The best walks and hikes in Fuller State Park
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Hiking in Fuller State Park offers a network of trails within an urban park in Memphis, Tennessee. The park's landscape is characterized by its location on the Mississippi River's eastern bank, featuring a mix of low-lying floodplains and forested bluff ridges. The routes wind through dense woodlands, providing a sense of seclusion from the surrounding city.
Best hiking trails in Fuller State Park
- The most popular hiking route is Discovery Trail loop — T.O. Fuller State Park, a 3.5 mile (5.7 km) trail that takes about 1 hour 30 minutes to complete. This easy loop passes near the historic Chucalissa Indian Village.
- Another top favourite among local hiking enthusiasts is Martyrs Park – Beale Street Landing loop from Harahan Bridge, a moderate 6.1 mile (9.7 km) path. The route follows the Mississippi River and offers views of the Memphis skyline.
- Local hiking enthusiasts also love the Big River Crossing via Harahan Bridge — Memphis, Tennessee, a 2.5 mile (4.0 km) trail leading across the Mississippi River, often completed in about 1 hour.
- Hiking in Fuller State Park is defined by forested paths, riverside sections, and gentle bluff ridges. The trail network provides options for both easy family-friendly walks and longer, more moderate hikes.
- The routes in Fuller State Park are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 3.9 stars from a number of reviews. More than 100 hikers have used komoot to explore Fuller State Park's varied terrain.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
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The Discovery Trail in Memphis offers a pleasant, easy escape into nature, perfect for a quick refresh. This 1.6-mile (2.6 km) route is largely flat, with only 88 feet (27 metres) of elevation gain, making it an ideal choice for a leisurely walk or a gentle jog. You can expect a straightforward path, suitable for all ages and fitness levels, providing a simple yet satisfying outdoor experience in about 40 minutes.
Planning your visit to the Discovery Trail is straightforward; no special permits or fees are required. It's a great option for an impromptu outing, whether you're looking for an early morning stroll or a relaxing afternoon walk. The trail is accessible year-round, and comfortable walking shoes are all you'll need to enjoy this easy route.
This trail stands out as a highly accessible option within the Memphis area, offering a convenient way to connect with nature without venturing far. Its easy difficulty and short duration make it particularly family-friendly and a good choice for beginner hiking routes. It provides a quiet contrast to more strenuous activities, focusing on simple enjoyment and accessibility for the local community.
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5.69km
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The Discovery Trail in Memphis offers a delightful and easy escape into nature, perfect for a refreshing walk. As you traverse the route, you'll be treated to the serene environment of T.O. Fuller State Park, with a notable highlight being the vibrant Field of Yellow Wildflowers. This trail provides a gentle experience, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors without significant physical challenge.
Planning your visit is straightforward; the trail is easily accessible within T.O. Fuller State Park. With a distance of 3.5 miles (5.7 km) and a modest elevation gain of 170 feet (52 metres), it's an ideal option for a quick outing, taking approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Parking is generally available at the park, making trailhead access convenient for all visitors.
This particular Discovery Trail, nestled in Shelby County, Tennessee, stands out as a family-friendly option for those looking to enjoy a peaceful hike. Unlike some of its more strenuous namesakes across the country, this route focuses on accessibility and natural beauty, making it a great choice for beginners or anyone seeking a tranquil outdoor experience near Memphis.
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9.82km
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The Ducks Unlimited Park Loop is one of the most popular routes for a relaxed outing in West Memphis, offering a paved 6.1-mile (9.8 km) circular walk that's easy on the legs. With only 45 feet (14 metres) of elevation gain, this moderate trail takes about 2 hours and 28 minutes, providing continuous views of the Mississippi River and the Memphis skyline. If you time your visit right, typically around July and early August, you'll be treated to spectacular seasonal sunflower fields.
