6 Best Natural Wonders To Visit In Mississippi This Year

Mississippi is a state shaped by its land and history. The Mississippi River carves its western border, while forests, hills, and open plains spread across the rest. Native American tribes have lived off its rivers and woodlands for centuries, and early settlers relied on its fertile land. Today, the state holds natural wonders that draw visitors looking for adventure and quiet escapes. High bluffs give broad views, rough valleys reveal eons of layers, and secret waterfalls cascade through dense woods. Each season brings a new look for visitors to see in Mississippi. In autumn you can find landscapes covered in bright leaves, while a season like spring surprises with wildflowers. Let's explore the six best natural wonders to visit in Mississippi this year.

Mississippi River

The Mississippi River has sculpted the state's landscape and economy for centuries. Even before settlers arrived, Indigenous people used it as a transportation and food source. Afterward, it evolved into a crucial trade route, ferrying timber, cotton plus other goods to shopping venues all around the nation. Communities thrived along its shores, relying on its navigable waters for commerce and travel. Even now, it continues to rank amongst America's most vital water passages.

There are all sorts of great places to check out the river, with some good options including the towns of Vicksburg, Natchez, and Tunica. Vicksburg National Military Park offers high bluffs with sweeping views of the water. Natchez has Bluff Park, where visitors can look out over the river and watch steamboats pass. Tunica River Park gives access to boardwalks and a museum about the river’s history. If you want to know when to visit, spring and fall are great times. The weather is mild, the views are clear, and the river is active with boats and wildlife.

Red Bluff

Can’t make it to the Grand Canyon? This is your next best bet. Red Bluff, often called the "Grand Canyon of Mississippi," is a striking geological feature near Foxworth. This huge, shifting chasm has been shaped by natural erosion over time. Rainfall and the shifting Pearl River gradually expanded Red Bluff, washing away layers of fiery-colored clay, sand, and soil. But here is what makes Red Bluff stand out: It does not act like your average canyon shaped by years of river flow. This one keeps getting bigger because wear and tear does not let up, due to its loose soil composition.

In today's modern world, Red Bluff draws hikers and nature lovers from all around. The Red Bluff trail, a roughly one-mile loop, offers great views of the fiery red and orange layers. From the edge, hikers can spot the abandoned stretch of Highway 587, a striking landmark where the road has crumbled into the canyon due to relentless erosion. However, visitors should be cautious—unstable edges and shifting terrain make exploring risky. You should go and see it late in spring or summer for warm weather and clear skies as the colors seem to really shine.

Clark Creek Natural Area

The Clark Creek Natural Area, close to Woodville, is a hidden gem of the state. Created back in 1978, the aim was to safeguard 700 acres filled with rare waterfalls and rugged terrain. Its designation as a safeguarded spot serves to keep its one-of-a-kind scenery intact; it is really not what you would typically expect from Mississippi. Unlike the flatlands of the Delta, this area has steep ravines and over 50 waterfalls, some dropping more than 30 feet.

Feel like a hike? Visitors can tackle the Main Trail, a 1.5-mile route with well-maintained paths. Another choice is the Primitive Trails, which lead to some of the area's waterfalls, like Tunica Falls and Hickory Creek Falls. The hard paths take you through dense forests and over weaving streams. The slopes are high, and the land can get soggy, but the cascades and stone shapes make every step worthwhile. Winter is a great time to come visit. The bugs are gone, the heat is not an issue, and the waterfalls flow stronger after seasonal rains.

DeSoto National Forest

DeSoto National Forest is a massive stretch of protected land in the southeastern part of the state, covering more than 518,000 acres. Here you can find longleaf pine trees standing tall against the blue Mississippi sky. Winding through the forest, meandering rivers are a dream come true for anyone drawn to life outside. In 1936, the forest was created to help the state's dwindling woodlands. Now, it serves as a guardian of sorts, ensuring the beauty of Mother Nature in Mississippi. All sorts of animals make their home in the woods with people visiting to reconnect to a sense of nature.

There is lots to do as well. The Tuxachanie Trail invites you on a beautiful 12-mile journey using an old railway route that goes through swamps and forests filled with cypress trees. Black Creek — Mississippi's only federally designated Wild and Scenic River — is perfect for activities like kayaking and canoeing. Also, there are various places to rest such as Big Biloxi and Airey Lake, fitted with picnic spots and trail gates nearby. All year round, hunters and fishing fans scour the forest seeking deer, turkey, or bass fish adventures. Whether guests prefer calm strolls or thrilling weekends outdoors, DeSoto National Forest has something for everyone, but spring is a great time to visit with its mild temperatures and blooming wildflowers.

Gulf Islands National Seashore

If you feel like a seaside adventure this year, Gulf Islands National Seashore is a long stretch of nature's beauty that can be found touching both Mississippi and Florida (skipping right over Alabama!). Established in 1971, this stunning site aims to keep the natural beauty of the Gulf from being spoiled. As time went on, it turned into a safe haven for creatures in the wild. Dolphins sail in the cozy Gulf Sea. Sea turtles make their home along the coastal stretch, while under the water's surface, countless creatures make their home. While inside the park's inland boundaries, saltwater marshes give out a welcoming refuge for crabs, fish, and migrating birds.

People visiting the Mississippi section of the Gulf Islands National Seashore can enjoy a collection of activities outside. The Davis Bayou in Ocean Springs has beautiful walking paths and plenty of places to fish. A boat ride can get you to the Gulf Islands Wilderness, a playground for those who love untouched nature. You can discover far-off islands like Horn Island here, with clean beaches and coastal dunes for an escape into nature. Petit Bois Island is another gem to see, accessible by private boat. You can admire shells, watch birds, and maybe spot dolphins in the water nearby. Fall offers great weather with fewer crowds and minimal rain making it ideal for wildlife viewing.

Mississippi Petrified Forest

You will not find many places like this landmark while traveling through the entire country, let alone just Mississippi by itself. The Petrified Forest in Flora is a hidden piece of history, around 25 miles northwest of Jackson. Around 36 million years ago, a massive river carried trees into this pocket of land. Over time, minerals seeped in, slowly turning the wood to stone. What’s left today is a rare, fossilized landscape, the only one of its kind in the area. Now scenic trail takes visitors past towering, petrified logs, eroded ravines, and ancient rock formations.

The Petrified Forest Nature Trail is the main trail, while nearby, the Earth Science Museum has a collection of petrified wood, gemstones, and fossils from across the country. Kids can dig for their own treasures at the Gem Mining Flume. The forest includes spots for picnics and benches; a perfect place to relax and enjoy what is around you. Fall is a great time to go. You will find the cool weather pleasing, so walking the hiking trail comes with a distinct level of comfort you might not find in the summer.

This year, when you come to Mississippi, you will be able to see some real works of art, created by Mother Nature. Think of massive rivers, swiftly changing cliffs, and secret waterfalls. Every season brings new things to look at, like the bright colors of fall or hills of colorful wildflowers doting the landscape in spring. Whatever your interest might be, whether it is hiking, bird watching, or digging into the geological past, these natural landmarks got you covered with a sense of adventure and a rich history waiting to unfold. So, this year, why not immerse yourself in the landscapes Mississippi has on offer? Come face-to-face with its ever-evolving beauty today by exploring the six best natural wonders to visit in Mississippi this year.