Exploring Tishomingo State Park
What better way to spend a Sunday in October than hiking in one of Mississippi's beautiful state parks? That’s exactly how a friend and I decided to wrap up our weekend—by hitting the trails at Tishomingo State Park.
The Journey Through Tishomingo State Park Begins
We started our trip with a drive from Oxford, MS, to Tishomingo, MS, eager to explore the scenic trails. Before reaching our main destination, we stumbled upon a smaller trail—the CCC Camp Trail. It was a lucky find, providing a great warmup for the day ahead.
At the start of the trail, we were greeted by striking rock formations. Over time, erosion had shifted the earth beneath them, creating a unique landscape that looked like nature’s own sculpture garden. As we continued, we came across a charming little bridge. Though it didn’t lead to more of the trail, it was a perfect photo opportunity, and I made sure to capture the moment. Further along, we crossed another bridge and passed a cozy little cabin before completing this short but scenic trek.
The Main Attraction: Bear Creek Outcroppings Trail
The real reason for our trip, however, was the Bear Creek Outcroppings Trail. This trail kicks off with an eye-catching cable bridge—an Instagram-worthy spot that we made full use of before continuing on.
One of the first sights along the trail was a massive rock wall, giving the area a rugged, mountainous feel. My friend, ever the adventurous spirit, decided to scale the formation, while I stayed below to take pictures of her climbing triumph. Fortunately, we soon found a more structured path leading to the top, which offered an incredible view of the area.
A little farther down the trail, we came across a small waterfall. While not the most dramatic cascade, it lived up to its name—water trickled down the rocks, creating a peaceful ambiance. As we hiked on, we reached an area where erosion had carved fascinating patterns into the rock, another perfect excuse to pause for photos.
The trail winds along the river that the cable bridge initially crossed, and we were treated to the sight of turtles basking lazily on tree branches as we walked. One of the highlights of the hike was a section where large rocks in the river created a natural stepping-stone path. We couldn’t resist the chance to embrace our inner children, hopping from rock to rock and playing in the cool water.
Wrapping Up the Adventure
As the trail looped back toward the starting point, we once again found ourselves at the cable bridge. We had to wait our turn to cross, as it can only support a limited number of people at a time. It was a fitting way to end the hike—one last moment of stillness, taking in the beauty of the park before stepping back onto solid ground.
Tishomingo State Park provided the perfect setting for an October adventure. The blend of rock formations, waterways, and peaceful trails made for a memorable day of hiking, exploring, and soaking in nature’s beauty. If you’re ever looking for a scenic escape in Mississippi, this park should be at the top of your list!
