Missouri

Whispering Pine Trail

10.2 miles; 328ft. vertical change; Difficult

Take advantage of the cooler days to explore the two Whispering Pines Loops in Hawn State Park.  The trail works its way past some fantastic formations, through tranquil forests, along quiet streams, and past a few nice views.

Arkansas

Big Bluff and the Goat Trail

6 miles out & back; 1,003ft. vertical change; Moderate

Crazy views and crazy heights, the Big Bluff and Goat Trail is great this time of year – before the heat sets in.  With views down on the river, this is a very scenic hike in Buffalo River Natural Area.

Kentucky

Bad Branch Trail

About 6 mile out & back with loop options; 1,176ft. vertical change; Moderately Difficult

Waterfalls and great views great you along the Bad Branch Trail.  The hike is fairly steep, but Bad Branch Falls is a great destination; then the trail continues its trek all the way up to High Rock and expansive views.

Tennessee

Porters Creek Trail

4.0 mile out & back; 700ft. vertical change; Moderate

The best part of the Porters Creek Trail may be the wildflowers in the spring, but there’s also a lot of history along the way.  Hike the 2 miles up to Fern Branch Falls, or continue another 1.7 miles up to Backcountry Campsite 31 for a longer trek.

Louisiana

Bayou Sauvage Ridge Trail

7.1 mile out & back; negligible vertical change; Easy

The Ridge Trail at Bayou Sauvage National Wildlife Refuge is a great longish hike, offering views across the wetlands and a chance to see many forms of wildlife.  It’s popular with local trail runners as well as nature enthusiasts and hikers.

Mississippi

Bear Creek Outcropping Trail

3.6 mile loop; 101ft. vertical change; Moderate

The Bear Creek Outcropping Trail may be almost completely in the forest, but it still overs little gems to discover: a massive bridge, a waterfall, rock formations, ferns hidden in the cracks of the rocks, a stream, and views if you’re lucky enough to see them through the trees.

Alabama

Pisgah Gorge Trails

1.25 mile multi-spur; 111ft. vertical change; Moderate

Exploration may be necessary to access all the features of Pisgah Gorge, but if you look carefully enough, there are at least three waterfalls and a natural bridge.  The rim trail takes you to several viewpoints down into the gorge (and on the waterfalls), while the more rugged trail down into the gorge accesses the natural bridge.  Note that the falls will be more spectacular after a rain, but the river will also be swifter, making it much more dangerous and difficult to access the natural bridge.

Florida

Black Bear Wilderness Loop

7.2 mile loop; 68ft. vertical change; Easy to Moderate

Lots of wildlife and lots of forest – with some views over the St. Johns River – is what you’ll find along the Black Bear Wilderness Loop.  The trail is incredibly dry, despite being part of the river’s floodplain.  Keep your eyes open for gators, pigmy rattlers, black bears, deer, oaks, and red cedars, among other flora and fauna.