Gateway to the Great Outdoors
The Great Mississippi Nature Trail brings together the state’s most breathtaking landscapes, wildlife habitats, and outdoor destinations.
Mississippi’s outdoors tell a powerful story of rivers that shaped communities, forests that sustained generations, and landscapes that have long been central to our state’s identity.
The Great Mississippi Nature Trail highlights these extraordinary places, inviting visitors to explore waterfalls, bayous, rail trails, wildlife refuges, geological wonders, and quiet pockets of wilderness across all corners of the state. Together, these destinations showcase the ecological richness, cultural history, and natural beauty that make Mississippi unique.
FEATURED DESTINATIONS
Explore a few of the unforgettable places along the trail.
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![A group of three young friends running and laughing on a wooden suspension bridge through a lush green forest on a sunny day.]()
Tishomingo State Park
NORTHEASTERN MISSISSIPPI
Set in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Tishomingo State Park features towering rock formations, scenic bluffs, and rugged hiking trails unlike anywhere else in Mississippi.
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![A covered wooden bridge over a pond in a lush green forest with trees and grass surrounding the water.]()
Crosby Arboretum
PICAYUNE, MISSISSIPPI
This 104-acre native plant preserve in Picayune is home to wetlands, savannas, and rare carnivorous plants - a living museum of Gulf Coast biodiversity.
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![A couple stands on edge of a colorful canyon with yellow, pink, and orange layers, surrounded by green trees and a blue sky with fluffy clouds.]()
Red Bluff
FOXWORTH, MISSISSIPPI
Often called “Mississippi’s Little Grand Canyon,” Red Bluff’s dramatic red and orange cliffs offer a one-of-a-kind backdrop for short hikes and sweeping views of the Pearl River.
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![A person kayaking on a river surrounded by trees with autumn foliage.]()
Black Creek National Wild & Scenic River
21-MILE CREEK THROUGH DE SOTO NATIONAL FOREST
Mississippi’s only federally designated Wild & Scenic River features deep black waters, white sandbars, and remote paddling routes through De Soto National Forest.
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![A beach scene with white sandy shore, green ocean waves, and a partly cloudy blue sky.]()
Gulf Islands National Seashore – Davis Bayou Area
GULF OF AMERICA | MS, FL
Quiet bayous, marshes, coastal forests, and abundant wildlife make this Ocean Springs destination a peaceful retreat on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
The Landscapes, Stories, and Communities That Shaped Our Nation.
Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge
Lee Tartt Nature Preserve
Buttahatchie River
The Old Cove
Lee Tartt Nature Preserve
Tishomingo State Park
LeFleur's Bluff State Park
Natchez Trace Parkway
LeFleur's Bluff State Park
Tishomingo State Park
Natchez Trace Parkway
Tishomingo State Park
Tishomingo State Park
Red Bluff
Natchez Trace Parkway
Tishomingo State Park
Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge
Dunn's Falls
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Plan Your Visit!
Whether you’re looking for an outdoor family escape, a scenic drive, a waterfall hike, or a weekend on the water, the Great Mississippi Nature Trail offers something for every explorer.
TIPS & IDEAS:
Bring plenty of water and check trail conditions
Explore family-friendly rail trails and boardwalks
Try kayaking or canoeing at select river and swamp sites
Visit in spring and fall for ideal weather and wildlife viewing
Respect wildlife and practice Leave No Trace principles
