Vicksburg is a beautiful city, full of historic homes, beautiful views of the Mississippi River, unique restaurants and shops, down-home music, great places to get outdoors, and so much more. What better way to get and up-close-and-personal view of all that the city has to offer than by taking a stroll through some of its parks and outdoor spaces.
Riverfront Park Walking Path
One of the most popular parks in the city of Vicksburg, Riverfront Park includes ½-mile paved walking trail along the edge of the Mississippi River. The best part of the walking path is the beautiful backdrop of the cantilevered Vicksburg Bridge on the Mississippi River.
The walkway loops around the park, so you can walk it many times to increase the distance. The park includes playground and exercise equipment, charcoal grills, bathroom, benches, and a pavilion with picnic tables.
The park is located at 4100 Washington St. along the Mississippi River. According to Vicksburg Parks and Recreation, Riverfront Park opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 8 p.m.
Riverfront Mural Promenade
While promenade isn’t a long walk, it takes you through the history of Vicksburg. Walking along the mural wall provides an opportunity for you to learn about Vicksburg, see the beautiful artwork, and appreciate the levee system on the river.
Each mural depicts an event, person/group, or location of significance in the history, present, or future of Vicksburg. The first mural was unveiled in 2002; it was painted by artist Robert Dafford. There are currently 32 different, colorful murals – each with a plaque that explains the background for and significance of the artwork. You can also turn your radio to FM 90.5 to hear an audio clip about the murals and the historic Riverfront.
After you look at the murals, you can cross the street to the Catfish Row Children’s Art Park where there is a splash pad, garden, colorful steamboat smokestacks, river city story walls, and art artifacts. The murals are located at 1200 Levee St. across from Catfish Row Children’s Art Park.
Halls Ferry Park Walking Trail
A recently created ½-mile walking trail loops around the baseball fields at Halls Ferry Park. The park includes 2 softball fields, 5 baseball fields, tennis courts, batting cages, bathrooms, and open areas. Take a break while you’re watching a game and get up and get moving! Halls Ferry Park is located at 1280 South Frontage Rd.
City Park Walking /Jogging Trail
In 2015, the City of Vicksburg renovated the ¼-mile walking track at City Park. The track is now paved, making it easier to walk and run on it. The track passes around the skate park and in between the pool and pavilion. City Park also includes a swimming pool, skate park, softball fields, playground area, and a pavilion. City Park is located at 100 Army Navy Dr.
Vicksburg National Military Park
The Military Park has three trails, two of which follow along the Tour Road, one of which traverses into the woods and bluffs. There is an entrance fee for taking a car into the Park of $15/car. There is a discount for active military and senior citizens. There is a Ranger Station at the parking lot where you pay the entrance fee.
The Visitors Center also requests that you sign in with them when you set off one of their hikes. They will provide helpful maps for you (the ones on their website are targeted to Boy Scouts) and they ask that you sign out when you complete your hike.
- Vicksburg National Military Park 7-mile Trek
This hiking trail utilizes the paved Tour Road. Hikers should walk facing traffic and watch for cars. For these 7 miles, you will view several battlegrounds and monuments including the Louisiana, Mississippi, Minnesota, and Alabama Monuments; Memorial Arch; Surrender Site Monument; and Harvey’s Approach. The trail starts and ends at the Visitor Center. - Vicksburg National Military Park 14-mile Hiking Trail
This hiking trail also follows along the paved Tour Road. Hikers should walk facing traffic and watch for cars. The trail starts at the Visitor Center and extends to the Vicksburg National Cemetery, looping back to the Visitor Center. Hikers will see the full extent of memorials, monuments, and battle sites on the Military Park including the U.S.S. Cairo Gunboat. - Al Scheller Hiking Trail – 12 Miles
For those that want to get off the paved road, the Al Scheller Hiking Trail traverses the woods and bluffs on the interior portion of the Military Park. Park staff describes the trail as rough terrain and say that it can be challenging, so bring along some water and come earlier in the day to avoid the heat. The trail passes through open grassy areas and along some significant bluffs and hills. It is recommended that you check in and out at the Visitor Center for this trail.
Tara Wildlife Walking Trails
Guests staying at any of our lodges and cabins at Tara Wildlife can take advantage of the excellent wildlife watching opportunities on our nature trails. These trails are easy to moderate and range from a short distance to almost 3 miles long. You can find the perfect walk for you. View the trail map.
- Tanager Trail – This trail is 1.4 miles and traverses through pine and hardwood forests and along the edge of Purvis Lake, and near the main lodge.
- Indigo Bunting Way – A distance of 0.74 miles, this trail passes through young hardwoods and along Purvis Lake.
- Grassy Lake Trail – Only 2.4 miles, this trail stays mainly in the hardwoods, but has several water features that provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Widgeon Walk – A distance of 1.8 miles, this trail has a moist soil unit on the west side and open water on the east and is often a great area to see teal and early fall flight ducks.
