Clio Logo
Walking Tour of Oxford Mississippi
Item 2 of 11
The Bailey's Woods Trail is a National Recreation Trail near the University of Mississippi in Oxford, Mississippi. The trail runs through the woods that American author William Faulkner, perhaps pondering his next great work, often walked. Today, it connects the University of Mississippi Museum and Rowan Oak, Faulkner's historic home. The trail was designated as a National Recreation Trail in 2012 and is open to the public year-round.

Footbridge on Bailey's Woods Trail

Footbridge on Bailey's Woods Trail

Map of the trail

Map of the trail
The Bailey's Woods Trail is a historic walking trail in Oxford, Mississippi. Once a part of the grounds and means of inspiration belonging to American writer William Faulkner, the trail was left untouched for many years until the University of Mississippi adopted it with aims to preserve its beauty and history. The trail connects the University of Mississippi Museum with Faulkner's historic home, Rowan Oak. Together, the museum and Rowan Oak attract approximately 35 thousand visitors per year, making the trail and the surrounding area a popular location for both locals and tourists. 

The University Museum began improving the trail in 2002, adding bridges and walking steps while being careful to preserve the natural beauty of the wooded ecosystem. After the improvements were completed, the trail opened to the public in 2008. A loved site for hikers, pet walkers, visiting education groups, and university classes, the trail was designated as a National Recreation Trail in 2012. According to the National Recreation Trails website, the Bailey's Woods Trail
"is approximately 3/5 mile in length, and takes an average of 20 minutes one-way on foot."2
1. "Bailey's Woods Trail." The University of Mississippi Museum. Accessed June 18, 2015. http://museum.olemiss.edu/baileys-woods-trail.

2. Bailey's Woods National Recreation Trail, Oxford, Mississippi. American Trails. . Accessed July 11, 2019. https://www.americantrails.org/resources/baileys-woods-national-recreation-trail-oxford-mississippi. 

Photos: Americantrails.com