Trail Overview

This trail runs along the Mississippi River near the Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge. Depending on the time of year, higher river flood stages can make this trail inaccessible since it lies in a natural flood plain. During dryer periods, the trail is often covered with several inches of silt. This trail provides some great views of the Mississippi River along long undeveloped stretches. The trail itself provides access to a sparse number of camps and old, unused agriculture areas.

Photos of Cat Island River Trail

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Difficulty

The rating of (3) is during a very dry period where there is little mud and dry silt. If traveling on this trail during a wet period, the terrain would require a higher rating.

Technical Rating

Nicholas

Jun 07, 2026

Open

Lots of rain recently, meant this trail was very muddy and lots of fun. Used a mix of 4H/4L and didn't get stuck. Some nice trails off towards the river for a good view.

Kadan

Apr 16, 2026

Open

Was mainly dry with a few deep ruts. If you continue on the trail you will reach an atv only trail; The Riverside ATV trail. It would be light work for a 4 wheeler, was a little challenging for me on a big ADV bike. Overall, I would go back, but only while it's dry, it would be a nightmare on a heavy bike in the mud.

Taylor McAnally

Dec 31, 2024

Open

Started on the Plattenberg side on 12/31. Prior to the trail start there signs warning of road closure, but there is a very mild water cross over a concrete path to bypass the bridge under construction. There was a fair bit of rain the past weekend, so there was a good amount of mud holes and ruts, but nothing too extreme. If I had to estimate, the deepest hole we went through was around 8-10in. We intended to head south to where it seems the trail spits out onto Cat Island NWR, but the trail started to deteriorate and we decided to turn around.

Micah hooks

Dec 21, 2024

Open

Basically just a rough country dirt road when dry. Could be more fun after some good rain.

Addyson Perez

Nov 17, 2024

Open

William Mills

Aug 24, 2024

Open

Bridge is out 1 mile prior to trail head. It looks to be mostly completed but no postings of when it will reopen.

Josh B

Jul 01, 2024

Open

Dusty, with a few shallow mud crossings on the limestone road. Very easy to navigate.

Garrett Mathews

Jun 30, 2024

Open

Closed gate at the entrance along the cat island refuge

Taylor Singleton

Jan 20, 2024

Open

Patricio molina

Dec 31, 2023

Open

3-4 ft deep mud puddles and very mudy

Zachary Thomas

Nov 29, 2023

Open

Mike Ward

Nov 11, 2023

Open

UnBroken Viger’s

Sep 03, 2023

Open

jonathan Triche

Aug 20, 2023

Open

Ron Harris

Aug 12, 2023

Open