It’s never too early to start making some plans for the upcoming year, especially when it comes to exploring all our great state has to offer! If you agree, you’ll want to read on because we’ve compiled a list of 12 scenic hikes in Mississippi – one for each month of the year.

  1. Outcroppings Trail (Tishomingo)

Debby Dasher/Google There’s no better way to kick off the year than with a trek along the Outcroppings Trail, which is considered one of Mississippi’s best hikes. And with a swinging bridge, rare rock formations, and an abundance of breathtaking scenery, it’s easy to see why the 2-mile trail is so highly rated. State Park Road, State Park Rd, Mississippi, USA

  1. The Nature Trail (Natchez)

Gary Wright, Contributed Photo Spanning 0.43 miles, this three-tiered trail, which is also known as the Lower Trail, is dotted with relaxation areas, vista points, and shaded benches. Featuring a 200’ descent, this Mississippi hike is rated as medium in terms of difficulty. Natchez, MS 39120, USA

  1. Gulf Islands National Seashore (Gulf Coast)

National Park Planner, Contributed Photo If you’re looking for a hike with a variety of stunning scenery and plenty of wildlife photo-ops, you’ll definitely want to visit the Davis Bayou Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Deemed “rare and exceptional,” the area’s diverse terrain includes a forested area, salt marsh, and a few trails, which range in length from 0.25 miles to one mile. Davis Bayous Area Gulf Islands National Seashore, 3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, USA

  1. Tuxachanie Trail (Saucier)

Jason Lykins/Google Sure to delight avid hikers and history buffs alike, the Tuxachanie Trail spans 12 miles and includes plenty of beautiful views before coming to an end at an abandoned POW camp from WWII. And don’t let the 12-mile length deter you. There are three different trailheads, so you can shorten the route or even drive straight to the POW camp. Tuxachanie Trail, Mississippi, USA

  1. Dunn’s Falls Trail (Enterprise)

Kim Navarrete/AllTrails If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind trek to add to your bucket list, Dunn’s Falls Trail won’t disappoint. Not only does the trail start off at the top of the state’s tallest waterfall, but it includes an easy-to-navigate staircase that leads straight to the river below, where you can splash around in its cool waters. Dunns Falls Road, Dunns Falls Rd, Mississippi 39330, USA

  1. Union Falls (Ovett)

Tammy Drapal/Google Not so much a hike, accessing this Mississippi waterfall requires just a short trek along a well-beaten path. Once at the fall, you can splash around in its waters, making for a refreshing adventure that’s perfect for a hot summer day. Ovett Moselle Road, Ovett Moselle Rd, Ovett, MS 39464, USA

  1. Blackland Prairie Trail (Tupelo)

Leigh Hagler/AllTrails Located in Tupelo, this 4.2-mile point-to-point trail is suitable for all skill levels. In addition to beautiful fields of wild flowers and vibrant greenery, the popular trail leads to the Chickasaw Village Site. Chickasaw Village Site, Unnamed Road, 38801, Tupelo, MS 38801, USA

  1. Treetop Trail (Crystal Springs)

ALCON REAL/Google 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. Chautauqua Park- Cromer Avenue, 10200 Western Ave, Miamisburg, OH 45342, USA

  1. Sky Lake WMA (Belzoni)

Dave Bonta/Flickr Home to some of the oldest – and biggest – bald cypress trees on Earth, Sky Lake WMA is an incredible natural wonder. Luckily, there’s a boardwalk trail that makes it easy to explore the ancient forest. And since the cypress creates somewhat of a canopy, the temperature on the boardwalk is noticeably lower, making for a comfortable trek. Sky Lake WMA boardwalk, 1090 Simmons Rd, Belzoni, MS 39038, USA

  1. Baker’s Pond Hiking Trail (Walnut)

AllTrails Ryan Hall This may be the most remote scenic hike in Mississippi on this list, but the effort is definitely worth it. The mile-long trek traverses hilly Appalachian-like terrain and includes a graveled stairway trail, which leads to a ridge top overlooking the stunning Baker’s Pond. Trailhead for Bakers Pond Trail, Tower Road@Old, Old Hwy 72, Walnut, MS 38683, USA

  1. Potkopinu Trail (Fayette)

nps.gov The Natchez Trace was once a vital pathway for Native Americans, explorers, and traders. Over time, the trail eroded, resulting in a “sunken” appearance. Today, only parts of the original trail are still accessible, and you’ll find the longest portion of the sunken Trace at the Potkopinu Trail. A trek like no other, the 3-mile trail has some embankments over 25 feet high! Potkopinu Trail, Old Natchez Trace, Fayette, MS, MS-553, Fayette, MS 39069, USA

  1. Old Channel Trail (Columbus)

Angela Templteton/Google Part of the Plymouth Bluff Center, the Old Channel Trail is brimming with beauty AND history. The scenic path meanders along the top of a bluff before coming to an end at its base, which is the perfect spot to look for fossils. 2200 Old W Point Rd, Columbus, MS 39701, USA

So, ever trekked along any of the trails mentioned? Did we include your favorite? Or leave out your favorite? Tell us in the comments section.

