Mississippi has some trails with minimal obstacles. \u00a0Some are very easy and others are wheelchair accessible. \u00a0Here are a few of them.
\nThe\u00a0links given were found through Internet search. I have found references to many trails in Mississippi, which sound easy, especially those that are primarily boardwalks. \u00a0However, I don’t feel comfortable listing them without some first-hand accounts. \u00a0Wheelchair accessibility is seldom mentioned. \u00a0Please let me know of easy or accessible trails you know of personally. \u00a0With your help, we can share our knowledge with disabled people everywhere and also increase awareness of the need for more accessibility. Please e-mail me with your suggestions using the form in the sidebar.<\/p>\n

<\/a>Federal<\/a>
\nState<\/a>
\nLocal<\/a>
\nPrivate<\/a>
\nMiscellaneous<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/a>Federal<\/h2>\n

• Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge
  \n<\/strong>The Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge has an accessible trail and an easy birding trail.\u00a0 The refuge lies in both Mississippi and Alabama and is part of the Gulf Coast Complex.\u00a0 \u00a0Here is the refuge’s website.<\/a>
  \n<\/a>The Oak Grove Birding Trail<\/a> is just off Bayou Heron Road, south of the headquarters building. \u00a0Here is a description and photographs from MathProfHiker’s Hiking Blog<\/a>, which states the trail is \u00a0“0.5 miles flat and easy miles.” \u00a0 \u00a0The \u00a0 Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve’s <\/a>website \u00a0describes the habitat as “maritime, mixed hardwood forest intermingled with pines that slope down towards the marshes that border the upper reaches of Bayou Heron. ”
  \n<\/a>The Escatawpa Trail system is part boardwalk and part gravel. 3 options are available, including a boardwalk\/gravel loop that is “fully accessible for visitors”. Several benches are available along the trail as well as an overlook at the Escatawpa River. \u00a0Mathprofhiker’s Hiking Blog<\/a> suggests you hike it in the dry season lest you end up wading as he did. Here is a description from Travels with Emma<\/a>, another useful blog.
  \nBrochure & Map<\/a>\u00a0 Phone 228-475-0765<\/p>\n

  Know more about Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge?
  \nHave you visited this location and know of more accessible or easy trails?\u00a0 Is any of the information given here incorrect?\u00a0 If so, please contact me using the form to the left and let me know what should be changed or added so I can update this post.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

• Gulf Islands National Seashore<\/strong>.
  \nThe hurricanes of 2017 may have done considerable damage to these areas.\u00a0 Call before going.\u00a0Phone 850-934-2600<\/em>
  \nThe islands\u00a0 in the northern Gulf of Mexico offer white sandy beaches and\u00a0 aquamarine waters.\u00a0 Come for boating, camping exploring an old fort or to fish.
  \n“Visitors can plan their trip to either the Florida District<\/a> or to the\u00a0Mississippi District<\/a>. Each district provides recreation, barrier islands, salt marshes, historic structures and wildlife along the Gulf of Mexico.” \u00a0 Accessibility \u00a0 <\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0Loaner wheelchairs are available in both districts.\u00a0 Here is their website<\/a>.\u00a0
  \n<\/a>Florida:
  \n<\/a>“Perdido Key Discovery Trail<\/a> and six beach cross-over boardwalks (two to sound; four to Gulf) are wheelchair accessible.” \u00a0call 850-934-2600 for more information. \u00a0Fort Pickens fishing pier is accessible.
  \n<\/a>Naval Live Oaks<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0The first loop of the 0.8 mile Breckenridge Trail is an “accessible boardwalk with tactile waysides.”
  \nMississippi:
  \n<\/a>The Davis Bayou Trail takes visitors through a coastal forest and over two local bayous. The trail is approximately two miles long. AllTrails<\/a> describes it as “good for all skill levels.”
  \n<\/a>The short boardwalk over Stark Bayou is the only part of the trail that is wheelchair accessible.
  \n“Boardwalk trails, campsites and fishing pier are accessible.” \u00a0For information call Davis Bayou Visitor center at 228-875-9057.<\/p>\n

  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

• Hillside National Wildlife Refuge
  \n<\/strong>Hillside NWR ‘diverse\u00a0habitats support hundreds of wildlife species. The\u00a0 dominant habitats are hardwood forest bottomlands with oaks and cottonwood trees in the higher elevations, and willow, bald cypress and tupelo sloughs or “brakes” in lower elevations.
  \nHere is the Refuge website<\/a> .\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 662-235-4989\u00a0 \u00a0Map
  \nThe Alligator Slough Nature Trail<\/a> is a 0.6 mile accessible nature trail that \u00a0“meanders through a bottomland hardwood forest with a bald cypress and water tupelo slough accessed from the South Levee Road.\u00a0“<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

