VICKSBURG, MISS…Arkabutla Lake staff of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is partnering with the North Mississippi Trail Alliance (NMTA) to expand its system of trails. The Hernando Point Trail will be one of the trails in north Mississippi that the NMTA members are developing and maintaining. When completed, the trail will be around 26 miles in length. Trail construction began in 2015 after cultural resource surveys were completed on the proposed trail corridor. Phase 1 of the construction included development of a 2-mile beginner loop with a trail head located in the Hernando Point Day Use Area. This beginner trail will provide additional recreation facilities such as hiking and biking for campers and day users. Phase 1 is scheduled to be complete by the end of February. Phase 2 of the project will expand the trail east towards Tulane Road and provide a more intermediate biking / hiking experience. Users seeking a longer trail will be rewarded with scenic overlooks of Arkabutla Lake. Phase 2 is expected to be complete by late 2016 or spring of 2017. Phase 3 of the project will extend the trail even further east to Highway 51. The terrain and elevation of this section of the trail will be suitable for advanced biking or more strenuous hiking. When all 3 phases are complete the trail will be able to provide a variety of conditions suitable for all user skill levels.