Get Your Walk On: Best Walking and Hiking Trails in Tupelo, MS

Gun Club Park

3176 Winchester Cir
Distance: 1 mile
Type: Loop

This 9-acre park’s 1-mile walking trail is a paved loop that circles the playground and pavilion at the heart of the public park. The simple design is ideal for those looking for some fresh air without breaking a sweat.

Hancock Park

314 Monument Dr.
Distance: 0.25 mile
Type: Out and Back

This short and sweet walking trail provides access to the playgrounds on the 9.8 acres of land that make up Hancock Park. The paved path has painted hopscotch tiles and murals, so bring the kiddos for a walking family affair!

Chickasaw Village Site

Natchez Trace Parkway | 2680 Natchez Trace Parkway
Distance: 0.2 mile
Type: Loop

Chickasaw Village Site – Milepost 261.8 – Access point to the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail, plus a 0.5-mile interpretive trail. Hikers can go north to the Old Town Overlook and Visitor Center, or loop via the horse and hiking trails. This section requires walking on the Parkway for road and creek crossings.

Gumtree Park

683 North Front St.
Distance: 1 mile
Type: Loop

Busy parents looking to get their steps in can walk the curving trails of Gumtree Park. The many trails create webs of pathways and circle the nearby playground and open fields. This is ideal for those looking for kid-friendly trails in the Tupelo area!

Veterans Memorial Park

800 North Veterans Memorial Blvd.
Distance: 0.5 mile
Type: Out and Back

Take a short stroll through Veterans Memorial Park to get your blood pumping before cooling off at their splash pad. The walk is not short of sites; visit the memorials, lakes, and playgrounds.

Rob Leake City Park

1107 Joyner St.
Distance: 0.5 mile
Type: Out and Back

Pop your headphones on and walk the short trail at Rob Leake City Park. Keep yourself active by playing a tennis game on one of their courts or splashing around at their splash pad.

Theron Nichols Park

1743 Mitchell Rd.
Distance: 0.25 mile
Type: Loop

Theron Nichols Park has a condensed paved trail that’s only 0.25 miles, but visitors can feel free to roam all 35 acres of the park, stopping by their playground, splash pads, picnic tables, and baseball fields.

Robins Field

339 N Madison St.
Distance: 0.25 mile
Type: Out and Back

Walk the track at the retired football field at Robins Field. The 9-acre park is a bit of Tupelo's history, having been constructed in the early 1920s. This location is also part of our larger Civil Rights and African American Heritage Trail, with a history marker on the grounds. Consider making this your first stop on the self-guided tour, or bring the kids for a visit to their park.

Tombigbee Dollywood Trail

Tombigbee State Park | 264 Cabin Dr.
Distance: 1.7 miles
Type: Loop

The Dollywood Trail brings you deep into the heavily wooded Tombigbee State Park. As you follow the dirt path, you’ll find yourself completely surrounded by the gorgeous foliage and shaded by the canopy of leaves above.

Tombigbee Tree Trunk Trail

Tombigbee State Park | 264 Cabin Dr.
Distance: 1.2 miles
Type: Loop

The Tree Trunk Trail is made up of dirt paths, wooden trails, and paved walkways. As part of the trail, you’ll trek alongside the lake within the park, which offers a serene view and the opportunity to dip your toes in the water.

Ballard Park

655 Rutherford Rd.
Distance: 1.5 miles
Type: Loop

Walk along the pond’s edge, catch the sun between the shade of manicured trees, and stop to see some tricks at the skate park. The long map of paths brings walkers through the many sections of the park and offers sites of the Oren Dunn City Museum.

Elvis Presley Birthplace Trail

306 Elvis Presley Dr.
Distance: 0.7 mile
Type: Loop

Tupelo is Elvis Presley’s birthplace, and hosts a series of attractions that honor the King’s legacy, from memorials to a museum and his childhood home. Walk in Presley's footsteps from landmark to landmark, stopping a moment by the pond, and track down every spot with ease thanks to the map of the local sites.

Music Bend Nature Trail

99 N. Veterans Memorial Blvd.
Distance: 3.8 miles
Type: Loop

This dirt trail gives you a tree-lined path to explore Mud Creek and its adjacent foliage. This is a great trail to catch glimpses of some of our wildlife, from the birds that swim in the water to the many woodland creatures that scurry along the riverbed.

Old Town Overlook

Natchez Trace Parkway | 2680 Natchez Trace Parkway
Distance: 4.1 miles
Type: Out and Back

Two miles north to the Parkway Visitor Center, or two miles south to Chickasaw Village Site. Hikers only. This section of the Scenic Trail is open to hikers only and requires walking on the Parkway for crossings.

Parkway Visitor Center Trailhead

Natchez Trace Parkway | 2680 Natchez Trace Parkway
Distance: 4.1 miles
Type: Out and Back

Six miles along Tupelo's outskirts (12 miles round trip), out-and-back so it can be as long or short as you like. Hikers only; requires walking on the Parkway for crossings.

Tombigbee Blue Trail

Tombigbee State Park | 264 Cabin Dr.
Distance: 5.7 miles
Type: Loop

This large-scale trail loops you through Tombigbee Park, with stunning views of the water and tall trees. Please note that this trail can be narrow at times, so be mindful of sharing it with other visitors.

Wondering which Tupelo trails offer accommodations for accessibility needs? The following are trails that offer ramps, paved trails, or additional assistance for those who may require it.

• Elvis Presley Birthplace Trail: Offers paved, level walking trails with gentle slopes.
• Gumtree Park: Features winding paved trails and ramps to covered stages.
• Ballard Park: The park has paved trails, ramps, and ADA-compliant playgrounds.
• Gun Club Park: Offers paved trails.
• Hancock Park: Offers paved trails.
• Rob Leake City Park: Offers paved trails.
• Veterans Memorial Park: Offers paved trails.
• Theron Nichols Park: Offers paved trails.

For beginners, knowing what to pack can be tricky. We have you covered!

These are must-have items before starting your trek:

• Water bottle
• Comfortable and sturdy shoes
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Calorie-dense snacks

Bonuses to include:

• Electrolyte packets
• First aid kit
• An extra pair of socks
• Umbrella

Additionally, a great way to prep for a walk is to stretch and stay in tune with your body. Be mindful of your limitations and listen to your body for the best outcomes when it comes to high-intensity physical activity!