When talking about Mississippi and the term "river" is brought up, the famous Mississippi River is undoubtedly the first thing that comes to mind. And while the Mighty Mississippi is a significant body of water, the state has many other rivers that are just as important in their own right. From Indian legends to some of the best fishing in the state, each of these 10 rivers has something incredible about them.
1. The Mississippi River
No list of rivers in the state would be complete without the Mighty Mississippi. Flowing through ten states, the Mississippi River is 2,320 miles long, slightly shorter than the Missouri River. When combined, the two rivers form the longest river system in North America and the fourth longest in the world.
2. The Pascagoula River
In addition to being the largest (by volume) undammed river in the contiguous 48 states, the Pascagoula River has an interesting history. According to legend, a local Indian tribe sang as they walked hand-in-hand into this river in order to avoid fighting an invading tribe, earning it the nickname "The Singing River." It has been said that on quiet nights, the Indian’s death chant can still be heard.
3. Tombigbee River
Beginning in the northeastern part of the state, the Tombigbee River flows hundreds of miles before merging with the Alabama River. As part of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway, this body of water plays an integral part in the world of transportation.
4. Buttahatchee River
This 125 mile river flows through northwestern Alabama and northeastern Mississippi, and has something to offer everyone from avid outdoorsmen to history buffs. The small rapids on Buttahatchee River are perfect for canoeing and kayaking. And since the area along the river was once inhabited by the Choctaw and Cherokee Indians, locating artifacts and relics is a real possibility.
5. Leaf River
Meandering almost 200 miles through south Mississippi, the Leaf River has become one of the top fishing destinations in the state. According to Mississippi Sportsman, which referred to the river as a "summertime gem," the Leaf River has a lot to offer, including "good cover, eddy breaks, and other ideal habitat for spotted bass."
6. Yazoo River
This 188 mile river runs parallel to the Mighty Mississippi before eventually joining it north of Vicksburg. Natural levees prevent the Yazoo River from joining the Mississippi River before Vicksburg, and because of such, the term "yazoo stream" was coined to describe any river in this situation.
7. Chunky River
The popular Dunn’s Falls Water Park, which is home to the state’s tallest waterfall, is located along the banks of this river. Created by John Dunn in the 1850s, the 65’ waterfall was constructed for the purpose of powering a grist mill. Today, the crystal clear waters of the Chunky River make for great fishing, canoeing, and swimming.
8. Strong River
The scenic Strong River runs right through the D’lo Water Park, and is great for activities like canoeing, swimming, and fishing, especially when it comes to bass, catfish, and bream.
9. Tallahatchie River
Flowing from the foothills of the Appalachians to the Mighty Mississippi, the Tallahatchie River became somewhat infamous after the murder of Emmett Till, an African-American teenager who was brutally murdered and then sunk in this river. Following the horrible crime, The Staple Singers released the song "Freedom Highway," which mentions the river by name.
10. Amite River
A tributary of Lake Maurepas, the Amite River spans about 100 miles, winding through Mississippi and Louisiana. Even though only the lower portion of the river is navigable, it is still a popular spot for outdoor activities, such as boating, swimming, fishing, and wading.
What are your favorite rivers in the state? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!
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