There’s a Hike in Mississippi That Leads You Straight to an Abandoned WWII POW Camp

There are a lot of great hiking trails in Mississippi, but not all of them lead to interesting remnants from the past like the Tuxachanie Trail in Saucier. A must-visit for avid hikers and history buffs alike, the route includes plenty of beautiful views before coming to an end at an abandoned POW camp in Mississippi, which dates back to WWII. If you’re visiting Gulfport and need a place to escape the busy crowds and get in nature, this is one of the best hiking trails in the region, and it should definitely be on your bucket list. You’ll want to pack your boots and bring the kids and pup (on leash) to hike this historic Mississippi trail. 

Located within the DeSoto National Forest, a short drive from the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Tuxachanie Trail is a 12-mile out-and-back trail with about a 450-foot elevation gain. Loaded with beautiful views and a ton of history, it follows an abandoned lumber railroad and leads through forests, savannahs, and swamps straight to a POW camp from WWII.

Don’t let the 12-mile length deter you, though. There are three different trailheads, so you can shorten the route or even drive straight to the POW camp. But of course, we recommend taking the scenic hike to get to the reward at the end. To hike the entire trail, begin the route at the western trailhead on Highway 49 near Saucier. Cut the trail in half by accessing it via the Airey Lake Recreation Area. Or, you can omit the hiking completely and enter through the POW Lake Recreation Area.

Whether you choose to drive or hike, beautiful surroundings are practically guaranteed. Today, ammunition bunkers are all that remain of the POW camp, which used to house German and Italian prisoners during WWII. It was an extension of Camp Shelby, which housed thousands of prisoners during the war. Records state that this particular site held about 100 men. According to local historian Charles Sullivan, "Most of these German soldiers that we had here were just out of high school in Germany, put in uniform and told to shoot Americans. They weren’t really Nazis."

Depending on the season you visit, you will experience picturesque scenes as you hike. Come in summer and spring to see the pretty little wildflowers along the water's edge, and the area comes alive with autumn beauty in the fall. When the colder season arrives, bundle up to hike the trails dusted with snow.

Remember, the POW camp is part of a recreation area, so in addition to an incredible piece of the past, there's also a lake and the opportunity for some camping. Primitive sites are permitted within 100' of the trail. For more information on the Tuxachanie Trail, including camping details, map, and directions, visit the U.S, Forest Service webpage. The trail is open year-round, and there is no fee to explore.

So, did you know about the Tuxachanie Trail POW camp? Ever visited? Know of any other intriguing, long-forgotten places in Mississippi? This is just one of the desolate spots in the state that you can explore. Check out our road trip leading to some of the scariest abandoned places in Mississippi, which are tucked away in eerie ghost towns. Looking for another POW camp in Mississippi? You’re in luck; there are actually several abandoned POW camps in Mississippi.