Sandstone Trail System

Hike Name: Sandstone Trail System Location: north MS Length: 1.5 Submitted by: Lawrence Kerr Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more Mississippi trail reviews Mississippi national parks Mississippi state parks
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Description
The sandstone hiking trail is about 1.5 miles and is a partial loop trail that takes you through a longleaf pine plantation, along a ridge, and down into a creek bottom. It starts at a trailhead shared by another two mile loop trail called the Sandstone Fitness Trail. This trail can be hiked as a nature trail, but is intended for jogging and it features exercise stations along the way. The trailhead for both is located near the southern portion of the lower Sardis Dam. I often combine both into a figure eight loop. The Sandstone Hiking Trail starts off at the trailhead and goes uphill through tall loblolly pines and passes a sandpit. It was from here that earth was taken to make the dam. There are pine trees growing in the sand here that are as old as the surrounding pines, but are dwarfed because of the sandy terrain. It is hard to beleive these little trees are more than half a century old. You leave the miniature forest the trail crosses a bridge and follows an old cedar rail fence to the right. It then follows along a ridge for a while until it turns left and descends to a small creek bottom. It follows the creek and crosses a couple of bridges through an area rich with Christmas Ferns. It also passes a tree that was either bent in an icestorm or was bent by man as a way of creating a landmark. It then crosses another bridge and steeply goes uphill back to the ridge where it rejoins the segment you were on before going downhill. You then retrace your steps back to the trailhead. Short, but scenic. Camping is only allowed at designated areas around the dam. Be sure to check out the nearby Clear Creek Natue Trail.

Directions to Hike
Take Highway 315 from Sardis to Sardis Dam. Cross the spillway and take the highway going toward Batesville for less than 1/4 mile. The trailheads will be on the left up a short gravel road that passes an outdoor theater.

Contact Information
Sardis Lake Office
P.O. Drawer 186
Sardis, MS 38666
601-563-4531

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