Posted in Mississippi Hiking, Nature March 10, 2022 by

7 Short And Sweet Summer Hikes In Mississippi With Amazing Views

Some of the best hikes in Mississippi are also the shortest, making them perfect for summer. And while the immense summer heat may seem unbearable, the views that come along with the following scenic hikes in Mississippi make them worth every bit of sweat. Not so sure? We can almost guarantee that after checking out the treks below, you’ll almost certainly change your mind about summer hiking in Mississippi.

1. Little Mountain Trail
National Park Planner
Rated as "easy," Little Mountain Trail, which begins in Jeff Busby Park, is 0.8 miles long (1.6 miles round trip). And since Little Mountain is the 2nd highest point in Mississippi, great views are practically guaranteed.

Read more about this trail on the National Park Service website.
Little Mountain, Mississippi 39735, USA
2. Cypress Swamp Loop Trail
Paul Brady/Flickr
Just as the name implies, this trail leads right through a cypress swamp. Suitable for all ages and skill levels, the loop trail is rated "easy" and can be completed in about 20 minutes. Although, you’ll probably want to give yourself more time to explore the enchanting surroundings.

Read more about this trail on the National Park Service website.
Cypress Swamp, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Canton, MS 39046, USA
3. Beaver Dam Trail
Roger Smith/Flickr
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. Keep your eyes peeled for the various species of wildlife that call the area home, including blue herons, wood ducks, and deer.

Read more about this trail on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.
Beaver Dam Trail, Beaver Dm Trl, Mississippi 39759, USA
4. CCC Camp Trail
Picture Mississippi - photography by Kim Hunt/Facebook
Located in Tishomingo State Park, this 3-mile loop trail follows rocky outcrops and crosses several pristine springs and streams. It comes to an end at an enchanting swinging bridge, where you can stop for a moment and take in the beautiful surroundings.

Read more about this trail on the Tishomingo State Park website.
Tishomingo State Park, 105 Co Rd 90, Tishomingo, MS 38873, USA
5. Dunn’s Falls Trail
wild_billiam/Instagram
This short-but-sweet hike begins at the top of a waterfall, where you'll find great views as well as a historic grist mill that's open to the public. When you're ready, begin your descent to the foot of the fall. Stairs lead straight to the bottom of the waterfall, making for a quick and easy trek. The fun isn’t over when you get to the bottom of the fall, though — and that’s because there’s a shallow pool at the base that’s perfect for cooling off.

Read more about this trail on the park’s website.
Dunn's Falls Park, 6890 Dunns Falls Rd A, Enterprise, MS 39330, USA
6. Natchez Bluff Trail
mikus31/Instagram
With a 200-foot descent, this trail is rated as "medium" in terms of difficulty, but at just 0.43 miles it’s still completely doable for less experienced hikers. And you’ll be glad you put in the effort since the 3-tiered trail provides exceptional views of the Mighty Mississippi.

Read more about this trail on the Friends of the Riverfront website.
Natchez Bluff WalkingTrail, Natchez, MS 39120, USA
7. Bonita Lakes Park
Todd Tilghman‎/Mississippi Nature Lovers Facebook⁣⠀
Bonita Lakes Park features several trails, which are perfect for a range of skill levels. Covered in crushed gravel, the main trail is quite easy to traverse, whereas the trail that circles the lake is perfect for those looking for a bit of a challenge.

Read more about this trail on the park’s website.
Bonita Lakes Park, Bonita Reservoir Rd, Meridian, MS 39301, USA

So, what do you think? Are these the best hikes in Mississippi? Know of any other scenic hikes in Mississippi? Do you think you’ll be doing some summer hiking in Mississippi? Whatever it is, tell us!

The best hikes in Mississippi aren’t limited to the treks above. There are several others, including this trail, which leads to a deserted town site from long ago.

 

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Hikes In Mississippi

March 15, 2022
Daniella DiRienzo

What are the most scenic hikes in Mississippi?

When seeking scenic hikes in Mississippi, Clark Creek Natural Area is a great place to start. Tucked away in the tiny town of Woodville, the natural area spans 700 acres and boasts features rare to Mississippi, such as huge rock formations and waterfalls. All in all, there are about 50 falls, which range from 10 feet to 30 feet in height. A majority of the waterfalls are situated along the park’s primitive and improved trails.

Are there any kid-friendly hikes around Mississippi?

There are several kid-friendly hikes around Mississippi. One that shouldn’t be missed is the Alligator Slough Nature Trail in the small town of Eden. Rated as easy, the 0.7-mile loop typically takes about 20 minutes to complete. Though short, the trail is incredibly scenic, as it offers close-up views of a cypress swamp, along with a colorful mix of wildflowers. This is just one of the kid-friendly hikes around Mississippi. There are several others, including these treks, which are all 1 mile or less.

Where’s the best place for summer hiking in Mississippi?

Summer in the Magnolia State can be pretty brutal, which is why summer hiking in Mississippi isn’t a popular pastime. However, at Merit Water Park you can enjoy a scenic stroll while beating the summer heat. Not your typical water park, Merit Water Park is a natural water park. The highlight of the 25-acre park is Rials Creek, a spring-fed creek, which features a waterfall. Surrounded by a sand-and-rock beach, the creek is, not surprisingly, a popular swimming hole – and since it’s spring-fed, it’s nice and cold all year long.