Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge
Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is over 48,000 acres located in Noxubee, Oktibbeha, and Winston Counties. Habitats provided at the refuge include bottomland hardwood forest communities, green-tree reservoirs, two lakes, 16 small impoundments, and assorted wetland areas. “The endangered red-cockaded woodpecker relies on the refuge for its existence in east-central Mississippi.”
Here is the Refuge website. Phone 662-323-5548 Map
The refuge has 11 trails, 7 of them listed as “gentle”. Surfaces vary from native, gravel, boardwalk, and concrete. Here is a video about the refuge.
Bluff Lake Boardwalk is just under 1000′ long. It “winds through a cypress island at the edge of Bluff Lake. ” A good trail for observing birds.
Cypress Cove Recreational Boardwalk is a little over 500 feet in length and allows access to Bluff Lake for fishing, sightseeing, or birdwatching, or just a different view. “It takes the visitor into a cypress grove on the edge of Bluff Lake and into the domain of the alligators and water dwelling creatures.”
Author: Cecilia
-Nature Trails Mississippi
This database of 42 nature trails in state parks from the Mississippi Division of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks links to a brief description of each trail with length and a phone number. Neither difficulty nor accessibility are described.
Longleaf Trace Trail
Longleaf Trace Trail is a 40 mile long paved National Recreation rail/trail from Hattiesburg to Prentiss. Parts of it go through forest and wetlands. Here is a description from EveryTrail. Directions for getting to the trail. Another description from Longleaftrace.org : “The Longleaf Trace is regularly maintained with parking, water, vending and restroom accommodations at each of its eight (8) trailhead stations spaced along the trail route. Sixteen (16) rest stops/overlooks are also provided along its route for user convenience and to enjoy the picturesque views of nature…”
Trail manager’s phone 601-450-5247 Here is TrailLink’s website.
Percy Quin State Park
Percy Quin State Park
Percy Quin State Park’s “Loblolly pines and stately magnolia trees, rolling hills, spectacular seasonal flowers, and a year-round mild climate await visitors… The park is 1 1/2 hours from New Orleans.
Here is the Park’s website. Phone 601-684-3938
There is an an 2.1 mile nature trail described by AllTrails as “suitable for all skill levels”.
-Mississippi State Parks
Here is an interactive map of all the state parks in Mississippi. There are links to a home page for each park with contact information. Amenities, including the existence of nature trails, are charted, but accessibility is not mentioned. I have attempted to use the State Parks contact form on their website, but it does not work. I suggest you call any of these parks to learn about accessibility. If you find a trail you really like, let me know!
Forest Camping
The National Forest Campground Guide is produced by Fred and Suzi Dow. They do address accessibility. From their site: “As of May 9, 2012, Fred and Suzi Dow have completed research on 155 national forests, 20 national grasslands, 1 national tallgrass prairie and 2,383 developed campgrounds. Some information also provided for dispersed camping locations. Research of campgrounds with 10 or more designated sites in all national forests in the U.S.A. is completed.”
Homochitto National Forest
Homochitto National Forest
The Homochitto National Forest was named for the Homochitto River, a Native American name for the “Big Red River.” Here is the Forest website. Phone 601-384-5876. The Forest contains the Clear Springs Recreation Area. Map
Clear Springs Nature Trail is a one mile loop with a wooden boardwalk through a cypress/Tupelo gum bottomland swamp near Roxie described by AllTrails as “good for all skill levels.”
Tombigbee National Forest
Tombigbee National Forest
The Tombigee National Forest in northeastern Mississippi is rolling hills of pine and hardwood forests intermingled with private farms and woodlots.Here is the Forest website. Phone 662-285-3264. The Forest includes the Choctaw Lake National Recreation Area (brochure) which has an accessible trail.
Lakeside Trail 2.5 miles described by Trails.com as “all accessible.”
Trails map
Holly Springs National Forest
Holly Springs National Forest
Holly Springs National Forest in northern Mississippi is described as a “…public treasure of sparkling small lakes nestled among the lovely greens of upland hardwoods, pine forests, and unique bottomlands.” Here is the Forest website. Phone 662-236-6550
? Chewalla Lake Recreation Area Trail. I am guessing here, but from the description and photos, this looks to be an easy trail. Call first to be sure of its difficulty and conditions.
Tuxachanie National Recreation Trail
The Tuxachanie National Recreation Trail near the Gulf Coast, is a 22-mile hike through southern Mississippi’s Desoto National Forest. The trailhead is off US 49. The first 1/4 mile is hardpacked and wheelchair accessible although the website warns of a few roots. The first 5 miles follow an abandoned railroad and are probably easy walking. Here is TrailLink’s website.