Bauxite Murky Marsh Trail
- Type: Loop
- Distance: 4.4 miles
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate
- Time: About 2 hours
- Drive Time from Downtown: 30 minutes
- Dog Friendly: Yes
- Highlights: Well-marked, low elevation and several connector trails to add to the hike.
- Directions and more information from AllTrails.
A few weekends ago, I headed to the Apison area to check out the White Oak Mountain Trail System that goes through and surrounds Southern Adventist University’s campus. Many of the trails in this area are on SAU’s property and privately-owned by the university but still open to the public. I recommend NOT heading to this trail if it has recently rained as the university will close trails in that case.
Located in Fenton Forest on Bauxite Ridge, the best thing about Murky Marsh Trail is that it connects to others in the forest and you can lengthen the distance if you are feeling up for it. If parking off Bauxite Road like I did, you will actually start on the Pogo’s Place Trail and end on the Rolling Ridge Trail with Murky Marsh being 3.3 miles between the two.
Highlights of this trail include Crashing Creek about .4 miles in, Ivy Lane about .5 miles into the trail and Lookout Hill about 2 miles in. At several points, there are markers to let you know you are on the right path. Murky Marsh is the yellow trail.
An abandoned car can also be found along the trail – which I feel like there’s a story behind that but I’m not sure what it is – and this is where you’ll find the option to climb Lookout Hill. It’s the closest thing to an overlook you’ll find on this hike.
One thing to keep in mind is that this trail is a big one for mountain bikers. When I went, I ran into no other hikers but several bikers.
If you go, be sure to send us pictures at editor@getoutchatt.com, and send us your trail recommendations so we can feature them in future editions of Trails Less Traveled.
Happy Trails!
Allison Shirk, digital and engagement editor