There are a ton of great hiking trails in Mississippi and some of these trails include bridges, making them a bit more practical … and magical. In fact, some of the best hikes in Mississippi feature a bridge of some sort. Need proof? Read on for 10 out-of-this-world hikes that require you to cross a bridge or two. We think they all deserve a top spot on the list of the best hikes in Mississippi!
- Swinging Bridge Nature Trail
Ken Seemann/AllTrails Probably the closest you’ll ever get to walking on water, the Coldwater River once flowed over the area that now makes up this trail. Rated as easy, the 1-mile trail is feasible for just about anyone and definitely worth the trek. Aside from being lined with informative panels on the history of the Arkabutla community, the redirection of the Coldwater River, and native plants and wildlife, the trail also includes a beautiful azalea garden. The trail is located southwest of Hernando on Highway 301 just below the Arkabutla Lake Dam on the south side of the spillway. Easily one of the best hikes in Mississippi, this beautiful nature trail delivers it all and is perfect for the whole family. Swinging Bridge, State Park Rd, Dennis, MS 38838, USA
- Bailey’s Woods Trail
MandanaJames/TripAdvisor Combining Oxford’s heritage and scenic beauty, this 0.25-mile trail will take you from the Ole Miss campus through the beautiful greenery of Bailey’s woods, before ending at Rowan Oak, the home of award-winning author William Faulkner. Touring the grounds of the famous home is free, while admission to the house will cost you a small fee. The North End Trail Entrance is located at the Ole Miss campus (near the University Museum) and the South End Trail Entrance is at Rowan Oak. This kid-friendly hike around Oxford is a great way to spend a hot afternoon. Tour the grounds and enjoy the stroll through some gorgeous green foliage. Ole Miss Drive, Ole Miss Dr, Oxford, MS 38655, USA
- Greenville Cypress Preserve
PK Herman/Google Though not a trail per se, the Greenville Cypress Preserves is too good not to mention. Referred to as “a natural treasure in the Mississippi Delta,” the preserve spans 16 acres and features a diverse terrain that includes sloughs, an area of mixed woodland, and a meadow. Even better, it can all be easily viewed from the boardwalk that navigates the preserve or the on-site observation deck. The preserve is located at Cypress Lane in Greenville. The Greenville Cypress Preserve in Mississippi is a great place to spend the day exploring. Pack a lunch and take your time. Greenville Cypress Preserve Trust, 630 Cypress Ln, Greenville, MS 38701, USA
- Little Mountain Trail
Roger Howell/AllTrail Follow this easy-to-navigate trail straight to the top of Little Mountain — the second highest point in Mississippi. It’s rated as “easy” and under a mile, so it’s a great trek for all ages. Have your camera ready because on a clear day, visibility spans 20 miles. The trail is located in Jeff Busby Park, which can be found at milepost 193.1 on the Natchez Trace. This scenic hike in Mississippi is a great way to stretch your legs and get in some great views, too. Little Mountain, Mississippi 39735, USA
- Depot Creek Greenway Trail
Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain/Facebook Encompassing 29 acres, the Depot Creek Greenway includes an improved hiking trail, which is perfect for exploring the area and observing wildlife in its native habitat. Both fun and educational, the path is lined with a series of signs that feature pictures and facts about the variety of wildlife that live in the area. The trail is located at Main Street and Depot Street in Lucedale. The Depot Creek Greenway Trail in Mississippi has plenty of fun nooks and crannies to explore, and we love wiling away the hours in this beautiful spot. Depot Creek Greenway Nature Preserve, 127-159 Depot Rd, Lucedale, MS 39452, USA
- CCC Camp Trail
Matt Taylor/Crooked Letter Photography 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. Tishomingo State Park is located at 105 Co Road 90 in Tishomingo. If you’re in Tishomingo State Park in Mississippi and looking for hiking trails near me, this is a great trail that the whole family will love. State Park Road, State Park Rd, Mississippi, USA
- Tree Top Trail
crystalspringsmiss.com Nestled in Chautauqua Park, this 1,500-foot boardwalk zigzags through the tops of trees and crosses a trickling stream, before leading to Chautauqua Spring House, a structure that shelters the spring, which once supplied drinking water to the area. The park also has another trail, the Trail of Tranquility, which is worth checking out. Perfect for a laid-back stroll, the picturesque path will lead you through a wooded area to a small stream that runs along the northern edge of the park. Get to Chautauqua Park by taking exit 72 on I-55, drive east to Highway 51, then turn right into the park’s entrance, which is about one mile ahead. We love the Tree Top Trail in Mississippi because it’s such an easy, and highly-rewarding hike for anyone who wants to get out and enjoy the natural beauty that this state has to offer. This is one of the best hikes in Mississippi. Chautauqua Park, 26031 US-51, Crystal Springs, MS 39059, USA
