Saddleback Ridge and Flatrock Trail is a 2.9 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Tishomingo, Mississippi that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash.
The Saddleback Ridge/Flat Rock Trail is a combination of the Flat Rock and Saddleback Ridge Trails that begins at the Park Visitor's Entrance area, following along rocky outcrops, crossing several springs and streams. The trail passes by the camping area and provides a perfect opportunity to view areas of ferns, wildflowers, outcroppings and wildlife. . The main trail continues along the lake and levee and to the picnic area and on to the Saddle Back Ridge Trailhead. Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Tishomingo State Park is steeped in history and scenic beauty. Archaeological excavations confirm the presence of Paleo Indians in the area now encompassed by the park as early as 7000 B.C.; the park takes its name from the leader of the Chickasaw nation, Chief Tishomingo. The famous Natchez Trace Parkway, the premier highway of the early 1800s and a modern scenic parkway, runs directly through the park. Today's visitors to Tishomingo State Park discover the same timeless natural beauty that enchanted the Indians centuries ago. Tishomingo offers a unique landscape of massive rock formations and fern-filled crevices found nowhere else in Mississippi. Massive boulders blanketed in moss dot the hillsides, and colorful wildflowers border trails once walked by Native Americans.
Trailhead Parking is located near the Park Visitor Center Entrance or from the Saddleback Ridge trailhead near the picnic area across the lake. It is possible to make a loop by utilizing the park road to either trailhead.
Tishomingo State Park 105 CR 90 - P.O. Box 880 Tishomingo, MS 38873 (662) 438-6914 tishomingo@mdwfp.state.ms.us
Tishomingo State Park is located along the Natchez Trace Parkway at mile point 305. It can also be accessed from Mississippi Highway 25 just South of Tishomingo, MS.
December 11, 2020
November 17, 2020This is a nice loop, but it should be noted that about 1/4 of the loop is along/on the road, which is fairly heavily trafficked, particularly on the weekends.
November 14, 2020November 14, 2020October 31, 2020October 18, 2020October 3, 2020September 26, 2020We only walked the Saddleback Ridge trail, which is less than a mile long. It was nice, especially the day after hiking a more strenuous but satisfying Outcroppings Trail. NOTE: on the MDWFP map for Tishomingo State Park, the Saddleback Ridge Trail is #2 and is approximately 0.75 miles long. Flat Rock Trail is listed as #1 and is 3 miles long starting at the Park Office and ending on the east side of Haynes Lake at the earthen dam.
May 21, 2020This trail has a little bit of everything... creeks, shade, lake views, and more. The beginning does consist of rock formations that are nice to look at, but does give the trail the moderate rating. We hiked this trail with our 10yo and 6yo and enjoyed it very much. The weather was slightly overcast and about 70 degrees. Made for a nice trip.
February 16, 2020This recording is of a loop of every trail in the park. Trails were a mess when I went: lots of blowdowns, completely flooded sections and plenty of bushwhacking to navigate around poor maintenance. When conditions are good though, this is some of the best hiking in Mississippi.
January 5, 2020October 6, 2019Overall easy trail with a few uphill climbs verifying the Moderate rating. Beautiful rock formations for climbing and is the only location in Mississippi with Rick's like this. Trail was dry for us but looks like creeks and streams would be gorgeous after decent rains.
April 12, 2019Nice little hike, beautiful weather and easy to follow.
April 2, 2019Easy hike, well marked trail. Mainly through the woods though there are some rock formations in the very beginning. Will do again.
October 7, 2018Good trail along the ridge.
September 15, 2018Great hike..Not bad at all and weather was great
July 13, 2018Nice trail through the wilderness of the park.
April 24, 2017very nice! little waterfall at the start was super cute.
October 21, 2016Great park close to home we've been many times
February 9, 2015i spent a great weekend at Tishomingo State park. I was totally surprised. I hiked all 13 miles. The best would have to be the Swinging Bridge trail. Saddleback was pretty moderate nice trail. the bridge is out so had to make a detour
April 21, 2014
First to ReviewCombining the Saddleback Ridge and Flat Rock Trail made this a nice 4 mile in and out trail that begins at the Tishomingo State Park entrance. This trail follows atop Saddleback Ridge, a large outcropping of rocks. While walking along the trail you will notice numerous small caves among the many rock formations and the trail crosses several streams. After the trail reaches the peak of the ridge it winds its way around the picnic pavilion, crosses Haynes Lake Dam and to the Saddleback Ridge Trailhead. The scenery is nice and reminds you of some of the Appalachian Mountain Trails. Much of the hike is easy, especially around the lake; however, lack of switchbacks and steep climbs rates this trail as moderate.
December 11, 2020November 14, 2020November 1, 2020October 6, 2020September 22, 2020