Debby Dasher/Google

There’s no better way to kick off the year than with a trek along the Outcroppings Trail, which is considered one of Mississippi’s best hikes. And with a swinging bridge, rare rock formations, and an abundance of breathtaking scenery, it’s easy to see why the 2-mile trail is so highly rated.

State Park Road, State Park Rd, Mississippi, USA

Gary Wright, Contributed Photo

Spanning 0.43 miles, this three-tiered trail, which is also known as the Lower Trail, is dotted with relaxation areas, vista points, and shaded benches. Featuring a 200’ descent, this Mississippi hike is rated as medium in terms of difficulty.

Natchez, MS 39120, USA

National Park Planner, Contributed Photo

If you’re looking for a hike with a variety of stunning scenery and plenty of wildlife photo-ops, you’ll definitely want to visit the Davis Bayou Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. Deemed “rare and exceptional,” the area’s diverse terrain includes a forested area, salt marsh, and a few trails, which range in length from 0.25 miles to one mile.

Davis Bayous Area Gulf Islands National Seashore, 3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, USA

Jason Lykins/Google

Sure to delight avid hikers and history buffs alike, the Tuxachanie Trail spans 12 miles and includes plenty of beautiful views before coming to an end at an abandoned POW camp from WWII. And don’t let the 12-mile length deter you. There are three different trailheads, so you can shorten the route or even drive straight to the POW camp.

Tuxachanie Trail, Mississippi, USA

Kim Navarrete/AllTrails

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind trek to add to your bucket list, Dunn’s Falls Trail won’t disappoint. Not only does the trail start off at the top of the state’s tallest waterfall, but it includes an easy-to-navigate staircase that leads straight to the river below, where you can splash around in its cool waters.

Dunns Falls Road, Dunns Falls Rd, Mississippi 39330, USA

Tammy Drapal/Google

Not so much a hike, accessing this Mississippi waterfall requires just a short trek along a well-beaten path. Once at the fall, you can splash around in its waters, making for a refreshing adventure that’s perfect for a hot summer day.

Ovett Moselle Road, Ovett Moselle Rd, Ovett, MS 39464, USA

Leigh Hagler/AllTrails

Located in Tupelo, this 4.2-mile point-to-point trail is suitable for all skill levels. In addition to beautiful fields of wild flowers and vibrant greenery, the popular trail leads to the Chickasaw Village Site.

Chickasaw Village Site, Unnamed Road, 38801, Tupelo, MS 38801, USA

ALCON REAL/Google

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.

Chautauqua Park- Cromer Avenue, 10200 Western Ave, Miamisburg, OH 45342, USA

Dave Bonta/Flickr

Home to some of the oldest – and biggest – bald cypress trees on Earth, Sky Lake WMA is an incredible natural wonder. Luckily, there’s a boardwalk trail that makes it easy to explore the ancient forest. And since the cypress creates somewhat of a canopy, the temperature on the boardwalk is noticeably lower, making for a comfortable trek.

Sky Lake WMA boardwalk, 1090 Simmons Rd, Belzoni, MS 39038, USA

AllTrails Ryan Hall

This may be the most remote scenic hike in Mississippi on this list, but the effort is definitely worth it. The mile-long trek traverses hilly Appalachian-like terrain and includes a graveled stairway trail, which leads to a ridge top overlooking the stunning Baker’s Pond.

Trailhead for Bakers Pond Trail, Tower Road@Old, Old Hwy 72, Walnut, MS 38683, USA

nps.gov

The Natchez Trace was once a vital pathway for Native Americans, explorers, and traders. Over time, the trail eroded, resulting in a “sunken” appearance. Today, only parts of the original trail are still accessible, and you’ll find the longest portion of the sunken Trace at the Potkopinu Trail. A trek like no other, the 3-mile trail has some embankments over 25 feet high!

Potkopinu Trail, Old Natchez Trace, Fayette, MS, MS-553, Fayette, MS 39069, USA

Angela Templteton/Google

Part of the Plymouth Bluff Center, the Old Channel Trail is brimming with beauty AND history. The scenic path meanders along the top of a bluff before coming to an end at its base, which is the perfect spot to look for fossils.

2200 Old W Point Rd, Columbus, MS 39701, USA

These aren’t the only hikes worthy of a place on your bucket list. Read about another scenic hike in Mississippi that explores an enormous geologic wonder!

