South Campus Rail Trail

The main South Campus Rail Trail is generally considered easy and beginner-friendly, featuring a mostly flat, wide gravel path. However, the branching single-track trails offer more challenging terrain with uneven sections, roots, and hilly switchbacks, suitable for intermediate to difficult hikers or mountain bikers.

The primary path is an out-and-back trail, approximately 2.5 miles in one direction, making it about 5 miles round trip. However, there are over 20 miles of single-track trails that branch off, offering various loop options for those seeking a longer or more varied experience.

The trail is easily accessible from the University of Mississippi campus, located just south of Highway 6 and west of Chucky Mullins Drive. Look for designated parking areas near these access points.

Yes, the trail is dog-friendly. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash and that you clean up after them to maintain the trail's cleanliness for all users.

The trail can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and fall offer particularly pleasant conditions with mild temperatures and beautiful foliage. The hardwood canopy provides good shade during warmer months, making it a comfortable hike even in summer.

No, there are no permits or entrance fees required to access and enjoy the South Campus Rail Trail. It is freely accessible to the public.

The main rail-bed trail features a wide, unpaved gravel surface that is largely flat and shaded by a hardwood canopy. The branching single-track trails, however, are more varied, winding through woods with potentially uneven or narrow sections, roots, rocks, and hilly switchbacks.

The forested setting is home to typical Mississippi woodlands wildlife. You might spot songbirds, squirrels, and deer. Birdwatching is particularly good in this area, especially in less trafficked parts of the trail.

Yes, the trail occupies a former rail corridor with historical significance. It was the site of the Buckner's Trestle train wreck in 1870, an event described in Harper's Magazine, adding a unique historical layer to your experience.

The main, flat, and wide gravel path of the South Campus Rail Trail is very family-friendly and suitable for all skill levels, including children. The more challenging single-track offshoots might be better suited for older, more adventurous children or adults.

Yes, the South Campus Rail Trail is part of a larger network of trails linking the Oxford community. There are plans for it to eventually connect to the Oxford Depot Trail and potentially extend to Thacker Mountain Road, offering even more exploration opportunities.