, Woodville, MS 39669, USA
The Clark Creek Improved Trail is located within the Clark Creek Nature Area in Woodville, and is known for showing off some of the area’s best assets – waterfalls. Rated as moderate, the well-maintained trail passes by several waterfalls, and to make the trek a bit easier, stairs have been added to areas with steep inclines as well as near the waterfalls, allowing visitors access to the bottom of the falls.
6. Davis Bayou Trail, 2 miles
Davis Bayous Area Gulf Islands National Seashore, 3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, USA
Located in Ocean Springs, this 2-mile loop trail traverses a coastal forest and two bayous, which means alligator sightings are a real possibility. Ideal for any skill level, the Davis Bayou Trail is accessible year-round and is also ideal for bird watching and biking.
The perfect combination of nature and history, the Possum Walk Trail guides visitors through the deserted communities of Possum Walk and Logtown. Interpretive signs fill the area, giving hikers information on the towns of yesteryear as well as plants and animals native to the area. Since the terrain is relatively flat, this trail is considered fairly easy and should be able to be completed by people of all ages.
8. Chewalla Lake Recreation Area Trail, 4 miles
Chewalla Lake Recreation Area, 726 Chewalla Lake Rd, Holly Springs, MS 38635, USA
Following the shoreline of spring-fed Chewalla Lake, the Chewalla Lake Recreation Area Trail offers the utmost in tranquility, and since it’s located within a recreation area, hikers can enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities, including fishing and camping. It should be noted that the recreation area operates seasonally, so make sure to check it's open before visiting.
9. The River Trail, 1.75 miles
Plymouth Bluff Environmental Center, 2200 Old W Point Rd, Columbus, MS 39701, USA
As part of an ongoing project by the Boy Scouts of the Pushmataha Area Council, this trail has received several updates over the years, including the addition of signage, footbridges, steps, rest areas, and interpretive kiosks. The River Trail 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.
10. The Arkabutla Lake Education and Nature Center Trail (ARK) Trail, 2 miles
The 2-mile ARK Trail is made up of gently rolling hills with little elevation gain, meaning it’s ideal for just about any skill level. Located in a wildlife sanctuary, the trail affords exceptional views and includes extensive signage regarding area wildlife as well as tree identification markers.
So, what do you think? Are these the best hikes in Mississippi? What are your favorite scenic hikes in Mississippi? Know of any other easy hikes in Mississippi? Whatever it is, tell us!
The best hikes in Mississippi don’t end with the trails above. There are so many spectacularly scenic hikes in Mississippi, including this canyon hike.
Address: Little Mountain, Mississippi 39735, USA
Address: Tishomingo State Park, 105 Co Rd 90, Tishomingo, MS 38873, USA
Address: Cypress Swamp, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Canton, MS 39046, USA
Address: Tishomingo State Park, 105 Co Rd 90, Tishomingo, MS 38873, USA
Address: Clark Creek Natural Area, 366 Ft Adams Pond Rd, Woodville, MS 39669, USA
Address: Davis Bayous Area Gulf Islands National Seashore, 3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, USA
Address: Logtown Cemetery, Pearlington, MS 39572, USA
Address: Chewalla Lake Recreation Area, 726 Chewalla Lake Rd, Holly Springs, MS 38635, USA
Address: Plymouth Bluff Environmental Center, 2200 Old W Point Rd, Columbus, MS 39701, USA
Address: Arkabutla Lake, Mississippi, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Mississippi
March 30, 2022
Daniella DiRienzo
What are some other hiking trails near me?
The best hikes in Mississippi don’t end with the treks above. There are so many great trails in Mississippi, including the Museum Trail. Jackson’s first rail-trail, the 5-mile multi-use trail follows the old GM&O Rail Line. Being the city’s first rail-trail isn’t the Museum Trail’s only distinguishing feature, though. Offering a unique adventure, the trail connects the Mississippi Farmers Market to the Mississippi Agriculture Museum, offering access to three parks and six museums along the way.
Are there any kid-friendly hikes around Mississippi?
When seeking kid-friendly hikes around Mississippi, you won’t be disappointed with the Dunn’s Fall Trail. It is less than one-half mile in length, yet it boasts history and scenic beauty, which comes in the form of the state’s tallest waterfall, the 65-foot Dunn’s Falls. The trail begins at the top of the fall, where you can not only enjoy waterfall vistas, but explore a historic grist mill, too. A set of stairs leads to the bottom of the fall, where you can splash around in the pool at its base.
What are the most scenic hikes in Mississippi?
The C.L. Dees Nature Trail in Gautier is easily one of the most scenic hikes in Mississippi. Managed by the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, the three-quarter-mile trail is brimming with lovely vistas, as it winds through a variety of habitats, including a pine savanna and tidal marsh. Plant life and wildlife are also abundant along the trail, and include everything from carnivorous plants to wading birds and resident mammals.
Address: Little Mountain, Mississippi 39735, USA
Address: Tishomingo State Park, 105 Co Rd 90, Tishomingo, MS 38873, USA
Address: Cypress Swamp, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Canton, MS 39046, USA
Address: Tishomingo State Park, 105 Co Rd 90, Tishomingo, MS 38873, USA
Address: Clark Creek Natural Area, 366 Ft Adams Pond Rd, Woodville, MS 39669, USA
Address: Davis Bayous Area Gulf Islands National Seashore, 3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, USA
Address: Logtown Cemetery, Pearlington, MS 39572, USA
Address: Chewalla Lake Recreation Area, 726 Chewalla Lake Rd, Holly Springs, MS 38635, USA
Address: Plymouth Bluff Environmental Center, 2200 Old W Point Rd, Columbus, MS 39701, USA
Address: Arkabutla Lake, Mississippi, USA
Mississippi In Your Inbox
Thank you! You'll receive your first newsletter soon!
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.
