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.

1. Little Mountain Trail, 2 miles

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

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

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

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

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

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.

7. Possum Walk Trail, 3.1 miles

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

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

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.