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Scenic hikes in Mississippi December 22, 2022 Sarah M. What are the most scenic hikes in Mississippi? There’s so much scenic beauty to behold in Mississippi, and our favorite way to experience it is out on the trails. In addition to the above treks, here are some other scenic hikes in Mississippi to add to your bucket list:

The Blackland Prairie Trail, Tupelo. The Blackland Prairie Trail is part of the Natchez Trace Parkway and is located just north of Tupelo. The 4.2-mile trail is a point-to-point trail that is considered good for all skill levels. Opened year-round, the trail traverses a river and beautiful fields of prairie flowers as well as offers access to interesting sites, such as the Chickasaw Village. Bailey’s Woods/Rowan Oak Hiking Trail, Oxford. Combining Oxford’s heritage and scenic beauty, this ¼-mile trail will take you from the University of Mississippi campus through the beautiful greenery of Bailey’s Woods, before ending at Rowan Oak, the home of award-winning author William Faulkner. Beaver Dam Hiking Trail, Brooksville. Located in the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, this point-to-point trail runs 1 mile each way, making for a two-mile round trip. The popular path winds through bottomland hardwood forest, following the bank of Oktoc Creek. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the various species of wildlife that inhabit the area, including blue herons, wood ducks, and deer. Rocky Springs Hiking Trail, Port Gibson. The Rocky Springs Trail has three different trail heads, but if it’s an easy hike you’re searching for, you’ll definitely want to stick with the trails in the Rocky Springs Campground. Located at milepost 54.8 on the Natchez Trace Parkway, the campsite is surrounded by several open trails and the ghost town of Rocky Springs. Begin your tour of Rocky Springs by taking the short loop trail, which starts across from the town’s only remaining structure, the Methodist Church. Along the way, you’ll find other interesting remnants from Rocky Springs, including a cemetery, post office safe, and cistern, making this one of the most unique and interesting hikes in Mississippi.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Scenic hikes in Mississippi

December 22, 2022

Sarah M.

What are the most scenic hikes in Mississippi? There’s so much scenic beauty to behold in Mississippi, and our favorite way to experience it is out on the trails. In addition to the above treks, here are some other scenic hikes in Mississippi to add to your bucket list:

The Blackland Prairie Trail, Tupelo. The Blackland Prairie Trail is part of the Natchez Trace Parkway and is located just north of Tupelo. The 4.2-mile trail is a point-to-point trail that is considered good for all skill levels. Opened year-round, the trail traverses a river and beautiful fields of prairie flowers as well as offers access to interesting sites, such as the Chickasaw Village. Bailey’s Woods/Rowan Oak Hiking Trail, Oxford. Combining Oxford’s heritage and scenic beauty, this ¼-mile trail will take you from the University of Mississippi campus through the beautiful greenery of Bailey’s Woods, before ending at Rowan Oak, the home of award-winning author William Faulkner. Beaver Dam Hiking Trail, Brooksville. Located in the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, this point-to-point trail runs 1 mile each way, making for a two-mile round trip. The popular path winds through bottomland hardwood forest, following the bank of Oktoc Creek. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the various species of wildlife that inhabit the area, including blue herons, wood ducks, and deer. Rocky Springs Hiking Trail, Port Gibson. The Rocky Springs Trail has three different trail heads, but if it’s an easy hike you’re searching for, you’ll definitely want to stick with the trails in the Rocky Springs Campground. Located at milepost 54.8 on the Natchez Trace Parkway, the campsite is surrounded by several open trails and the ghost town of Rocky Springs. Begin your tour of Rocky Springs by taking the short loop trail, which starts across from the town’s only remaining structure, the Methodist Church. Along the way, you’ll find other interesting remnants from Rocky Springs, including a cemetery, post office safe, and cistern, making this one of the most unique and interesting hikes in Mississippi.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

There’s so much scenic beauty to behold in Mississippi, and our favorite way to experience it is out on the trails. In addition to the above treks, here are some other scenic hikes in Mississippi to add to your bucket list:

  • The Blackland Prairie Trail, Tupelo. The Blackland Prairie Trail is part of the Natchez Trace Parkway and is located just north of Tupelo. The 4.2-mile trail is a point-to-point trail that is considered good for all skill levels. Opened year-round, the trail traverses a river and beautiful fields of prairie flowers as well as offers access to interesting sites, such as the Chickasaw Village.
  • Bailey’s Woods/Rowan Oak Hiking Trail, Oxford. Combining Oxford’s heritage and scenic beauty, this ¼-mile trail will take you from the University of Mississippi campus through the beautiful greenery of Bailey’s Woods, before ending at Rowan Oak, the home of award-winning author William Faulkner.
  • Beaver Dam Hiking Trail, Brooksville. Located in the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, this point-to-point trail runs 1 mile each way, making for a two-mile round trip. The popular path winds through bottomland hardwood forest, following the bank of Oktoc Creek. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for the various species of wildlife that inhabit the area, including blue herons, wood ducks, and deer.
  • Rocky Springs Hiking Trail, Port Gibson. The Rocky Springs Trail has three different trail heads, but if it’s an easy hike you’re searching for, you’ll definitely want to stick with the trails in the Rocky Springs Campground. Located at milepost 54.8 on the Natchez Trace Parkway, the campsite is surrounded by several open trails and the ghost town of Rocky Springs. Begin your tour of Rocky Springs by taking the short loop trail, which starts across from the town’s only remaining structure, the Methodist Church. Along the way, you’ll find other interesting remnants from Rocky Springs, including a cemetery, post office safe, and cistern, making this one of the most unique and interesting hikes in Mississippi.