Area51 Has a Fierce Reputation, but It’s One of Mississippi’s Best

At first glance, you might think Area51 is a no-go zone, but it’s actually a really great hiking destination and an even better mountain bike area. This isn’t some scary hiking trail in Mississippi where you might come face-to-face with an alien. On the contrary, it’s actually home to some of the best pathways in Mississippi—especially if you’re a mountain biker! 

What the Trails Are Actually Like

Area51 isn’t a particular trail; it’s actually a network of some of the best bike trails in Mississippi. It was built by the North Mississippi Trail Alliance (NMTA) along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Countless volunteers with a passion for outdoor adventures made this possible, and it quickly became a favorite spot for biking in Northern Mississippi, though it’s still a bit of a hidden gem on a larger scale. Trail runners and hikers will appreciate the rugged terrain, and mountain bikers will love the varied trails that cater to both beginners and seasoned pros.

What To Know Before You Go

Even though the trails were made for mountain biking, hikers and trail runners are welcome and encouraged to join in on the fun. There are big plans for the 1,000-acre parcel of land, and it’s already a fantastic spot to hit the trails. They really leaned into the space theme, with all the trails embracing it, like Voyager, Apollo, Black Hole, Mork & Mindy, and even an E.T. Phone Home Trail. The unusual hiking trail names all add to the vibe!

All of the trails vary in difficulty, so you’ll always have a trail to work toward. Death Star is the most difficult trail at Area51 (double black diamond) and is best suited for the most experienced riders, as it features a few blind drops and turns. The main Voyager loop is about seven miles long and takes about 2.5 hours to hike. Feel free to mix and match the trails to fit your ability and schedule. 

Is the Area51 Trail System Worth Hiking?

While Area51 is a favorite for mountain biking, hikers and trail runners will find it equally challenging and fun. The rolling hills and interesting terrain ensure you’ll be getting a workout in, regardless of whether you’re on two wheels or two feet. Keep an eye out for wildflowers and mushrooms that pepper the landscape. If you're lucky, you might even spot a turtle or two.

This is one hiking destination for which you’ll want to watch the weather before you go. The trails tend to get pretty muddy after a rain, so be sure to follow the North Mississippi Trail Alliance on Facebook to stay up to date on trail conditions, volunteering opportunities, and any upcoming events. 

Area51 isn’t the only hiking trail with an unusual name in Mississippi. Have you visited Buddy Butts Park yet? If you enjoy forest hikes, then be sure to add some of our favorite forest hikes in Mississippi to your list. They're perfect for summer because they provide so much shade.