Oxford Depot Trail

Mississippi

1 Reviews

The Oxford Depot Trail is part of a planned network of trails linking the community of Oxford. The centerpiece of phase 1 is two segments of the former Mississippi Central Railroad that have been transformed into mixed-use bicycle and pedestrian trails. The Oxford trail stretches from Molly Barr to the historic Oxford Depot (interested parties can learn more about the depot's history in the related links). The trail is 10-feet wide and paved, with a bike and pedestrian bridge over Jackson Avenue that brings you into the platform area of the depot.

This trail has a sibling in the gravel-surfaced South Campus Rail Trail, which lies further south along the same rail corridor; the plan is to eventually link the two trails. Until then, the two trails are connected by a series of bike lanes, sidewalks and University roadways. Bike lanes on Gertrude Ford Parkway connect through the roundabout to biking and walking lanes on Old Taylor Road. Bike lanes south to the light at Whirlpool Drive and beyond to Kitchenaid Drive (the old whirlpool entrance) provide access to a new paved pathway to the South Campus Rail Trail.

An alternative to the Old Taylor Bridge over Rt. 6 is to take a detour from the Getrude Ford Parkway bike lanes behind the UM stadium and between the indoor practice facility and track to Manning Way, Hill Drive and across the Coliseum Drive bridge. Although not all of these roads have bike lanes, speed limits on campus are 18 mph, and traffic on Coliseum Drive is less than Old Taylor. After you cross the bridge, carry on straight to the end of Coliseum Drive (a.k.a. Front Street). The trail is on your right.

Parking and Trail Access

Parking is available at the Oxford Park Commission complex on Price Street and at Stone Park to its immediate south, as well as at the historic Oxford Depot at the southern trailhead, located at 101 Depot Street.

Great little segment, central, and convenient

March 2015 angiechickade

This rail-trail is short and sweet. It's used frequently by students to get from the apartments on Molly Bar to the Ole Miss campus. It passes over Jackson Ave, behind Oxford Intermediate School, and by OPC's tennis courts. Parking is available at the Depot, but it is shared with parking for the University and there are no designated spots. So, I would park elsewhere if you are trying to access the trail during a weekday while classes are in session. Parking is also available at the Oxford Park Commission Activity Center (400 Price St) or at Stone Park on Washington Ave. The trail is paved and lit at night. I use this trail for running since it's location is very convenient.