Can’t get enough of Mother Nature and all of her amazing creations? Well, you’re in luck. Here in the Magnolia State, we’ve got lots of places where you can experience the great outdoors. From parks and trails to wildlife-related fun, the opportunities are virtually endless. Read on for a few of our favorite places for outdoor recreation in Mississippi.

1. Strawberry Plains Audubon Center (Holly Springs)
Strawberry Plains Audubon Center, 285 Plains Rd, Holly Springs, MS 38635, USA
Strawberry Plains Audubon Center/Facebook
A nature lover’s paradise, Strawberry Plains Audubon Center in Holly Springs boasts 2,600 acres of forests, grasslands, and wildflower meadows. The natural beauty doesn’t end there, though. Strawberry Plains is home to an impressive hummingbird population, which means spotting the flying gems is highly likely.
2. Canoe and Trail Outpost (Tylertown)
Canoe & Trail Outpost, 118 Dillons Bridge Rd, Tylertown, MS 39667, USA
Sweetwater Canoe and Tubing/Facebook
Thanks to this outpost, enjoying the slow-flowing waters of the Bogue Chitto River couldn’t be easier. In addition to renting canoes, kayaks, and tubes, Canoe and Trail Outpost offers a variety of trail and trip options, which range in length from 4-to-13 miles. And for those really wanting to soak up some nature, there’s an 18-mile overnight trip, which involves setting up camp right on the river’s edge.
3. Crosby Arboretum (Picayune)
The Crosby Arboretum, 370 Ridge Rd, Picayune, MS 39466, USA
The Crosby Arboretum/Facebook
Expansive beauty abounds at Crosby Arboretum, a true small town gem! In addition to 700 acres of natural areas, the arboretum boasts a 104-acre interpretive site, which includes a savanna exhibit, woodland exhibit, and aquatic exhibit. Several trails, which are lined with informative signage, are another perk of the arboretum and make it easy to explore its grounds.
4. Pascagoula River Audubon Center (Moss Point)
Pascagoula River Audubon Center, 5107 Arthur St, Moss Point, MS 39563, USA
Pascagoula River Audubon Center/Facebook
The Pascagoula River is one of the state’s most well known bodies of water – and you can learn all about it at this outdoor treasure. In addition to educational exhibits, trails, wildlife watching, bayou walkways and observation decks, and a nature play garden, the Pascagoula River Audubon Center offers several ways to get out on the water, including kayak rentals and swamp tours. It ranks high among the best places for outdoor recreation in Mississippi.

Related Stories

Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Mississippi

Escape To The Countryside When You Stay At This Rural Airbnb In Mississippi

 You Can Get A Jar Of Cheesecake In The Drive-Thru At This Quaint Eatery In Mississippi

You Can Get A Jar Of Cheesecake In The Drive-Thru At This Quaint Eatery In Mississippi

 The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through Mississippi Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure

The Incredible Flower Road Trip Through Mississippi Is The Ultimate Spring Adventure
5. Gulf Coast Gator Ranch (Moss Point)
Gulf Coast Gator Ranch & Tours, 10300 US-90, Moss Point, MS 39562, USA
Roel Van Deventer/Google
Looking for another opportunity for outdoor fun in Moss Point? Then you won’t be disappointed with a visit to the Gulf Coast Gator Ranch where you can "fly" across 105 acres on an air boat. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for alligators, birds, and other marine life that are known to inhabit the area.
6. Tanglefoot Trail (Houston to New Albany)
Tanglefoot Trail, Houston, MS, USA
Tanglefoot Trail/Facebook
Once a railroad, the Tanglefoot Trail has since been converted thanks to the state’s Rails to Trails program. The 43.6-mile trail will take you on a one-of-a-kind journey through fields, forests, meadows and wetlands, navigating the same paths as the Chickasaws and Meriwether Lewis.
7. Chautauqua Park
crystalspringsmiss.com
A visit to Chautauqua Park in Crystal Springs will give you the chance to take in breathtaking scenery and do some serious wildlife viewing. If it doesn't already, it should definitely appear in any nature lover's guide to Mississippi!
8. Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge (Hollandale)
Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge, 728 Yazoo Refuge Rd, Hollandale, MS 38748, USA
Theodore Roosevelt National Wildlife Refuge Complex/Facebook
The Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge is an ideal spot for hikers and nature-lovers alike. In addition to beautiful scenery and hiking trails, the refuge features a butterfly garden and wildlife observation areas, which offer great views of the alligators who call the refuge home.
9. Tara Wildlife (Vicksburg)
Tara Wildlife, 6791 Eagle Lake Shore Rd, Vicksburg, MS 39183, USA
tarawildlife.com
This secluded resort has been rated one of the nation’s top destinations for deer and turkey hunting, but that’s not all it has to offer. Encompassing thousands of acres, guests at Tara Wildlife can take part in everything from serene strolls to exciting wildlife tours, making it the perfect place to get in touch with nature.

So, have you been to all of the amazing places mentioned above? Did you learn about some new spots? Have a place to add to this list? Tell us in the comments section.

Want more outdoor fun? Then be sure to check out the Mississippi Paddling Trail at Sky Lake.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Outdoor recreation in Mississippi

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | July 04, 2022

Where is a good place to go tubing in Mississippi?

One of the most popular places in the Magnolia state to go tubing is at a place called Bogue Chitto. It is actually a water park in McComb (the full name of the place is the Bogue Chitto Water Park and Campground), and the tubing here is outrageously fun! In addition to tubing, the 230-acre property also has great hiking trails running through it.

I’m looking for a good hiking trail in Mississippi.

People might not often think of Mississippi when thinking of hiking trails, but there actually some really amazing ones dotted all over the state. One of the most popular is The Nature’s Way Trail. It is located in the Davis Bayou Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore about a 20-minute drive east of Biloxi. In addition to this trail, you’ll find several others trail which traverse over beautiful salt marshes and forested areas. And because it is along the National Seashore, you can easily drive under a mile from here to walk the beaches.

Can you name a kid-friendly hike?

There are some really great kid-friendly hikes throughout Mississippi. For example, if you’re near Coldwater, you might head on over to the Swinging Bridge Nature Trail. The trail is only a mile long so the kids won’t get tired out too quickly, and along the way you can make it a field trip away from school by having them identify some of the native plants and wildlife!

Where is J.P. Coleman State Park?

J.P Coleman State Park is in the very northeastern part of Mississippi about an hour and 15 minutes from Tupelo. It is a very beautiful park overlooking the Tennessee River, and camping and hiking are among the most popular activities to do here. But the park is also a great place for viewing wildlife, sailing, fishing, bird watching, swimming, and waterskiing, so you definitely have a lot of options here for a day trip or longer vacation stay.

 

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
285 Plains Rd, Holly Springs, MS 38635, USA
118 Dillons Bridge Rd, Tylertown, MS 39667, USA
370 Ridge Rd, Picayune, MS 39466, USA
5107 Arthur St, Moss Point, MS 39563, USA
10300 US-90, Moss Point, MS 39562, USA
583 W Church St, Houston, MS 38851, USA
114 Chatauqua Dr, Crystal Springs, MS 39059, USA
728 Yazoo Refuge Rd, Hollandale, MS 38748, USA
6791 Eagle Lake Shore Rd, Vicksburg, MS 39183, USA
5106 Vestry Rd, Perkinston, MS 39573, USA