Let’s face it; summertime temperatures here in Mississippi are excruciating, making it nearly impossible to do any sort of outdoor activity. Luckily, our mild winters are perfect for getting out and enjoying the great outdoors. So, the next time you’re looking for a way to take advantage of Mississippi’s beautiful winter weather, check out one of these ten amazing trails.
- Ingomar Mound Site
archaeologicalconservancy.org Take advantage of the cooler weather and make the trek to these ancient burial mounds, which date back 2,200 years, making them the oldest documented man-made site in Union County. The 1.8-mile loop trail is rated as “easy” and opened year-round. For more information, click here.
- Natchez Trace Scenic Trail
nps.gov Although much of the historic Natchez Trace now serves as a parkway for cars, there are still plenty of opportunities to hike along the pioneer road. The 20-mile section between Ridgeland and Choctaw and the 10-mile portion near Port Gibson are among the most popular for hiking. And if you get too cold, you always have the option of exploring the Trace from the comfort (and warmth) of your own vehicle. For more information on the Natchez Trace, click here.
- The Arkabutla Lake Education and Nature Center Trail (ARK Trail)
visitmississippi.org Perfect for a quick hike on a cool day, this two-mile trail is made up of gently rolling hills with little elevation gain, making it ideal for any skill level. Located in a wildlife sanctuary, the trail affords exceptional views and includes extensive signage regarding area wildlife as well as tree identification markers. For more information, click here.
- CCC Camp Trail
Brad Kebodeaux/Flickr As one of Mississippi’s top outdoor attractions, a visit to Tishomingo State Park is a must, and the cool winter temperatures create the perfect opportunity to explore the impressive natural wonder. Among the park’s trails is the CCC Camp Trail. The three-mile loop trail follows rocky outcrops and crosses pristine springs, streams, and even waterfalls before coming to an end at the notorious Swinging Bridge. For more information, click here.
- Bear Creek Outcropping Trail
Brad Kebodeaux/Flickr Continue your journey through Tishomingo with a trek along this popular trail. Starting at the swinging bridge, it is rated as moderate on the difficulty scale, but with scenic views of the Appalachian foothills, huge rock formations, and fern-filled crevices that don’t exist anywhere else in the state, it’s definitely worth the extra effort. For more information, click here.
- Little Mountain Trail
mississippientomologicalmuseum.org Located along the Natchez Trace Parkway, Little Mountain Trail is classified as easy to moderate, which means it’s suitable for just about everyone. There are two options for completing the trail; you can either take a two-mile point-to-point trail or a .5-mile loop trail (which is perfect if it ends up being a bit colder than you expected). No matter which path you choose, you’ll end up at the top of Little Mountain, the second highest point in the state. For more information click here.
- Clark Creek Nature Area
Darrell Miller/Flickr Referred to as “one of the Magnolia State’s most beautiful outdoor treasures,” the Clark Creek Natural Area is a great place to visit no matter the time of year. The 700-acre gem includes both primitive and improved hiking trails, offering plenty of chances to view the more than 50 waterfalls that are scattered throughout the area. For more information, click here.
- Noxubee Hills Trail System
Noxubee Hills Trail System/Facebook Offering over 30 miles of trails that range from easy to moderate, the Noxubee Hills Trail System is among the top rated in the state. Extremely well maintained and marked, each and every trail is easy to follow. You can even turn your day trip into an overnight adventure by camping out at the nearby Choctaw Lake Recreation Area. For more information, click here.
- Shockaloe Trail
visitmississippi.org Located in the Bienville National Forest, this trail consists of 23-winding miles and traverses a wide range of terrains. Since the trail crosses several local roads, you can choose from a variety of routes that range in length from a mile and a half to the entire 23 miles, giving you the option of cutting the trip short if it ends up being colder than you anticipated. For more information, click here.
- Al Scheller Hiking Trail
Vicksburg National Military Park/TripAdvisor Part of the Vicksburg National Military Park, this 12-mile primitive trail will take you through the most rugged areas of the park, allowing you to experience it in a whole new way. There are plenty of historical and natural points of interest along the trail, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled. For more information, click here.
On or off this list, what’s your favorite trail in the state?
archaeologicalconservancy.org
Take advantage of the cooler weather and make the trek to these ancient burial mounds, which date back 2,200 years, making them the oldest documented man-made site in Union County. The 1.8-mile loop trail is rated as “easy” and opened year-round. For more information, click here.
nps.gov
Although much of the historic Natchez Trace now serves as a parkway for cars, there are still plenty of opportunities to hike along the pioneer road. The 20-mile section between Ridgeland and Choctaw and the 10-mile portion near Port Gibson are among the most popular for hiking. And if you get too cold, you always have the option of exploring the Trace from the comfort (and warmth) of your own vehicle. For more information on the Natchez Trace, click here.
visitmississippi.org
Perfect for a quick hike on a cool day, this two-mile trail is made up of gently rolling hills with little elevation gain, making it ideal for any skill level. Located in a wildlife sanctuary, the trail affords exceptional views and includes extensive signage regarding area wildlife as well as tree identification markers. For more information, click here.
Brad Kebodeaux/Flickr
As one of Mississippi’s top outdoor attractions, a visit to Tishomingo State Park is a must, and the cool winter temperatures create the perfect opportunity to explore the impressive natural wonder. Among the park’s trails is the CCC Camp Trail. The three-mile loop trail follows rocky outcrops and crosses pristine springs, streams, and even waterfalls before coming to an end at the notorious Swinging Bridge. For more information, click here.
Continue your journey through Tishomingo with a trek along this popular trail. Starting at the swinging bridge, it is rated as moderate on the difficulty scale, but with scenic views of the Appalachian foothills, huge rock formations, and fern-filled crevices that don’t exist anywhere else in the state, it’s definitely worth the extra effort. For more information, click here.
mississippientomologicalmuseum.org
Located along the Natchez Trace Parkway, Little Mountain Trail is classified as easy to moderate, which means it’s suitable for just about everyone. There are two options for completing the trail; you can either take a two-mile point-to-point trail or a .5-mile loop trail (which is perfect if it ends up being a bit colder than you expected). No matter which path you choose, you’ll end up at the top of Little Mountain, the second highest point in the state. For more information click here.
Darrell Miller/Flickr
Referred to as “one of the Magnolia State’s most beautiful outdoor treasures,” the Clark Creek Natural Area is a great place to visit no matter the time of year. The 700-acre gem includes both primitive and improved hiking trails, offering plenty of chances to view the more than 50 waterfalls that are scattered throughout the area. For more information, click here.
Noxubee Hills Trail System/Facebook
Offering over 30 miles of trails that range from easy to moderate, the Noxubee Hills Trail System is among the top rated in the state. Extremely well maintained and marked, each and every trail is easy to follow. You can even turn your day trip into an overnight adventure by camping out at the nearby Choctaw Lake Recreation Area. For more information, click here.
Located in the Bienville National Forest, this trail consists of 23-winding miles and traverses a wide range of terrains. Since the trail crosses several local roads, you can choose from a variety of routes that range in length from a mile and a half to the entire 23 miles, giving you the option of cutting the trip short if it ends up being colder than you anticipated. For more information, click here.
Vicksburg National Military Park/TripAdvisor
Part of the Vicksburg National Military Park, this 12-mile primitive trail will take you through the most rugged areas of the park, allowing you to experience it in a whole new way. There are plenty of historical and natural points of interest along the trail, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled. For more information, click here.
Looking for some more outdoor fun? Check out “15 Epic Outdoorsy Things In Mississippi Anyone Can Do.”
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