It’s no surprise that Mississippi is a great place for those that love the outdoors. The state is filled with a ton of trails that are perfect for everything from hiking and biking to canoeing and kayaking. So, if you’re ready to become one with nature, check out the list below for some of the state’s best trails.
- Longleaf Trace
John Perry/Flickr Part of Mississippi’s Rails to Trails program, the Longleaf Trace spans 41 miles from Hattiesburg to Prentiss and allows for running, biking, hiking, and horseback riding.
- Tuxachanie Hiking Trail in the DeSoto National Forest
www.fs.fed.us Located near Wiggins, this 22-mile trail through the Desoto National Forest is perfect for hikers of all skill levels due to the fairly flat terrain and several sections of elevated wooden footbridges.
- Black Creek Trail in the DeSoto National Forest
“Black Creek MS” by NWSRS - National Wild and Scenic Rivers System - http://www.rivers.gov/wsr-black-creek.html. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons Spanning approximately 40 miles, this is one of two National Recreation Trails located in the DeSoto National Forest near New Augusta. While the skill level of this trail is listed as moderate, it is extremely popular as it offers access to Black Creek which is known for its expansive sandbars and relaxing pace, making it perfect for canoeing and kayaking.
- The Clark Creek Natural Area Trails
www.mdwfp.com The Clark Creek Natural Area, located in Woodville, includes both primitive and improved trails. The area, which encompasses more than 700 acres, is highlighted by about 50 waterfalls which range in size from 10’ to more than 30’ in height. Referred to as “one of the Magnolia State’s most beautiful outdoor treasures,” the Clark Creek Natural Area is ideal for hiking, bird watching, photography, and botanizing.
- The Clear Springs Recreational Area Trails in the Homochitto National Forest
Antrell Williams/Flickr The Homochitto National Forest, located in the southwest region of the state, encompasses 189,000 acres. Nestled in the forest is the Clear Springs Recreational Area which includes a man-made lake, campground, picnic area, swim area, and two hiking trails – Clear Springs Trail and Tally’s Creek Trail.
- Thacker Mountain Trails
Friends of Thacker Mountain Trails/Facebook Located in Oxford, this Rail to Trail path totals about six miles. This trail’s skill level is classified as simple since there is minimal elevation gain, making it perfect for everything from strolling to biking. Several trails splinter from the main path, offering endless options for those adventure-seekers out there.
- Percy Quin State Park Nature Trail
Earl McGehee/Flickr Located in McComb, this trail spans eight miles; four of which are wooded and the other four paved. The scenic trail circles the beautiful Lake Tangipahoa and offers ample opportunities for viewing wildlife and plants.
- Woodall Mountain
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr Mississippi isn’t known for its mountains, but if you’re going to check one out it might as well be the tallest one in the state. That’s right, at a little over 806’ Iuka’s Woodall Mountain takes the title as the highest natural point in Mississippi. The trail ascending the mountain is accessible year-round and is perfect for any skill level.
- Tanglefoot Trail
www.tanglefoottrail.com The longest of Mississippi’s Rails to Trails conversion, this trail spans a little over 43 miles from New Albany to Houston. In addition to a diverse landscape that includes fields, forests, meadows, and wetlands, the trail travels through several small, historic towns.
- Davis Bayou, Gulf Islands National Seashore
www.nps.gov Located in Ocean Springs, this two-mile loop trail is ideal for any skill level. Accessible year-round, the trail is most commonly used for hiking and biking as well as bird watching and picnicking.
There’s nothing like spending the day outdoors, taking in beautiful scenery, and breathing fresh air! On or off the list, what are your favorite trails in Mississippi? Be sure to share in the comments section below.
John Perry/Flickr
Part of Mississippi’s Rails to Trails program, the Longleaf Trace spans 41 miles from Hattiesburg to Prentiss and allows for running, biking, hiking, and horseback riding.
Located near Wiggins, this 22-mile trail through the Desoto National Forest is perfect for hikers of all skill levels due to the fairly flat terrain and several sections of elevated wooden footbridges.
“Black Creek MS” by NWSRS - National Wild and Scenic Rivers System - http://www.rivers.gov/wsr-black-creek.html. Licensed under Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
Spanning approximately 40 miles, this is one of two National Recreation Trails located in the DeSoto National Forest near New Augusta. While the skill level of this trail is listed as moderate, it is extremely popular as it offers access to Black Creek which is known for its expansive sandbars and relaxing pace, making it perfect for canoeing and kayaking.
The Clark Creek Natural Area, located in Woodville, includes both primitive and improved trails. The area, which encompasses more than 700 acres, is highlighted by about 50 waterfalls which range in size from 10’ to more than 30’ in height. Referred to as “one of the Magnolia State’s most beautiful outdoor treasures,” the Clark Creek Natural Area is ideal for hiking, bird watching, photography, and botanizing.
Antrell Williams/Flickr
The Homochitto National Forest, located in the southwest region of the state, encompasses 189,000 acres. Nestled in the forest is the Clear Springs Recreational Area which includes a man-made lake, campground, picnic area, swim area, and two hiking trails – Clear Springs Trail and Tally’s Creek Trail.
Friends of Thacker Mountain Trails/Facebook
Located in Oxford, this Rail to Trail path totals about six miles. This trail’s skill level is classified as simple since there is minimal elevation gain, making it perfect for everything from strolling to biking. Several trails splinter from the main path, offering endless options for those adventure-seekers out there.
Earl McGehee/Flickr
Located in McComb, this trail spans eight miles; four of which are wooded and the other four paved. The scenic trail circles the beautiful Lake Tangipahoa and offers ample opportunities for viewing wildlife and plants.
Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr
Mississippi isn’t known for its mountains, but if you’re going to check one out it might as well be the tallest one in the state. That’s right, at a little over 806’ Iuka’s Woodall Mountain takes the title as the highest natural point in Mississippi. The trail ascending the mountain is accessible year-round and is perfect for any skill level.
The longest of Mississippi’s Rails to Trails conversion, this trail spans a little over 43 miles from New Albany to Houston. In addition to a diverse landscape that includes fields, forests, meadows, and wetlands, the trail travels through several small, historic towns.
Located in Ocean Springs, this two-mile loop trail is ideal for any skill level. Accessible year-round, the trail is most commonly used for hiking and biking as well as bird watching and picnicking.
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