Even though we're located in Memphis, within one of the world's largest river deltas, there is a wealth of hiking opportunities within a two hour drive of the Memphis Metro Area that many residents may not be aware of. So if you're hankering for a good walk, try some of these favorite trails within our region.


1. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park

Where: Fifteen minutes north of Memphis; follow the signs from Hwy. 51 and N. Watkins

This state park offers several lovely hikes through mature forest along bluff tops and bottomlands and the adjacent Mississippi River. One favorite trail follows the base of the Chickasaw Bluff past the free flowing Pioneer Spring with its verdant ferns and other flora. Another favorite unofficial trail parallels the Mississippi River for two miles from the Sasser Boat Ramp on an old jeep trail two miles south through a magnificently mature second-growth forest to a cottonwood tree more than 25 feet in circumference, near a spot called Randolph Point This is a good spot to enjoy watching the Mississippi River.

Information: Visitor Center, 901-876-5215 or Web site


2. Fort Pillow State Park

Where: 1.5 hours north of Memphis near Henning, TN

One of the most beautiful hikes anywhere along the Mississippi River is at Fort Pillow. Check out the stunning bluff top river views from the Parks campground, tour its museum and the fort where Confederate General Nathan B. Forrests most infamous and controversial battle (some say massacre) took place, and then take the scenic hike. Instead of hiking the five- and ten-mile loops going north of the park (mostly wooded, without river views), go south, out of the campground on a jeep road. This will soon turn into a one-way, two-mile, rolling hike traversing the river bluffs through a beautiful forest with stunning views at a great bend in the Mississippi river. The park ranger is also happy to discuss the history of the battle.

Information: Visitor Center. 901-738-5581 or Web site


3. Village Creek State Park

Where: Seven miles east of Wynne, AR, about an hour west of Memphis

This Arkansas state park atop Crowleys Ridge features six hiking trails, many of them interconnected, that meander through a mature forest on the prominent ridge. One 2.2-mile trail follows part of an old military road dating from the early 1800s that led into the Arkansas Territory and the Wild West. This connects with the Lake Dunn trail, which features a swinging bridge over Village Creek. Two trails, the Big Bend Trail and the Arboretum Trail, have written guides corresponding to numbers along the trails to identify trees and plants as well as the areas geology and history.

Information: Visitor Center, 870-238-9406 or Web site


4. Shelby Farms

Where: East Memphis on Walnut Grove Rd.

This 4,500-acre park is one of the largest urban parks in the country, and it has a wealth of hiking opportunities. Some of the most popular hikes follow the Wolf River beginning at trailheads near the Walnut Grove and Germantown Rd. Bridges. Another possibility includes hiking the Tour De Wolf Mountain Bike Trail, an approximately five-mile loop over rolling terrain that is delightfully scenic, especially at sunset. ( Hike facing the bike traffic.) There is also a newly constructed, paved multi-use trail of approximately five miles that meanders through woods and fields.

Information: Visitor Center, 901-382-2249 or Web site


5. Big Hill Pond State Park

Where: Near Pocahontas, TN, on Hwy. 57; an hour and a half from Memphis

This rustic park is situated atop forested hills alongside the Tuscumbia river. It features several hiking trails that traverse upland ridges with rock outcroppings and an observation tower with scenic views that also connects to a long boardwalk that traverses Dismal Swamp. Trail shelters are also provided for backpackers.

Information: Visitor Center, 901-645-7967 or Web site


6. Arkabutla Lake Trail

Where: near Coldwater, MS, off of Hwy. 51, near the Arkabutla Dam spillway

This is a surprisingly beautiful hiking trail that loops through a very mature forest with big timber, following upland ridges, then dipping into beautiful wetlands with a short boardwalk around the base of tremendous dying cypress. Its about a five-mile hike or mountain bike ride with cut-offs that can shorten the hike to two or three miles.

Information: Corps of Engineers, 662-562-6261


7. Herb Parsons State Lake

Where: Northeast of Collierville, near Collierville Arlington Rd. and Macon Rd.

This lake is managed by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and lies near the Shelby County/Fayette County line. There is a six-mile trail with bridges passing through forests and meadows surrounding the lake. Deer are sometimes seen as well as waterfowl and Great Blue Herons.

Information: Visitor Center, 901-850-0378 or Web site


8. Chickasaw State Park

Where: South of Jackson, TN, near Henderson, TN, about 28 miles from I-40

This popular State Park features a pretty lake surrounded by ridges with three short trails, each of which is approximately one mile in length. The Lake Trail circumnavigates the lake and features a short boardwalk. The Park also has the Friends Trail and The Fern Loop Trail, as well as many fire roads popular with cyclists and horseback riders.

Information: Visitor Center, 901-989-5141 or Web site


9. Mud Island Greenbelt Park

Where: Across Auction Street Bridge (just north of the Pyramid) to Island Drive

Many Memphians may be unaware of the wonderful hiking opportunities downtown. A favorite is a recently completed multi-use path paralleling the Mississippi River for two miles on Mud Island. Choose any one of the parking areas for access. Combined with a stroll in the grass along the banks of the River, perhaps with a perfect sunset, and youve got a delightful four mile hike. Watch for sea kayaks in the river, they are out there every evening.

Information: City of Memphis, Division of Park Services, 901-454-5200