One of the best ways to experience Vicksburg is through a walking or hiking tour. You’re welcome to do a self-guided tour through the city, but you can also schedule a guided tour to make sure you don’t miss anything. Before you set out, grab your free Visit Vicksburg guide and bring along the following walking and hiking tour equipment and supplies.
Preparing for a Walking Tour
Exploring Vicksburg by foot? Whether you’re strolling through downtown, checking out the city’s history, touring homes or visiting museums, you’re in for a full afternoon. We recommend bringing a backpack to hold your supplies and any souvenirs you might pick up along the way. You’ll also need:
- Cushioned sneakers that offer a proper fit
- Water bottle
- Snacks (energy bars, trail mix, fruit, etc.)
- Vicksburg Heritage Walking Trails brochure
- Any additional maps
- Insect repellent
- Flashlight (night tours)
- Camera
- Cell phone
- Money
Preparing for a Hiking Tour
Vicksburg has a lot of great outdoor areas to explore, but probably the most popular destination for nature enthusiasts is the Al Scheller Hiking Trail. Stretching 12.5 miles through the Vicksburg National Military Park, it has streams, ravines, open fields and plenty of wildlife and fauna to discover. You’ll want to pack the following hiking tour equipment:
- Maps/guidebooks/GPS/compass
- Lots of cold water
- First aid kit
- Hiking boots
- Lunch (sandwiches, bagels, etc.) and snacks
- Insect repellent
- Wipes/hand sanitizer
- Protective clothing
- Binoculars for bird watching
- Flashlight (for low-light conditions)
- Camera
- Cell phone
- Money
Check the Forecast
Whether you’re planning to walk or hike, be sure to check the weather before you head out. If it’s supposed to rain, you don’t want to be caught outside without an umbrella or poncho. If it’s going to be hot and sunny, don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. And if it’s cold or windy, dress warm and bring a windbreaker or jacket and maybe even a pair of gloves to make sure you’re prepared.
You’re Ready to Explore Vicksburg
Now that you have everything you might need for a tour of Vicksburg, you’re ready to set out for a day of adventure. Check out all the different types of tours you can go on, including the Heritage Route filled with historical attractions and the spooky Haunted Vicksburg Tour, over on the Visit Vicksburg website.
