15+ Top Trails in the South for History, Hikes & Hometown Flavor
The South’s trail systems reveal a rich mix of music heritage, historic landmarks, culinary traditions, and outdoor adventure. This curated guide highlights the best routes that showcase the region’s landscapes and stories in unforgettable ways. Image: Visit Mississippi
The South’s network of best trails is a living map of music, history, flavor, and outdoor adventure. Historic markers and Revolutionary War sites preserve powerful stories, while food and beverage routes celebrate local craftsmanship. Whatever it is you’re looking for, these trails invite you to slow down, look more closely, and discover the South through culture, landscape, and place-driven storytelling.
HISTORIC & CULTURAL TRAILS
Mississippi Blues Trail
More Info: msbluestrail.org
Step into the heart of America’s musical legacy on the Mississippi Blues Trail, where more than 200 markers honor the legends and landmarks that shaped blues music. From juke joints to hometowns of icons like B.B. King, each stop offers a glimpse into the roots of modern music.
Newer markers, honoring people like Mr. Sipp in McComb and Jesse Robinson in Jackson, keep the story alive. Download the app to start planning your route and discover museums, venues, and hidden gems along the way.
Old 96 District’s Revolutionary War Trails
More Info: visitold96sc.com
Step back in time in South Carolina’s Old 96 District, where Revolutionary War history unfolds along multiple trails. At Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, walk the Battlefield Trail to Horseshoe Falls and explore interpretive markers from the pivotal 1780 militia victory, or follow the British Camp Trail along the Enoree River past historic encampments.
At Ninety Six National Historic Site, hike routes like the Cherokee Path, Historic Interpretive Trail, and Gouedy Trail to reveal colonial roads, fortifications, trading posts, and the landscape of early American conflict.
INTERACTIVE CITY TRAILS
HBURG Public Art Trail | Hattiesburg, MS
More Info: visithburg.org
Hattiesburg’s creative spirit comes alive along its HBURG Public Art Trail, a citywide experience featuring more than 120 murals, sculptures, and interactive installations. The trail highlights local stories and artistic expression across neighborhoods, with spin-off routes including the Utility Box Edition and Sculpture Edition adding even more to explore. From bold public art to unexpected creative details, the trail transforms the city into an open-air gallery that celebrates Hattiesburg’s vibrant identity and community-driven imagination.
Tupelo’s Digital Trails
More Info: tupelo.net
Tupelo, MS, turns exploration into an interactive experience with its collection of digital trails highlighting food, music, art, and culture. Sip your way through the Tupelo Cocktail Trail’s seven downtown stops, then follow All Shook Up: Elvis’ Tupelo Experience across 21 sites honoring the King of Rock ’n’ Roll.
You can also discover vibrant murals and neon on the It’s Electric: Neon Lights art trail, or sample local flavor from Taste Tupelo’s 11 restaurants. Each trail is mobile-exclusive with check-ins, prizes, and no app required.
FOOD & BEVERAGE TRAILS
Tennessee Wine Trail
More Info: tennesseewines.com
From the mountains of East Tennessee to the vibrant cities of Nashville and Memphis, the Tennessee Wine Trail features more than 60 wineries, cideries, and meaderies across the state. Sip locally grown Muscadine and Chambourcin, classic varietals like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Merlot, or try adventurous pours like avocado mead and cherry-jalapeño wine.
Enjoy award-winning vintages, scenic vineyard views, and charming boutiques, and don’t forget to check in along the way to earn prizes and discover your new favorite beverage.
Texas Hill Country Wine Trail
More Info: fredericksburgtexas-online.com
Taste your way through the scenic Texas Hill Country Wine Trail, home to more than 100 wineries nestled between Austin, Fredericksburg, and New Braunfels. From bold reds to crisp whites, each stop offers a distinct taste of Texas and a chance to meet the passionate makers behind the bottles.
Plan a self-guided tour year-round or join one of four annual Wine Trail Events for seasonal tastings, food pairings, and fun. It’s a flavorful adventure that celebrates the heart of Texas’s wine country.
Virginia Spirits Trail
More Info: virginiaspirits.org
The Commonwealth on the Virginia Spirits Trail is a statewide route connecting more than 60 craft distilleries with tasting rooms open to visitors. Whether you’re sampling moonshine in the mountains or gin on the coast, this interactive trail lets you filter by spirit type, region, and experience. Don’t miss the Virginia Spirits Passport — check in at 40+ participating distilleries to earn points and redeem prizes. Each stop offers a taste of tradition, innovation, and a warm welcome.
OUTDOORS & HIKING TRAILS
Great Mississippi Nature Trail: Southern Region
More Info: mississippinaturetrail.com
As one of three regions of the Great Mississippi Nature Trail, the Southern Region highlights the state’s coastal beauty, from longleaf pine forests to blackwater rivers and Gulf Coast wetlands. At the Crosby Arboretum, rare ecosystems and carnivorous plants highlight the area’s biodiversity.
Meanwhile, the scenic Black Creek National Wild and Scenic River is known for its clear waters and sandy bends. Along the coast, the Davis Bayou Area of Gulf Islands National Seashore is home to marshes, forests, and abundant wildlife.
