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Nature|Hiking

The Rugged And Remote Hiking Trail In Mississippi That Is Well-Worth The Effort

Shepard State Park in Mississippi offers a scenic and family-friendly hiking trail that combines three routes into a 4.8-mile loop.

Published Aug 16, 2023

Written by 

Jackie Sutherlin

Shepard State Park might just be one of my favorite state parks in Mississippi. The 395-acre state park is just overflowing with natural beauty, and if you’re a camper, then you’ll absolutely love the campsites and spending a few nights sleeping under the stars. If you do find yourself in this lovely park, be sure to tackle this particular hiking trail. This remote hiking trail in Mississippi is easy enough that the entire family can tackle it, but it’s also ideal for those times you just yearn for a solo adventure. You might even find yourself the only one on the trail!

Shepard State Park’s disc golf course, dog park, archery range, and boat launch attract folks from all over, but the hidden gem here are the hiking trails.

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Shepard State Park/Google Reviews

There are eight miles of hiking trails to explore at Shepard State Park, each varying in length.

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Steven Chorma/All Trails

The Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot route combines three trails to make a 4.8-mile loop that pretty much takes you around the entire state park.

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Tina Horner/All Trails

If you do the entire route, it should take about an hour and a half to complete, but with views like this, you’ll probably want to stop off at some spots to admire the scenery.

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Jon Skramstad/All Trails

The trails are well-maintained, but you’ll want to watch the weather before your hike.

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Tina Horner/All Trails

If you’re hiking this after a rain, you might want to bring shoes you don’t mind getting dirty! It’s also a good idea to bring plenty of water with you and some bug spray.

You very well could find yourself the only person on the trail, which is always a perk.

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John Skramstad/All Trails

It’s considered a relatively easy trail, so kids shouldn’t have any problems, but they may not be super excited about completing the full five miles. Oh, and dogs are welcome on the trail, just keep them on a leash.

If you’re an avid hiker, you should sign up for AllTrails+. The membership unlocks special features that will help you when you’re hiking in remote areas, like the ability to download maps offline, wrong turn alerts, 3D flyovers, and so much more. Get your free trial today and start exploring!

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Nature|Hiking

The Nearly Free Attraction Hiding in a Mississippi Park Is a Must-Visit

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Clark Creek Improved Trail in Mississippi, where waterfalls and lush forests offer a serene escape for hikers of all levels.

Published Oct 9, 2024

Written by 

Megan Todaro

You know what they say - the best things in life are free, and this rings especially true for waterfalls! The Clark Creek Improved Trail near Woodville, Mississippi, is an incredible hike, clocking in at less than three miles. But the highlight of this nearly free hike is the waterfall feature collapsing into a pool below. Tucked away in the Clark Creek Nature Area, come take a journey with us through this spectacular pathway, leading to a cascade that is worth the entire trek.

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A serene natural setting featuring a small waterfall cascading into a calm pool surrounded by rocky terrain and greenery.
Alltrails Angelica Morrell

Clark Creek Improved Trail, located in southwestern Mississippi, is an enjoyable hiking destination known for its stunning waterfalls and rich natural scenery. The trail offers a well-maintained, accessible route for hikers of all experience levels. It features gravel paths, wooden bridges, and stairways that make navigating the diverse terrain easier, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the area’s beauty.

Keep in mind there are over 50 waterfalls scattered throughout the area, varying in size and flow. Bring a camera, especially after an intense rainfall!

A serene forest scene featuring a small waterfall cascading over rocks into a sandy area surrounded by greenery.
Alltrails Robin Fischer

At 2.6 miles, the trail can typically be completed in 2-3 hours, depending on how long hikers linger at the scenic spots. The route includes moderate inclines and some elevation changes, but it is suitable for most fitness levels. Along the way, visitors will likely encounter local wildlife, including deer, squirrels, and various bird species, adding to the trail’s appeal.

The trailhead offers parking for a small fee, along with picnic areas for those who want to enjoy a meal outdoors. Hikers should be prepared with water, sunscreen, and bug spray, especially during Mississippi’s warmer months. The fee is based on the honor system, so make sure you have cash in single bills to add to the fee box!

Wooden staircase with multiple levels, surrounded by lush green trees and rocky terrain.
Alltrails Glenn Naquin Jr.

Clark Creek Improved Trail is a hidden gem that combines natural beauty with accessible outdoor adventure, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Mississippi’s great outdoors.

A small waterfall cascades into a rocky pool, surrounded by lush greenery and trees in a serene natural setting.
Alltrails Sarahbelle Juneau

Have you ever visited the Clark Creek Improved Trail? What was your experience like? Sound off in the comments section!

Also, make sure to sign up for an Alltrails Plus membership before you hike! That way, you can get even more information before you start your journey.

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Nature|Hiking

Hike The Brandon Quarry Trails in Mississippi for an Unforgettable Adventure

This hiking trail in Mississippi is great for trail runners, walkers, and mountain bikers.

Published Sep 30, 2024

Written by 

Jackie Sutherlin

Fall is my favorite time of year to hit the hiking trails in Mississippi. The bugs are at bay, the air is crisp, and the humidity doesn’t make you feel like you're swimming through the air. One hiking trail in Mississippi that you’re sure to love is found over in Brandon. 

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Brandon is one of those little big towns that appeal to folks from all walks of life. It’s less than 15 miles from Jackson, yet even with a population of over 20,000, it still maintains that small-town charm that we love so much. One of my favorite things to do in Brandon is to explore the Brandon Quarry Trails.

A sunbeam filters through trees beside a rocky path, surrounded by greenery and fallen leaves.
Michael Russell/AllTrails

Overall, the loop trail clocks in at about 3.5 miles. It’s generally an easy trail to tackle either on foot or with a mountain bike, but an AllTrails + account doesn’t hurt. If you plan on taking any of the "offshoots" I'd certainly recommend the AllTrails Pro account. In that same vein, I'd also recommend wearing pants on this trail because there have been reports of poison ivy. Most of the trail is wide enough to not have to worry about it, but there can be some parts where the trail gets narrow.

There is a decent-sized parking lot, and I can’t say I’ve ever seen it full. In fact, if you head over during the week, you’re likely to find the place all to yourself! 

A serene forest scene with tall trees, dappled sunlight, and a winding dirt path through lush greenery.
Michael Russell/AllTrails

This scenic little loop trail is ideal for trail runners. Since it’s so close to Jackson, it’s the perfect spot to get in a little nature run without having to drive too far. 

A serene landscape featuring a pond, a small wooden bridge, and a sunset behind trees, casting a warm glow.
Reece Johnson/AllTrails

The trail system is relatively new; it’s only a few years old. The community is continuously making improvements to this area, including adding new benches and docks to overlook the quarries. Taking a minute to sit back and enjoy the views is a must, but keep in mind this is Mississippi, and you’re near stagnant water—the mosquitos can be bothersome if there is no wind!

Pro tip: I wouldn’t recommend hiking this trail in Mississippi after a storm. The trail can easily become a muddy mess after it rains. But then again, that can be a fun time to get dirty with a mountain bike!

Whats your favorite hiking trail in Mississippi? Let us know in the comments below!

Read on to discover some of the best hiking trails in Mississippi.

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