Ridgeland and Madison the City have many walking locations
Two cities on the southern end of Madison County offer ample opportunity to enjoy outdoor walks in athletic, playground or nature settings.
In Ridgeland, where the tri-county area of Hinds, Madison and Rankin meet, walking options include Freedom Ridge Park, Friendship Park, Wolcott Park and the nearly 7-mile Multi-Use Trail.
Freedom Ridge Park is a 50 acre athletic facility located at 235 School Street, just behind the Ridgeland Police Department. It includes a lighted walking trail along with two playgrounds, lighted softball and soccer fields, four picnic pavilions and two concession/restroom buildings.
Friendship Park at 475 Lake Harbour Drive includes a lighted one-mile paved track that winds its way through the multipurpose neighborhood park. Friendship includes a fitness court, playground equipment, restroom facilities and a lighted pavilion.
Wolcott Park is a 40 acre athletic facility just off Highway 51 on McClellan Drive. It features seven lighted baseball/softball fields, a playground, in-line hockey rink, batting cages, bullpens and concession/restroom buildings.
Ridgeland's Multi-Use Path is almost 7 miles starts at a parking area at Harbor Drive and Rice Road and travels to Highland Colony Parkway near the Natchez Trace. Side trails veer off to schools, shops and businesses.
Madison the City has been named one of the nation’s most livable cities, and its park facilities live up to the name. Liberty Park, Strawberry Patch Park and Simmons Arboretum offer walking and much more.
Liberty Park on Madison Avenue is a multi-purpose sports complex with a paved walking track, five lighted baseball/softball fields, five soccer fields, batting cages, beach volleyball courts and the Liberty Village Playground. A cross-country track is being built.
Strawberry Patch Park is a picturesque setting with a two-acre lake amid the walking trails, exercise stations, playground equipment and picnic areas. The seven-acre site is at the intersection of Old Canton Road and St. Augustine Drive.
Simmons Arboretum is a 10-acre nature area with walking trails through many varieties of Mississippi’s native trees and shrubs. Boy Scouts have built seven bridges on the nearly 1-mile of trails that have been cleared and covered with slag material. To get to the Arboretum from Highway 51, turn east onto St. Augustine and follow St. Augustine to the end. Park at the Northbay Club.
More information:
Visit www.ridgelandms.org or call 601-853-2011.
Visit www.madisonthecity.com or call 601-853-9109.
Great Locations to Walk:
