9 Most Scenic Small Towns In Mississippi For Nature Lovers
Mississippi is more than blues music and delicious southern cuisine. This state is also naturally endowed with a diverse landscape ranging from coastal plains to pine and hardwood forests, bordering vast waterbodies and full of unique fauna and flora. This makes Mississippi a paradise for nature retreats. Thankfully, dozens of small towns are spread across the state, serving as launch pads into its enchanting natural world. From Tupelo to Woodville, these towns in Mississippi are slices of paradise, ideal for long getaways in nature. In these towns, expect to experience all kinds of adventures, from kayaking to one of Mississippi’s few barrier islands to hiking through a mysterious area filled with ancient mounds or one full of birds and snakes. So, come with the right shoes to these scenic towns and prepare to get dirty exploring Mississippi’s vast and rich natural environment.
Holly Springs
Holly Springs sits pretty in North Mississippi, providing easy access to the Holly Springs National Forest, one of the most diverse nature areas in the state. Covering 155,000 acres, this forest is a mecca for adventures, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking. For starters, the Chewalla Lake Recreation Area Trail is an easy 2.6-mile out-and-back trail that meanders around Chewalla Lake, which is ideal for fishing, swimming, and boating. Additionally, developed campsites, picnic areas, and a children’s playground are within the recreation area for more fun in nature. Also, the forest features the North Cypress Non-Motorized Trail, stretching for 3.3 miles around North Crypress Lake and offering hikers and horseback riders gorgeous views of the forest and surrounding wetlands.
Meanwhile, the Wall Doxey State Park is near Holly Springs for more recreation. This park has dozens of primitive and developed campsites and cabins as well as a 2.6-mile that winds around Spring Lake. This 60-acre lake is the park’s highlight attraction and is ideal for fishing and boating.
Biloxi
Although one of the state’s largest towns and famous for its casinos, Biloxi remains an underrated gem for nature lovers on the Mississippi Sound. First off, the town has a beautiful beach offering an escape from the card tables and slot machines. Nearby, Deer Island is an excellent place to visit by boat or kayak for peace and quiet. The island is also home to a tranquil beach, maritime forest, and several wildlife species, including least terns and black skimmers.
Even more exciting, Biloxi is a launch pad for exploring Ship Island, one of the few barrier islands in Mississippi. Located in the Gulf Islands National Seashore and only accessible by boat, this island has a beautiful white sand beach, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and bird watching. While on the island, visitors can also take a quick tour of Fort Massachusetts, which dates back to the 1850s.
Moss Point
Moss Point is a quiet, often overlooked town in Mississippi that punches above its weight. Overwhelmed by natural scenery, this town is a paradise for nature and environmentalists. It is home to the Pascagoula River Audobon Center, which serves as a gateway to one of the largest free-flowing rivers in the US. Here, visitors can explore a native plant botanical garden, kayak the Pascagoula River, see some of the area’s over 300 bird species, and hike nature trails.
Additionally, Moss Point offers easy access to the natural wonders of Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge and hosts its resource center, which has information about the area’s diverse habitats. The refuge features maritime forests, salt marshes, wet pine savanna, and bayous inhabited by a wide variety of wildlife. Several trails are available to explore the refuge, and some include the one-mile Grand Bay Savanna Trail and the 0.5-mile Oak Grove Trail.
Meanwhile, Moss Point is near Presley’s Outing, a recreation area on a lake featuring a beautiful beach, boat launch, more than a hundred campsites, and opportunities for freshwater fishing and swimming.
New Albany
New Albany is a charming town on the Tallahatchie River. This town is a delight for lovers of the outdoors, especially as it is home to the Tanglefoot Trail. Stretching 44 miles, this trail is the longest rail trail in Mississippi and meanders through hardwood forests, wetlands, and meadows until it ends in Houston. On the ride, bikers can stop to take photos of the gorgeous scenery, have lunch at villages like Algoma and New Houlka, and see wildlife such as deer, rabbits, and squirrels. New Albany also has a park along the river, with about three miles of walking trails and picnic tables for relaxation.
Furthermore, the Indian Mounds, just outside New Albany, offers a charming blend of natural beauty and mystery to delight visitors. This large mound dates back around 2,200 years and is considered the last remaining feature of a ceremonial center of the late Mississippian Period. Visitors can walk amid the silence in this area, which sometimes becomes eerie, especially for those who have learned more about the mounds from the Union County Heritage Museum in town.
Bay St. Louis
Located along Mississippi Sound, Bay St. Louis is a coastal paradise with a beautiful white sand beach ideal for relaxation and launching boats into the waters. Away from the beach, Bay St. Louis invites nature lovers to fish or crab from the Dunbar Street Pier or hit the nearby 6.3-mile out-and-back Possum Walk Trail at the Stennis Space Center to see birds and other wildlife like snakes. Around six miles from town, the Buccaneer State Park also offers a myriad of outdoor adventures, including camping and fishing. Plus, the 1.8-mile Pirate’s Alley Nature Trail provides an opportunity to explore this park’s magnolia, pines, and oak trees and spot birds, including egrets and ospreys.
Additionally, Bay St. Louis is near De Soto National Forest, where the Black Creek Natural Wilderness Hiking Trail runs along Mississippi’s only national wild and scenic river. Stretching for 41 miles, this trail is one of the best in the US and leads hikers through oaks and pines, offering excellent bird-watching opportunities. Meanwhile, the Black Creek itself is open for kayaking and canoeing.
Ocean Springs
Ocean Springs is one of Mississippi’s best towns and a paradise for nature lovers. This town is located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, featuring two public beaches perfect for relaxation and recreation. Even more exciting, Ocean Springs is home to several nature trails offering access to the area’s rich biodiversity.
The Fontainbeblue Nature Trail is one such trail, stretching for about 1.6 miles through the pine forests of the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge. Nearby, the Davis Bayou Area of the Gulf Islands National Seashore beckons for indulgence. This area is a mecca for nature-centric activities, from hiking through coastal forests and woodlands to fishing and watching birds. The Davis Bayou Area also has a developed campground, a boat launch, and diverse wildlife, including alligators and deer.
Woodville
Woodville is a tiny town with a surprising list of natural attractions to offer. Barely 1,000 people live in this town year-round, yet it hosts the Clark Creek Natural Area. Covering 700 acres, this nature area is home to wildlife like foxes and coyotes and about 50 waterfalls ranging from 10 feet to 30 feet. Several trails wind through the park’s hardwood and pine forest, offering access to some of the waterfalls and wildlife. Popular among these trails is the 4.9-mile loop Clark Creek Primitive Trail, which is challenging but offers the best views of the park’s waterfalls.
Unfortunately, only hiking is allowed at Clark Creek Natural Area, but visitors seeking more adventures are always welcome to the nearby Homochitto National Forest. This forest spans an area of 191,800 acres and presents all kinds of adventures, from biking and camping to fishing, hiking, horse riding, swimming, boating, and even target shooting. These activities can be enjoyed at the forest’s Clear Springs Recreation Area.
Notably, Woodville is home to the Rosemont Plantation, a historic structure that served as the boyhood home of Jefferson Davis who served as the only President of the Confederate State of America from 1861 to 1865. This attraction is worth visiting for Civil War enthusiasts.
Flora
Flora is a delightful little town famous for its proximity to the Mississippi Petrified Forest, one of the most unusual natural attractions in America. Although small, this petrified forest area is enchanting and said to have been formed 36 million years ago. This forest is one of only two petrified forests in the Eastern United States, and a nature trail winds through it to provide easy access to ancient logs. The forest also has an interesting museum featuring dinosaur footprints, whale bones, turtle shells, and examples of petrified wood from every state in the US and around the world. Additionally, a gift shop is on-site where visitors can purchase petrified wood souvenirs and other gems before leaving.
Meanwhile, Flora is around 30 minutes from Ross Barnett Reservoir, where opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping abound. Around the reservoir, several trails also offer more adventures, like the 10-mile Chisha Foka Multi-Use Trail that meanders through woodlands and the town of Ridgeland. Back in Flora, Bill’s Creole and Steak Depot is a great spot to enjoy delicious steak.
Tupelo
Beyond the Elvis Presley Birthplace, Tupelo is an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts in Mississippi. This town is home to Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo, the largest in Mississippi, featuring more than 260 animals from around the world. This park has giraffes, zebras, lions, camels, kangaroos, and even a large herd of American Bison. Visitors can observe and interact with these animals, partake in a seasonal event, or shop for animal-themed souvenirs.
Around six miles from Tupelo, Tombigbee Lake State Park invites outdoor buffs to enjoy fishing and boating on the 90-acre Lake Lee. Plus, the park has primitive and developed campsites and picnic areas with views of the lake. Tupelo is the headquarters of the Natchez Trace Parkway, which stretches for 444 miles from Natchez, Mississippi, to Nashville, Tennessee. Get on the remaining half of the trail from Tupelo to enjoy some scenery and explore attractions like the Rock Springs Trail at milepost 330, which winds through woodlands and leads to a natural spring.
In the meantime, if you have never tasted honey wine before, a visit to Tupelo is an opportunity to get the experience at the Queen’s Reward Meadery. Notably, this meadery is the first of its kind in Mississippi, and the honey used is sourced exclusively from the state.
Mississippi is one of the best places in America for nature retreats. With six national forests, a 62-mile coastline, and dozens of parks and refuges around the state, opportunities abound for adventures in nature. In these towns, you will find the right atmospheres to explore some of the state’s best natural attractions, which are often nearby or within the town itself. Make plans to visit these scenic towns in Mississippi today for a nature-centric vacation. For a more pleasant experience, take note of the weather, wear proper clothing and shoes, and come with the necessary gear while visiting these destinations.