- Clear Springs Nature Trail
Glenda Cavalier/AllTrails With trails that range from one to 11 miles, Clear Springs Recreation Area is perfect for serene strolls, strenuous hikes, and everything in between. Hikers of all skill levels will enjoy the Clear Springs Loop Trail, which spans just one mile and circles the beautiful spring-fed lake for which the recreation area is named. We like the 0.6-mile Clear Springs Nature Trail in Mississippi with a gorgeous boardwalk to walk on. Clear Springs, MS 39338, USA
- Blackland Prairie Trail
Luis Aburto/Only In Mississippi Facebook This trail is situated on the Natchez Trace (milepost 266), just north of Tupelo. At 12.5 miles (round trip), it’s a bit longer, but it’s extremely easy to traverse, making it perfect for less-experienced hikers. In addition to a low difficulty level, the trail includes scenic river views, fields of wildflowers, and access to interesting sites such as the Chickasaw Village. This historic trail is a section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail. Expect stunning views and plenty of interesting history. Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Natchez, MS, USA
- 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. The trailhead is located at milepost 122 on the Natchez Trace. Another interesting section on the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail, this easy trail is a great kid-friendly hike in Mississippi. Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Natchez, MS, USA
Have you tackled any of the best hikes in Mississippi? What trail do you love best? Did we forget your favorite? Tell us in the comments section.
Ken Seemann/AllTrails
Probably the closest you’ll ever get to walking on water, the Coldwater River once flowed over the area that now makes up this trail. Rated as easy, the 1-mile trail is feasible for just about anyone and definitely worth the trek. Aside from being lined with informative panels on the history of the Arkabutla community, the redirection of the Coldwater River, and native plants and wildlife, the trail also includes a beautiful azalea garden. The trail is located southwest of Hernando on Highway 301 just below the Arkabutla Lake Dam on the south side of the spillway. Easily one of the best hikes in Mississippi, this beautiful nature trail delivers it all and is perfect for the whole family.
Swinging Bridge, State Park Rd, Dennis, MS 38838, USA
MandanaJames/TripAdvisor
Combining Oxford’s heritage and scenic beauty, this 0.25-mile trail will take you from the Ole Miss campus through the beautiful greenery of Bailey’s woods, before ending at Rowan Oak, the home of award-winning author William Faulkner. Touring the grounds of the famous home is free, while admission to the house will cost you a small fee. The North End Trail Entrance is located at the Ole Miss campus (near the University Museum) and the South End Trail Entrance is at Rowan Oak. This kid-friendly hike around Oxford is a great way to spend a hot afternoon. Tour the grounds and enjoy the stroll through some gorgeous green foliage.
Ole Miss Drive, Ole Miss Dr, Oxford, MS 38655, USA
PK Herman/Google
Though not a trail per se, the Greenville Cypress Preserves is too good not to mention. Referred to as “a natural treasure in the Mississippi Delta,” the preserve spans 16 acres and features a diverse terrain that includes sloughs, an area of mixed woodland, and a meadow. Even better, it can all be easily viewed from the boardwalk that navigates the preserve or the on-site observation deck. The preserve is located at Cypress Lane in Greenville. The Greenville Cypress Preserve in Mississippi is a great place to spend the day exploring. Pack a lunch and take your time.
Greenville Cypress Preserve Trust, 630 Cypress Ln, Greenville, MS 38701, USA
Roger Howell/AllTrail
Follow this easy-to-navigate trail straight to the top of Little Mountain — the second highest point in Mississippi. It’s rated as “easy” and under a mile, so it’s a great trek for all ages. Have your camera ready because on a clear day, visibility spans 20 miles. The trail is located in Jeff Busby Park, which can be found at milepost 193.1 on the Natchez Trace. This scenic hike in Mississippi is a great way to stretch your legs and get in some great views, too.