• Holly Springs National Forest
  \n<\/strong>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.”\u00a0\u00a0Here is the Forest website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone\u00a0662-236-6550
  \n?\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>Chewalla Lake Recreation Area Trail<\/a>. \u00a0 I am guessing here, but from the\u00a0description and photos, this looks to be an easy \u00a0trail.\u00a0 Call first to be sure of its difficulty and conditions.<\/p>\n

  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

• Homochitto National Forest
  \n<\/strong>The Homochitto National Forest was named for the Homochitto River, a Native American name for the “Big Red River.”\u00a0\u00a0Here is the Forest website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone\u00a0601-384-5876.\u00a0 \u00a0The Forest contains the Clear Springs Recreation Area.<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Map<\/a>
  \n<\/a>Clear Springs\u00a0Nature Trail is a one mile loop with a wooden boardwalk through a cypress\/Tupelo gum bottomland swamp near Roxie described by AllTrails<\/a> as “good for all skill levels.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

• Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge
  \n<\/strong>The Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in extreme\u00a0southeast Mississippi<\/span>,\u00a0 is part of the Gulf Coast Refuge Complex, which includes Grand Bay NWR and Bon Secour NWR.\u00a0The refuge was established “to protect the critically endangered Mississippi sandhill cranes and their unique, and itself endangered, wet pine savanna habitat. ” “…\u00a0here, a rich, colorful blend of rare orchids, carnivorous plants and other ground cover thrive under the scattered pines in one of the most species-rich plant communities in North America.
  \nThe refuge has two trails. \u00a0The folks there were kind enough to reply to my query: \u00a0“Both trails would be classified as easy hikes due to length (both under one mile) and gain in elevation. Both trails also have benches located along the route, so visitors may stop and rest during their walk. Unfortunately, the trails are not accessible for wheelchairs, though we have had school groups with students in wheelchairs (both motorized and non motorized) complete the C.L. Dees trail with assistance from their instructors. ” \u00a0 The refuge reviewed on Trip Advisor\u00a0<\/a>\u00a0 Here is the Refuge website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone 228-497-6322
  \n<\/a>C. L. Dees Nature Trail <\/a>\u00a0 Map<\/a><\/p>\n

  <\/a>Fontainebleau Trail<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0 Reviewed on AllTrails<\/a><\/p>\n

  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

• Saint Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge
  \n<\/b>Saint Catherine Creek refuge is a 24,589-acre refuge located in southwest Mississippi.\u00a0It “contains a diverse array of habitat types consisting of bottomland hardwoods, cypress swamps, upland hardwoods on the loess [a type of sediment] bluffs.”Here is their website<\/a>.\u00a0 <\/b>Phone\u00a0601-442 6696\u00a0\u00a0Map<\/a>\u00a0 Brochure<\/a>
  \n<\/a>Magnolia Trail, a National Recreation Trail, <\/b>\u00a0is 8.3 miles of trails that are “a great hiking and learning experience for visitors of all ages. The trails pass through a diversity of southwest Mississippi habitats, including loess bluff hills and native wetlands. Highlights include a cypress overlook, observation deck, and photography blind. Benches along the trail provide opportunities to rest and watch wildlife. ”\u00a0 Map<\/a>
  \n<\/a>Cabin Road Hiking Trail\u00a0 is an ATV trail used by hunters during designated refuge hunts.\u00a0 Off-road vehicle are only allowed on the trail at that time.\u00a0 that is also frequented by hikers. The 2.2 mile trail “runs along the base of the loess bluffs and through a variety of habitats, including a cypress swamp. This trail is flat and accessible to all abilities.”\u00a0 Better call to be sure this trail is suitable for your wheelchair, if you use one.
  \nThere is a 3 mile nature trail which, according to the kind person who replied to my query, varies in difficulty: \u00a0“The lower section of the trail (South Trailhead) would be better suited for elderly hikers, as there is a .5 mile section (trailhead to photo blind\/rookery) that is flat terrain, with one hill that has a gradual incline.\u00a0 If hikers went to the photoblind\/rookery it would be an approximate 1 mile hike roundtrip.\u00a0 Along the way there is a cypress overlook, open fields for viewing wildlife, benches, a small water impoundment and a small rookery, which has an enclosed photoblind.\u00a0 Be aware that critters can make their way into the photoblinds, so depending on the season, check carefully for wasps, spiders and potentially snakes before entering blinds. \u00a0\u00a0The surface of the trail is limestone rock, so wheelchairs should also have little to no difficulty with this section of the trail.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

