Get outside and go hiking at these great Mississippi destinations this spring
When it comes to outdoors, Mississippi is a diverse place. From the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in the northeast to its piney woods of the southern region and more in between, there is a lot of beauty to experience.
Arguably, there's no better way to experience it than the peace and quiet of hiking and spring is a great time to do just that.
So, here are seven unique places where hikers can take in the views, see wildlife and enjoy what Mississippi's outdoors have to offer.
Wilderness hiking along scenic Black Creek
Black Creek Hiking Trail is located in the DeSoto National Forest near Brooklyn and at 40 miles, it's one of the longer trails in Mississippi.
The trail meanders along Black Creek Wild and Scenic River through the hidden beauty of the piney woods of South Mississippi. The trail can be accessed from the MS 29 Trailhead, Fairley Bridge Landing, CCCCamp, and Big Creek Landing. The trail is for foot traffic only and camping is allowed 150 feet off the trail.
For more information, visit the US Forest Service website or call 601-528-6160.
Your feet will stay dry while hiking through this swamp
Cypress Swamp Trail offers a unique view of an abandoned section of the Pearl River channel at mile marker 122 on the Natchez Trace near Canton. A boardwalk will take you over the shallow water and through cypress trees on this easy, 4/10-mile hike. There's plenty of wildlife to see including alligators.
The Yockanookany Section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail is located directly across the Parkway from the Cypress Swamp site. Hikers may hike 14.1 miles to the West Florida Boundary or 8.9 miles to the Yockanookany Trailhead or any distance they choose.
Dogs are welcome but must be leashed.
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Cycle or hike on this South MS paved path
The Longleaf Trace is a hiking and biking trail that runs 44 miles from Hattiesburg to Prentiss. It follows the path of an abandoned railway and makes its way through five communities, so you can explore as little or as much of it as you choose.
Restrooms, parking, primitive camping and food and drinks are available along the way. There is also an equestrian trail for horseback riders. In addition to scenic views and wildlife watching, there are fishing opportunities as well.
For more information, call 601-450-5247.
Take a short hike at Mississippi's Grand Canyon
Soil erosion doesn't seem like something that would turn an area into a top destination in Mississippi, but at Red Bluff, that's exactly what's happened. Natural erosion from the Pearl River has formed a canyon and exposed beautiful red and orange soil and created a breathtaking view.
Visitors can take the 30-minute hike through the area and take in the sights, so be sure to have a camera. Hikers can also access the nearby Pearl River.
According to Visit Mississippi, finding Red Bluff can be a little tricky. Red Bluff is situated along MS 587 in Marion County, just northwest of Morgantown. Look for an alcove that is typically used for parking.
For more information, visit www.visitmississippi.org.
Take a hike through a town that is no more
You can't really call it a ghost town because the town is no longer there, but Rocky Springs is a great place to camp, hike and explore.
Located at mile marker 54.8 on the Natchez Trace Parkway between Clinton and Port Gibson, Rocky Springs was once a flourishing town of 2,600 until the Civil War, disease, erosion and other factors led to its demise. The most visible signs of it today are a church and cemetery.
Visitors can take a self-guided tour, hike its 7-mile Rocky Springs Trail or hike 3 miles to Owens Creek Waterfalls. Bathrooms and camping spots are available, but currently there is no potable water onsite.
For more information, visit www.natcheztracetravel.com.
Find scenic views and therapeutic well-water at Spyglass Hill Trail
Spyglass Hill Trail may not be a place you've heard about, but it's definitely one you'll want to visit.
Overlooking Enid Lake in North Mississippi, it's a 22-mile trail with camping, hiking and horseback riding opportunities as well as a chance to experience history. According to americantrails.org, the trail has views of Enid Lake and wildlife can be encountered there.
The trail takes visitors through Ford's Well, a site that became popular in the late 1800s for its water that was thought to have therapeutic qualities and was bottled as Ford's Mineral water. The campground has 12 campsites with water, electricity, grills and other amenities.
For more information, visit www.mvk,usace.army.mil.
A Mississippi state park that's a jewel
If you've never been to Tishomingo State Park in Northeast Mississippi, spring is a great time to enjoy it and see a unique part of the state.
Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, it has topography unseen in any other part of the state and nearby Woodall Mountain is the highest point in Mississippi. As the name implies, it also has historical significance. The park takes its name from the noted Chickasaw nation chief, Tishomingo, but its Native American roots go back much further. Archeologists have documented the presence of native people in the area as far back as 7,000 BC.
The park has seven nature trails ranging from less than a mile to 3 miles and are considered easy to moderate hikes. They include rock formations found nowhere else in the state.
The park also offers kayaking and camping opportunities as well as fishing and a host of amenities.
For more information, visit www.mdwfp.com or call 601-432-2400.
Do you have a story idea? Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Here's where to go hiking in Mississippi this spring