We Did the Research, This Is Officially the Most Bizarre Hiking Trail Name in Mississippi

One thing I love about Mississippi is that you’re never too far away from a hiking trail. Even in the throes of summer, it’s important to get outside and connect with your natural surroundings. You don’t have to trek it to one of Mississippi’s beautiful state parks, either. You’d be surprised at how many lovely trails are within major cities! Take, for example, the Buddy Butts trail in Jackson. This might just be the most bizarre hiking trail name in Mississippi. 

Most hiking trails in the country are named after Native Americans, an early settler, or perhaps the flora/fauna in the region. That’s certainly the case with popular Mississippi hiking trails like Tuxachanie Trail, Brandon Quarry Trails, and the Bonita Lakes Trail. That same naming pattern holds true for the Buddy Butts Trail in Buddy Butts Park. 

You’ll find this park off of McRaven Road in Jackson, close to Clinton. The area was used as a German POW camp during WWII and then abandoned until 1973. 

One of the most unique aspects of the park is the Mississippi River Basin Model, which was constructed between 1943 and 1966. Years later, in 1993, the City of Jackson took control and developed the space into a city park. Admittedly, the park has seen better days. The trail system is ok, but the model has been reclaimed by nature.

Buddy Butts Park is a labyrinth of trails. It can be a little tricky to stay on your intended trail because the trails converge and cross over each other numerous times. I’d recommend having a trail map handy. Overall, the trail system forms a 5.2-mile loop.

It’s a popular spot for mountain bikers, but hikers are also welcome. It can be a bit muddy, so make sure you’re wearing proper hiking boots before you hit the trail. 

But how did the trail and park get their names? It’s a name that certainly will raise an eyebrow. Well, it turns out that the park (and trail system) was named after Buddy Butts Jackson, a supervisor for the Mississippi Parks and Maintenance Department. He played a key role in the development of the park, especially when it came to building the park’s soccer fields. He passed away in 1980 from melanoma cancer, and the park was named after him. With such a unique name, I'm glad his legacy lives on in this park.

For folks in the Greater Jackson Area, it’s a nice little area to escape to where you can touch grass and disconnect from city life for a brief moment. If you have a bike and are looking for new places to ride, this might be your new favorite spot! It's just large enough and secluded enough to make you feel like you left the city.

Be sure to read the reviews on AllTrails before you head over. The road to the parking lot can have some gnarly potholes, so make sure you drive carefully. Share this article with someone you want to check out this trail in Mississippi with. For more outdoor adventures, check out some of our favorite hiking trails in the Magnolia State.