When it comes to summertime activities in Mississippi, hiking may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but that’s just because you need to know where to go. Perfect for the warm weather that is synonymous with Mississippi summers, these trails are either centered around gorgeous bodies of water or lead straight to them. From short treks to trails for the more experienced hiker, these waterfront hikes make great summer outings.
- Riverfront Trail, Natchez
for-natchez.org Divided into three tiers, this one-of-a-kind trail offers unparalleled views of the Mississippi River. Start your journey at the historic bluff and begin your nearly vertical 200’ descent down to the riverbank below.
- Pat Lamar Park, Oxford
Matt Taylor/Crooked Letter Photographer Between the gorgeous greenery and sparkling waters of Lake Patsy, Pat Lamar Park is the ideal destination for a waterfront stroll.
- Bear Creek Outcropping Trail, Tishomingo
Brad Kebodeaux /Flickr This trail, which is located in Tishomingo State Park, is rated as moderate on the difficulty scale, but with scenic views of the Appalachian foothills, huge rock formations, rare fern-filled crevices, and the pristine Bear Creek, it’s worth the extra effort.
- Nature Trail at Percy Quin State Park, McComb
Earl McGehee/Flickr This scenic eight-mile trail circles the beautiful Lake Tangipahoa and offers ample opportunities for viewing wildlife and stunning foliage and flora.
- Davis Bayou, Gulf Islands National Seashore
Steve M/TripAdvisor Located in Ocean Springs, this two-mile loop trail traverses a coastal forest and two bayous, which means alligator sightings are a real possibility. Ideal for any skill level, the Davis Bayou Trail is accessible year-round and is also ideal for bird watching and biking.
- Chewalla Lake Recreation Area Trail, Holly Springs
Visit Mississippi/Flickr Located in the Holly Springs National Forest, this trail is centered around the spring-fed Chewella Lake, which is the largest reservoir in the forest. Part of a fully developed recreational area, hikers will also have access to a beach, swimming, and campsites with RV hookups.
- Yazoo River Trail, Greenwood
Yazoo River Trail & Arboretum/Facebook Part of the Greenwood-Yazoo River Natural Area, the Yazoo River Trail includes two routes – the meadow trail, which meanders through gorgeous groves of trees, and the forest trail, which winds along the breathtaking Yazoo River. Other onsite amenities include picnic tables, benches, and bike racks.
- Tuxachanie Hiking Trail, near Saucier
John L.H./Yelp A hiker’s dream come true, Tuxachanie Hiking Trail spans over a dozen miles and includes multiple entrances. And the variety doesn’t end there. Scenery along the trail includes abandoned railroad trestles from the early 1900s, a German POW camp, a variety of habitats and the pristine Airey Lake.
- The Historic Spanish Promenade, Natchez
for-natchez.org This loop trail begins and ends at the Gazebo on Natchez’s popular Spanish Promenade. The bluff-top park is one of the oldest and undeveloped spaces in the nation and just so happens to provide unbelievable views of the Mighty Mississippi.
- Marathon Lake Recreation Area Trail, near Raleigh
Tony T./Yelp At 1.5 miles, this loop trail may be short in length but it’s not short on great vistas, especially since it’s centered around a pristine lake. The recreation area also includes picnic areas, tent sites and RV sites.
What are your favorite waterfront trails in the state? Looking for more great hikes in Mississippi? Be sure to read “These 10 Mississippi Boardwalks Will Lead You To Unforgettable Places.”
for-natchez.org
Divided into three tiers, this one-of-a-kind trail offers unparalleled views of the Mississippi River. Start your journey at the historic bluff and begin your nearly vertical 200’ descent down to the riverbank below.
Matt Taylor/Crooked Letter Photographer
Between the gorgeous greenery and sparkling waters of Lake Patsy, Pat Lamar Park is the ideal destination for a waterfront stroll.
Brad Kebodeaux /Flickr
This trail, which is located in Tishomingo State Park, is rated as moderate on the difficulty scale, but with scenic views of the Appalachian foothills, huge rock formations, rare fern-filled crevices, and the pristine Bear Creek, it’s worth the extra effort.
Earl McGehee/Flickr
This scenic eight-mile trail circles the beautiful Lake Tangipahoa and offers ample opportunities for viewing wildlife and stunning foliage and flora.
Steve M/TripAdvisor
Located in Ocean Springs, this two-mile loop trail traverses a coastal forest and two bayous, which means alligator sightings are a real possibility. Ideal for any skill level, the Davis Bayou Trail is accessible year-round and is also ideal for bird watching and biking.
Visit Mississippi/Flickr
Located in the Holly Springs National Forest, this trail is centered around the spring-fed Chewella Lake, which is the largest reservoir in the forest. Part of a fully developed recreational area, hikers will also have access to a beach, swimming, and campsites with RV hookups.
Yazoo River Trail & Arboretum/Facebook
Part of the Greenwood-Yazoo River Natural Area, the Yazoo River Trail includes two routes – the meadow trail, which meanders through gorgeous groves of trees, and the forest trail, which winds along the breathtaking Yazoo River. Other onsite amenities include picnic tables, benches, and bike racks.
John L.H./Yelp
A hiker’s dream come true, Tuxachanie Hiking Trail spans over a dozen miles and includes multiple entrances. And the variety doesn’t end there. Scenery along the trail includes abandoned railroad trestles from the early 1900s, a German POW camp, a variety of habitats and the pristine Airey Lake.
This loop trail begins and ends at the Gazebo on Natchez’s popular Spanish Promenade. The bluff-top park is one of the oldest and undeveloped spaces in the nation and just so happens to provide unbelievable views of the Mighty Mississippi.
Tony T./Yelp
At 1.5 miles, this loop trail may be short in length but it’s not short on great vistas, especially since it’s centered around a pristine lake. The recreation area also includes picnic areas, tent sites and RV sites.
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