You don’t have to tackle a grueling hike to experience some of the best of Mississippi’s natural wonders. There are plenty of easy Mississippi trails you can take at a relaxed pace while still finding gorgeous sights along the way. The Cypress Swamp Loop Trail, for example, offers a quiet, lightly trafficked path through a beautiful cypress and tupelo swamp, where you’re likely to glimpse local wildlife and enjoy a reflective and leisurely stroll. If you're looking for an easy hike in Mississippi that's packed with beautiful scenery, this it it!
Located in Canton, Mississippi at milepost 122 of the Natchez Trace Parkway, the Cypress Swamp Loop Trail is only 0.4 miles long. It’s perfect for a quick stop to get out and enjoy the outdoors without taking on an arduous journey.
You’ll walk over water on a boardwalk through the swamp, winding through bald cypress and water tupelo trees.
Bald cypress trees can grow up to 120 feet tall, and have been known to live as long as 600 years.
Different seasons bring different shades of beauty to the cypress swamp, with autumn showcasing colorful foliage, and crisp leaves strewn across the boardwalk.
The green-leafed trees of late spring and summer make for an altogether different experience, especially with sunlight streaming through the canopy.
Signage along the trail offers some background information about the swamp and its history, and invites you to slow down and contemplate nature.
Of course, nature might be contemplating you back – you may see juvenile alligators in the swamp, often basking on logs. Snakes, turtles, and frogs also make their home here in the cypress swamp, so keep an eye out as you go.
Visit the National Park Service website for more information on the Cypress Swamp Loop Trail.
Have you ever taken this short but beautiful trail? If you love getting outdoors but don’t love a tough hike, check out our guide to more easy hikes in Mississippi.
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