Mississippi River Bluff Audubon Access Trail

The Mississippi River Bluff Audubon Access Trail descends the fourth Chickasaw Bluff through steep maintenance roads that connect the highland neighborhoods of South Memphis to river-level fishing access points. This route follows old wagon roads used by Civil War forces to move supplies from river landings up to the bluff-top fortifications, now maintained by Memphis Audubon Society for habitat management. The steepest section drops 200 feet through crumbling mudstone cliffs near the DeSoto Bridge approach, where erosion control requires constant maintenance and creates technical challenges for anything without low-range gearing.

Difficulty varies dramatically with weather – what’s merely challenging in dry conditions becomes treacherous after rain when the mudstone surface turns to slick clay. Requires 4WD with low-range and experienced drivers who understand momentum management on steep, loose surfaces. Access through private Audubon property requires advance permission, and the route closes completely during nesting season (March-July). Fall and winter offer the best combination of access and traction, plus spectacular river views when the leaves drop and migrating waterfowl crowd the backwaters below.