Choose Your Own Path: JXN Trail Guide
No matter your skill level or desire to walk, run, bike, or even rollerblade – Jackson has several routes to get you outside and moving.
Capitol & Belhaven Neighborhood
Get to know some of Jackson's most picturesque and historic streets with a paved walk or run around the Mississippi State Capitol and Belhaven neighborhood. Begin with a 0.5-mile approach to the capitol building on North Congress Street in downtown. Then, head east of State Street to explore Belhaven. Take a left onto Madison, a right onto Fortification, then a left onto Carlisle, and finally a right onto Kenwood Place to reach Belhaven Park for a rest stop. As you pass the Eudora Welty House and Gardens, consider a stroll through the beautiful campus of Belhaven University, where you’ll find a small but enjoyable pedestrian trail. For your return journey, use Peachtree, Pinehurst, and Jefferson.
Buddy Butts Park
Once used as a German POW camp in WWII,Buddy Butts Park features a loop that has become a go-to for local runners, mountain bikers, and nature lovers. The multi-use trails are relatively quiet, with canopy cover and local wildlife, and are considered easy to moderately challenging. Dogs are welcome to join but must be leashed.
Belhaven Museum & Mountain Bike Trails
The 2.5-mile Museum Trail is Jackson's first "rail trail" path and a great choice for paved and offroad activities. Taking around 1.30 hours to complete, the scenic main stretch connects the Mississippi Children's Museum to the Two Mississippi Museums, with several stops in between to enter the Belhaven neighborhood. The trail is generally accessible and stroller-friendly. Pets must be on a leash.
The Belhaven Mountain Bike Trails are connected to the main Museum Trail with several miles of easy to moderately difficult out-and-back trails for hiking, running, and mountain biking. Take in shallow creek beds and local flora and fauna during your visit. Dogs must be supervised but can be let off-leash in certain areas.
Parham Bridges Loop
Located off Old Canton Road, Parham Bridges' Park has an easy one-mile paved loop for running and walking. Dogs are allowed on a leash.
Lefleur's Bluff State Park & Eastover Neighborhood
LeFleur’s Bluff State Park sits in the northern part of Jackson and is a green oasis perfect for running or walking. The 305-acre state park offers a mix of sandy and gravel trails, roads, boardwalks, and access to the serene Mayes Lake, all leading up to the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science.
The 2.5-mile Purple and Red Nature Trail is a must for runners. Paralleling the Pearl River, take in panoramic views of natural cypress swamps. Start your run at Lakeland Terrace, following the western edge of Mayes Lake, and continue alongside the Pearl River toward the Mississippi Children’s Museum. For added mileage, take a quick run or drive to Jackson's tree-lined Eastover neighborhood, which features beautiful examples of historic homes like the nationally registered Falk House.
Fondren Neighborhood
See examples of midcentury and pre-war architecture in the historic Fondren neighborhood. With several parks and hills spread throughout, the neighborhood is a good choice for walking, running, and biking, especially with kids in tow. Get in a 3.75-mile loop when you utilize the pedestrian lanes (and some sidewalks) on Old Canton, Meadowbrook and State Street.
If you’re looking for a post-workout drink or snack, hop over to the area’s central business district for family favorites like The Pig & Pint, The Station JXN, and The Bean.
