Located off Arkabutla Dam Rd. on the Southwest side of Arkabutla Lake in Tate County.
Status of Trail
Open Year Round
Length of Trail
5.6 miles
Width of Trail
10 feet
Difficulty Level
Easy-Moderate
Trail Surface
Natural
Designated Trail Use
Mountain bike only
Trail Hours
24/7
Type of Trail
Park forest
Other Amenities
The site features a picnic area and restrooms located near the trailhead.
GIS Coordinates
34°44’24.48″ N 90°07’24.03″ W
Bayou Point is currently a 5.6 mile singletrack loop for mountain bikes only. The trail includes everything from fast and flowing to tight and technical sections. It also includes multiple obstacles to challenge the advanced rider, such as log rides, rock skinnies, berms, jumps and drops. Elevation change is roughly 390 ft of climbing/descending per lap.
The trail is located in a somewhat remote area so there is plenty of wildlife to be seen as well as several scenic views of Arkabutla Lake. The trailhead includes a kiosk with trail map and information, ample parking, full restroom with running water and heat in the winter, playground and picnic tables.
While Bayou Point does not offer camping, just a half mile away at the South Abutment are many primitive and RV campsites available.
The Sunfish Bay Equestrian Trail is 4.5 mile horseback riding trail located in the Sunfish Bay Area at Arkabutla Lake. As you enter the Bayou Point Recreation Area, you will see the trail located down the first gravel road to the right. The trail has multiple large, open unloading areas with ample room to park several horse trailers. At the end of each gravel road there are also loops for convenient trailer turn-around. To see the course layout, there are two bulletin boards located at staging areas along the trail. You will see many types of forest along this trail, from old growth oaks to hilly pine forests.
The Coldwater River Canoe and Kayak Trail meanders from Mississippi Highway 309 westward to US Highway 51 at Arkabutla Lake, just south of Hernando, DeSoto County, Mississippi.
Canoe rentals and guides are not currently available but the public is allowed to put in along the route anywhere on public land and enjoy the nature features the Coldwater River has to offer. Trips will be planned throughout the year so please watch our events page for those dates.
The North Outlet Nature Trail is located southwest of Hernando, MS on Highway 301 just below the Arkabutla Lake dam on the north side of the spillway.
STATUS OF TRAIL
Open Year Round
LENGTH OF TRAIL
5 miles total (one trail is 3 miles in length and the other is 5 miles in length)
WIDTH OF TRAIL
10 feet
DIFFICULTY LEVEL
Easy. The trail traverses a flat bottomland with little or no elevation gain.
TRAIL SURFACE
Natural
DESIGNATED TRAIL USE
Hiking, foot travel only
TRAIL HOURS
24/7
TYPE OF TRAIL
Park forest
OTHER AMENITIES
The site features a picnic area and restrooms located near the trailhead.
GIS COORDINATES
34°45’37.51″ N 90°07’44.81″ W
This trail is part of the Coldwater River Nature Trail System and is located in the the North Outlet Channel Recreation Area. This network of trails encompasses two hiking trails (one trail is 3 miles in length and the other is 5 miles in length) and the Big Oak Nature Trail which is a self-guided interpretive trail. The area includes pristine bottomland hardwood and pine forests where an abundance of wildlife and native plant species can be found throughout. A self-guided interpretive booklet is available at the trailhead located on the north side of the Outlet Channel.
The Arkabutla Lake Education and Nature Center Trail (ARK Trail) is located 10 miles west of Hernando, MS at 7001 Highway 304 w, Hernando, MS just west of Fogg Road. Look for signs and parking area on the left just after you cross Panther Creek.
Status of Trail
Open Year Round
Length of Trail
2 miles
Width of Trail
8 feet
Difficulty Level
Easy. The trail consists of gently rolling hills with little elevation gain.
Trail Surface
Natural
Designated Trail Use
Hiking, foot travel only. Since this is a designated wildlife sanctuary, no pets are allowed!
QR Fit Trail provided by Leadership DeSoto class of 2016. Stretching stations along the 1st mile with large stretch station between mile 1 and 2.
Trail Hours
24/7
Type of Trail
Park forest
Other Amenities
Entergy Education Pavilion a -4,000 sqft venue that will be available for rental in Summer 2017.
GIS Coordinates
34°49’50.55″ N 90°06’48.95″ W
The trail is located in a wildlife sanctuary and consists of 2 miles of woodland walking trails already constructed with future plans for a handicap accessible wildlife demonstration trail. The Trail feature interpretive signs listing area wildlife, tree identification markers and has an outdoor amphitheater that can accommodate small groups for outdoor education classes. Trail-goers will enjoy views of Arkabutla Lake, mixed hardwood forests, swamps and open fields planted for wildlife habitat. At the end of the second loop visitors can get a good view of Arkabutla Lake as the trail winds through the hardwood forest alongside the lake. For more information in pavilion rental or group outings please call 662-612-6455.
The Swinging Bridge Nature trail is located southwest of Hernando, MS on Highway 301 just below the Arkabutla Lake dam on the south side of the spillway.
Status of Trail
Open Year Round.
Length of Trail
One mile
Width of Trail
10 feet
Difficulty Level
Easy. The trail traverses a flat bottomland with little or no elevation gain.
Trail Surface
Natural
Designated Trail Use
Hiking, foot travel only
Trail Hours
24/7
Type of Trail
Park forest
GIS Coordinates
34°45’30.76″ N 90°07’43.66″ W
The South Outlet Channel Recreation Area offers a unique trail experience. The Swinging Bridge Nature Trail is a self-guided trail that includes an old section of the Coldwater River prior to the construction of the dam. The Coldwater River was once flowing through this very trail area! Please enjoy a walk through this historic trail and learn about the history of the Arkabutla community or how the Corps of Engineers redirected the Coldwater River. Maybe you would like to learn how to identify native plants and wildlife, or just enjoy the tranquility of the trail’s azalea garden. Information panels are placed throughout the trail to help guide you along your walk.