Great Mississippi Nature Trail: Central/Heart Of Region
More Info: mississippinaturetrail.com
The center of the Great Mississippi Nature Trail blends natural beauty with deep cultural history along the Natchez Trace Parkway. Travelers can explore forested stretches, open meadows, and scenic waterways along this iconic route.
In Jackson, LeFleur’s Bluff State Park offers an accessible urban escape with trails, lakes, and wildlife along the Pearl River. Farther west, the Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge showcases the Delta’s rich wetland ecosystems, inviting birders and nature lovers to its vibrant migratory habitats and quiet outdoor spaces.
Great Mississippi Nature Trail: Northern Section
More Info: mississippinaturetrail.com
The northern section of the Great Mississippi Nature Trail winds through the state’s Appalachian foothills, where rolling hills, hardwood forests, and small-town charm define the landscape. Ride or walk the beloved Tanglefoot Trail, a paved path connecting rural communities, wildflower fields, and quiet countryside.
Alternatively, hike the rugged terrain of Tishomingo State Park, known for its rock formations and historic swinging bridge, or explore nearby wildlife refuges and forested paths to get up close to the region’s rich ecosystems and outdoor heritage.
Bentonville’s Biking Trails
More Info: visitbentonville.com
Bentonville, AR, lives up to its title as the “Mountain Biking Capital of the World,” with nearly 70 miles of expertly crafted trails linked to a 400-mile regional network. Riders of all skill levels can explore scenic green routes or adrenaline-pumping black diamonds — many just a few pedal strokes away from breweries, restaurants, museums, and public art.
As the training ground for the U.S. National Mountain Bike Team and a hub for top cycling brands, Bentonville blends high-performance riding with vibrant, trail-to-table culture.
Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail
More Info: nps.gov
Stretching across Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee, the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail offers more than 60 miles of hiking and horseback riding alongside the historic Natchez Trace Parkway. The trail winds through wetlands, hardwood forests, and sites tied to early American history.
Highlights include Tishomingo State Park and Woodall Mountain, Mississippi’s highest natural point. Spanning five distinct sections, the route reveals diverse landscapes and cultural landmarks, making it a rewarding adventure for outdoor enthusiasts and history lovers alike.
Virginia Creeper Trail
More Info: vacreepertrail.org
Spanning 34 miles through the scenic mountains of southwest Virginia, the Virginia Creeper Trail is a beloved multi-use route for biking, walking, horseback riding, and soaking in the region’s natural beauty. The trail travels through forests, farmland, small towns, and restored railroad depots, crossing nearly 50 wooden trestles along the way.
Popular stretches connect Whitetop, Damascus, and Abingdon, offering views of rushing streams, wildflower-covered landscapes, and portions of the Appalachian Trail that add to your unforgettable journey.
Elizabethtown, KY
More Info: touretown.com
As Kentucky’s first Urban Trail Town, Elizabethtown offers more than 20 green-space trailheads with routes for every skill level, from paved walking paths to mountain biking terrain. The Freeman Lake Trail stretches over four miles, circling the water and connecting directly to Elizabethtown Nature Park, offering a dual-park experience in one stop
Nearby, the Buffalo Lake Trail adds even more access, linking natural scenery with downtown convenience. Many trails are easily reached from local hotels, making outdoor adventure part of everyday exploration.
Fiery Gizzard Trail: Fiery Gizzard State Park
More Info: tnstateparks.com
Recognized by Backpacker as one of the top trails in the U.S., the Fiery Gizzard Trail in Fiery Gizzard State Park delivers a rugged 12.8-mile trek through waterfalls, rock formations, and scenic overlooks. Highlights include Sycamore Falls and a refreshing swimming hole, along with backcountry camping for extended stays.
Not far away, Tennessee’s broader trail network continues the adventure at Fall Creek Falls State Park and Cummins Falls State Park, which offer suspension bridges, gorge hikes, and accessible scenic viewpoints.
Burke County, NC
More Info: discoverburkecounty.com
Burke County is home to more than 250 miles of trails across a diverse mix of public lands, including two state parks, Pisgah National Forest and the Linville Gorge Wilderness Area, and a network of local parks. Trails range from easy paths to intermediate mountain biking routes, alongside extensive hiking and multi-use options.
Burke County is also home to five distinct waterfalls, while the Catawba River Blueway adds another dimension, inviting paddlers to explore scenic waterways. Together, these landscapes create a dynamic outdoor destination for hiking, biking, kayaking, and waterfall chasing.
Happy trailblazing!
This article is sponsored by Visit Mississippi, Old 96 District Tourism, VisitHATTIESBURG, Tupelo Convention and Visitors Bureau, Tennessee Whiskey Trail, Tennessee Wine Trail, Texas Hill Country Wine Trail, Virginia Spirits Trail, Visit Bentonville, Natchez Trace Parkway, Virginia Creeper Trail, Elizabethtown Tourism and Convention Bureau, Tennessee State Parks, and Discover Burke County.