Planning your visit is straightforward; the trailhead is easily accessible, especially if you're connecting from the Big River Crossing. The park is open from sunrise to sunset, but it's always a good idea to check for seasonal closures due to potential flooding. There are future plans for a welcome pavilion and restrooms, which will make it even more convenient for hikers and families.
This trail is part of a significant 1,500-acre wetlands conservation site managed by Ducks Unlimited, focusing on restoring the Mississippi River floodplains. It serves as a hub for eco-tourism, offering opportunities for wildlife spotting and connecting with nature. The loop also links into the broader Big River Levee Trail System, providing options for extended adventures.
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If you're looking for a hike that delivers big views without big effort, the Big River Crossing is an excellent choice. This easy 2.5-mile (4.0 km) route, taking about 1 hour and 1 minute, spans the Mississippi River, offering stunning panoramic vistas of the Memphis skyline and the Arkansas countryside. You'll walk on perforated steel plating across the historic Harahan Bridge, with the chance to see barges and trains in action, making for a truly distinctive experience.
Planning your visit is straightforward, as the Big River Crossing is free and open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM, with 24-hour security monitoring. While the overall elevation gain is a modest 68 feet (21 metres), expect a moderate but steady climb if you start from the Arkansas side. For a memorable experience, try to time your visit for sunset to witness the "Mighty Lights" display, which illuminates the bridge nightly.
What makes this route truly stand out is its status as the longest public pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi River, physically connecting Tennessee and Arkansas. It also serves as a gateway to the larger Big River Trail system, offering extensive opportunities for further exploration on the Arkansas side. This family-friendly trail is a must-do for beginners and anyone wanting a unique perspective on the region.
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The Memphis Riverwalk offers a delightful urban escape, winding along the Mississippi River on paved concrete and boardwalk surfaces. You'll enjoy continuous panoramic views of the river and the downtown Memphis skyline, passing through pleasant green spaces like Martyrs Park and Ashburn-Coppock Park. Keep an eye out for the Memphis Riverboats near Mississippi River Park, and consider timing your visit for a memorable sunset over the water.
This easy 2.4-mile (3.8 km) route involves only 69 feet (21 metres) of elevation gain, making it a quick 58-minute stroll suitable for all ages and fitness levels. The trail is easily accessible via the MATA Trolley's Riverfront Loop, which runs alongside it, and various public parking options are available in downtown Memphis. It's an ideal choice for a casual walk or a family outing.
One of the most unique features of the Memphis Riverwalk is its connection to the Big River Crossing, a pedestrian path that allows you to walk across the Mississippi River into Arkansas. You can also explore the scaled replica of the Lower Mississippi River within Mud Island River Park, symbolically traversing six states. This trail seamlessly blends natural beauty with urban convenience, offering both scenic views and interesting historical and geographical insights.
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Popular around Fuller State Park
Tips from the Community
Ashburn-Coppock Park is a small linear park with paved trails that are popular for commuting, biking, running, and walking. The intertwining paths in the area are well marked and offer the option for creating small loops. Tom Lee Park is a much larger park to the north, and it connects to the main trail in Ashburn-Coppock Park.
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This small park is located on the banks of the Mississippi River and was created in remembrance of those involved in the Yellow Fever Epidemic of 1878. The park connects to a paved path that follows the Mississippi River Trail bike route and connects to some of the nearby parks to the north.
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The Big River Crossing is named in reference to crossing the Mississippi River on the longest pedestrian bridge. The bridge is actually named Harahan Bridge and helps connect the city of Memphis to the state of Arkansas and the Ducks Unlimited area. You get terrific views of the river from up on the bridge.
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T.O. Fuller State Park, which has gone by multiple names over the years, was the first ever park dedicated to the African American community east of the Mississippi River. There are miles of trails and tons of history to explore within the park. The most popular trail in the park is the Discovery Trail, which circles around the western portion of the property, including the park's campground. This natural surface trail also crosses through Chucalissa Archaeological Park, which features a museum that is worth visiting.