Little Mountain, Mississippi 39735, USA
Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain/Facebook
Encompassing 29 acres, the Depot Creek Greenway includes an improved hiking trail, which is perfect for exploring the area and observing wildlife in its native habitat. Both fun and educational, the path is lined with a series of signs that feature pictures and facts about the variety of wildlife that live in the area. The trail is located at Main Street and Depot Street in Lucedale. The Depot Creek Greenway Trail in Mississippi has plenty of fun nooks and crannies to explore, and we love wiling away the hours in this beautiful spot.
Depot Creek Greenway Nature Preserve, 127-159 Depot Rd, Lucedale, MS 39452, USA
Matt Taylor/Crooked Letter Photography
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. Tishomingo State Park is located at 105 Co Road 90 in Tishomingo. If you’re in Tishomingo State Park in Mississippi and looking for hiking trails near me, this is a great trail that the whole family will love.
State Park Road, State Park Rd, Mississippi, USA
crystalspringsmiss.com
Nestled in Chautauqua Park, this 1,500-foot boardwalk zigzags through the tops of trees and crosses a trickling stream, before leading to Chautauqua Spring House, a structure that shelters the spring, which once supplied drinking water to the area. The park also has another trail, the Trail of Tranquility, which is worth checking out. Perfect for a laid-back stroll, the picturesque path will lead you through a wooded area to a small stream that runs along the northern edge of the park. Get to Chautauqua Park by taking exit 72 on I-55, drive east to Highway 51, then turn right into the park’s entrance, which is about one mile ahead. We love the Tree Top Trail in Mississippi because it’s such an easy, and highly-rewarding hike for anyone who wants to get out and enjoy the natural beauty that this state has to offer. This is one of the best hikes in Mississippi.
Chautauqua Park, 26031 US-51, Crystal Springs, MS 39059, USA
Glenda Cavalier/AllTrails
With trails that range from one to 11 miles, Clear Springs Recreation Area is perfect for serene strolls, strenuous hikes, and everything in between. Hikers of all skill levels will enjoy the Clear Springs Loop Trail, which spans just one mile and circles the beautiful spring-fed lake for which the recreation area is named. We like the 0.6-mile Clear Springs Nature Trail in Mississippi with a gorgeous boardwalk to walk on.
Clear Springs, MS 39338, USA
Luis Aburto/Only In Mississippi Facebook
This trail is situated on the Natchez Trace (milepost 266), just north of Tupelo. At 12.5 miles (round trip), it’s a bit longer, but it’s extremely easy to traverse, making it perfect for less-experienced hikers. In addition to a low difficulty level, the trail includes scenic river views, fields of wildflowers, and access to interesting sites such as the Chickasaw Village. This historic trail is a section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail. Expect stunning views and plenty of interesting history.
Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Natchez, MS, USA
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. The trailhead is located at milepost 122 on the Natchez Trace. Another interesting section on the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail, this easy trail is a great kid-friendly hike in Mississippi.
These aren’t the only noteworthy trails in the state. Check out this hike that leads you straight to an abandoned WWII POW camp.
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Address: Mississippi, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Mississippi April 22, 2022 Megan McDonald How many national parks are there in Mississippi? There are nine national parks in Mississippi including battlefields, national historical sites, and the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail. How many hikes are in Mississippi? There are 208 marked trails in Mississippi, ranging from easy to difficult to complete. There are hikes that are short and sweet, and longer ones that encourage you to take your time. You will easily find trails that are ideal for your experience and energy level.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Hikes In Mississippi
April 22, 2022
Megan McDonald
How many national parks are there in Mississippi? There are nine national parks in Mississippi including battlefields, national historical sites, and the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail. How many hikes are in Mississippi? There are 208 marked trails in Mississippi, ranging from easy to difficult to complete. There are hikes that are short and sweet, and longer ones that encourage you to take your time. You will easily find trails that are ideal for your experience and energy level.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
There are nine national parks in Mississippi including battlefields, national historical sites, and the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail.
How many hikes are in Mississippi?
There are 208 marked trails in Mississippi, ranging from easy to difficult to complete. There are hikes that are short and sweet, and longer ones that encourage you to take your time. You will easily find trails that are ideal for your experience and energy level.
