There are lots of places to enjoy outdoor activities in Mississippi. Tishomingo State Park and Clark Creek Natural Area are some of the most popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. However, there are several other sites that don’t get their due – and the Lee Tartt Nature Preserve is one of them. Most locals don’t know about it, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth knowing about. It’s the opposite, actually. One of the best-hidden places in Mississippi it boasts a wealth of recreational opportunities and an abundance of natural beauty.

Just a short walk from the downtown square in Grenada lays the Lee Tartt Nature Preserve, a protected urban forest and natural arboretum.
Lee Tartt Nature Preserve
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The 300-acre property is comprised of bottomland hardwood forests and oxbow lakes, providing ample opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
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The oxbow lakes that fill the preserve have been cut off from the nearby Yalobusha River, which means the water is cool and clear most of the year.
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Lee Tartt Nature Preserve/Facebook
It’s not just the pristine water that makes the preserve a popular spot for paddling, though.
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Lee Tartt Nature Preserve/Facebook

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The preserve’s waterways are full of bald cypress and water tupelo trees, which create a thick canopy and, ultimately, lots of shade.
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But the shaded haven isn’t just appealing to paddlers. It also attracts a variety of turtles, frogs, fish, and reptiles.
The preserve is a critical habitat for migratory and non-migratory birds too.
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Plant life is just as abundant as wildlife, and that means there are lots of insects, including butterflies.
An observation deck provides a comfy spot to view the preserve’s perks.
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Drifting along the preserve’s paddling trail is another great way to take in the sights and sounds of the grounds.
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Keep in mind, though, you’ve got to bring your own canoe or kayak. Also, groups over 6 must have a permit to paddle.
And if hiking is more your speed, you’ll be happy to know there are a couple of nature trails.
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Lee Tartt Nature Preserve/Facebook
The trails vary in length from one-half mile to 1 mile.

The perfect place to enjoy an array of outdoor activities in Mississippi, Lee Tartt Nature Preserve is sure to become a favorite destination! The Lee Tartt Nature Preserve is open daily, from dawn until dusk. Need to contact the preserve? Call (662) 230-0368. Like the Lee Tartt Nature Preserve on Facebook for updates on events, activities, and more.

This is just one of the Mississippi natural attractions that belong on your bucket list. There are so many others, including Tara Wildlife.

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320 N Main St, Grenada, MS 38901, USA