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Excursions and themed dinner cruises on the Mississippi with an old-fashioned paddle steamer fleet.
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Beale Street Landing is a popular park in downtown Memphis. The Mississippi River Trail cuts through the park and is a great place for a break to enjoy the view of Wolf River Harbor.
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Park on the banks of the Mississippi commemorating those who helped others during the yellow fever epidemic in 1878. The park offers a good access point for rides on the Mississippi River Trail bike route or other bikeways from downtown.
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Beale Street Landing in downtown Memphis offers a beautiful park with a relaxing ambiance. Enjoy the scenic view of the river, and feel free to borrow equipment for activities like basketball, putt-putt golf, and badminton. It's a perfect spot to unwind and extend your exercise routine after a run.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are dogs allowed on the trails in T.O. Fuller State Park?
Yes, dogs are generally welcome in T.O. Fuller State Park but must be kept on a leash at all times. Please be sure to clean up after your pet to help keep the trails enjoyable for everyone.
Are there any easy, family-friendly hikes in the park?
Absolutely. The park offers several easy trails suitable for the whole family. A great option is the Riverline Loop from Memphis Martyrs Park, a relatively flat and short walk that provides lovely river views without being too strenuous for younger hikers.
What is the historical significance of T.O. Fuller State Park?
The park holds significant historical importance. Established in 1938, it was the first state park east of the Mississippi River that was open to African Americans. Additionally, during its construction, workers discovered the Chucalissa Indian Village, a prehistoric Native American site that is now a National Historic Landmark within the park.
How many hiking trails are available in T.O. Fuller State Park?
There are around 10 designated hiking routes to explore within T.O. Fuller State Park. These trails range from easy walks to more moderate hikes, offering a variety of experiences through the park's forests and along its bluff ridges.
What kind of wildlife might I see while hiking?
The park's diverse habitat of forests, wetlands, and meadows supports a rich variety of wildlife. It's a popular spot for birdwatching, where you might see numerous songbirds, waterfowl, and even a Mississippi kite soaring overhead. Keep an eye out for other forest animals as you walk the trails.
Are there any circular or loop trails available?
Yes, the park has some excellent loop trails. For a moderately challenging circular route that follows the Mississippi River and offers views of the Memphis skyline, consider the Martyrs Park – Beale Street Landing loop from Harahan Bridge. It allows you to end your hike right where you started.
What should I know about the Chucalissa Indian Village?
The Chucalissa Indian Village is a key attraction accessible from the park's trails. It's a reconstructed prehistoric village and archaeological site operated by the University of Memphis. Hiking the Discovery Trail loop will take you right past this historic landmark, which includes a museum and preserved excavations.
Where can I park to access the trailheads?
T.O. Fuller State Park has designated parking areas available for visitors. The main entrance is located at 1500 W Mitchell Rd, Memphis, TN. From the parking lots, you can easily access the trailheads for the main hiking network.
Are there any trails with good scenic views?
For impressive views across the Mississippi River, the Big River Crossing via Harahan Bridge trail is an excellent choice. This walk takes you out over the river itself, providing a unique perspective of the water and the surrounding landscape.
What is the terrain like on the hiking trails?
The trails in T.O. Fuller State Park feature a mix of landscapes. You'll hike through heavily forested areas that provide plenty of shade, across low-lying Mississippi floodplains, and up onto gentle bluff ridges. Most trails are on dirt paths and are generally well-maintained.
Are there any waterfalls in the park?
While T.O. Fuller State Park has beautiful natural features, including wetlands and riverbanks, it is not known for waterfalls. The hikes focus more on the serene forest environment and the unique topography of the river bluffs.
What do other hikers think of the trails in Fuller State Park?
The trails are well-regarded by the komoot community. Hikers often praise the feeling of being immersed in nature so close to the city, the well-marked paths through the forest, and the interesting historical elements like the Chucalissa Indian Village.
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