• Sam D.\u00a0Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge
  \n<\/strong>Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is over 48,000 acres located in Noxubee, Oktibbeha, and Winston Counties.\u00a0 Habitats provided at the\u00a0refuge include bottomland hardwood forest communities, green-tree reservoirs, two lakes, 16 small impoundments, and assorted wetland areas.\u00a0“The endangered red-cockaded woodpecker relies on the refuge for its existence in east-central Mississippi.”
  \nHere is the Refuge website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0Phone\u00a0662-323-5548\u00a0 \u00a0Map<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0
  \n<\/strong> The refuge has 11\u00a0trails<\/a>, 7 of them listed as “gentle”. \u00a0Surfaces vary from native, gravel, boardwalk, and concrete. \u00a0Here is a video<\/a> about the refuge.
  \n<\/a>Bluff Lake Boardwalk is just under 1000′ long. \u00a0It “winds through a cypress island at the edge of Bluff Lake. ” \u00a0A good trail for observing birds.
  \n<\/a>Cypress Cove Recreational Boardwalk is a\u00a0little over 500 feet in length and\u00a0allows 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.”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

• Tallahatchie National Wildlife Refuge
  \n<\/strong>This refuge consists of 4,199 acres in Grenada and Tallahatchie Counties.\u00a0 “… the refuge’s largest unit is a patchwork of old fields and small scattered hardwood bottomland forests bisected \u00a0by the meandering Tippo Bayou.”\u00a0\u00a0Here is the refuge website<\/a>.\u00a0 \u00a0 Phone\u00a0662-226-8286\u00a0 \u00a0Map<\/a>
  \nThere is a boardwalk north of Highway 8, about one mile down Mabus Road. “This walk takes visitors through a forested wetland and terminates at an observation tower where hikers can look out over a field of grass and see wildlife such as white-tailed deer……\u00a0Wood ducks, hooded mergansers, herons and egrets, water snakes, and turtles can often be seen in the wetlands surrounding the wooden walkway.” \u00a0 Call the Refuge Manager at 662-226-8286 to be sure there are no difficult stairs to access the boardwalk.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

• Tombigbee National Forest
  \n<\/strong>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.<\/a>\u00a0 Phone 662-285-3264.\u00a0 \u00a0The Forest includes the\u00a0Choctaw Lake National Recreation Area<\/a>\u00a0(brochure)<\/a>\u00a0which has an accessible trail.
  \n<\/a>\u00a0Lakeside Trail<\/a>\u00a0 2.5 miles described by Trails.com<\/a> as “all accessible.”
  \nTrails map<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n

  <\/a>State<\/h2>\n

  • Here is an interactive map of all the state parks in Mississippi<\/a>. \u00a0There are links to a home page for each park with contact information. \u00a0Amenities, including the existence of nature trails, are charted, but accessibility is not mentioned. \u00a0 I have attempted to use the State Parks contact form on their website, but it does not work. \u00a0I suggest you call any of these parks to learn about accessibility. \u00a0If you find a trail you really like, let me know!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • This database of 42\u00a0nature trails in state parks<\/a> from the Mississippi Division of Wildlife, Fisheries and \u00a0Parks links to a brief description of each trail with length and a phone number. \u00a0Neither difficulty nor accessibility are described.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Outdoor Recreational Opportunities in Mississippi State Parks for Physically Challenged or Impaired Users\u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong>Brochure<\/a>\u00a0 This pamphlet lists accessible amenities for all of Mississippi’s twenty state parks.<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • LeFleur’s Bluff State Park<\/strong>
    \nLeFleur’s Bluff State Park offers camping, fishing, picnic spots, and nature trails, as well as a nine-hole golf course and a driving range.
    \nPark Website<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0Map<\/a>\u00a0 Park Office Phone\u00a0(601) 987-3923
    \n<\/a>There is a 0.5 nature trail behind the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science.<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

  • Percy Quin State Park<\/strong>
    \nPercy Quin State Park’s “Loblolly pines and stately magnolia trees, rolling hills, spectacular seasonal flowers, and a year-round mild climate await visitors…\u00a0 The park is 1 1\/2 hours from New Orleans.
    \nHere is the Park’s website<\/a>.\u00a0 Phone 601-684-3938
    \n<\/a>There is an an 2.1 mile nature trail described by AllTrails<\/a> as “suitable for all skill levels”.<\/p>\n

    <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n

    <\/a>Local<\/h2>\n

    Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n

    <\/a>Private<\/h2>\n

    • <\/a>Pascagoula River Audubon Center<\/a>\u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong>The center has “short elevated boardwalks and trails from which visitors can view wetland and river habitats and wildlife…” \u00a0Call\u00a0228-475-0825 for more information.<\/p>\n

      <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n

      <\/a>Miscellaneous<\/h2>\n

      • <\/a>Longleaf Trace Trail<\/strong> is a 40 mile long paved National Recreation rail\/trail from Hattiesburg to Prentiss. \u00a0Parts of it go through forest and wetlands. \u00a0Here is a description from EveryTrail<\/a>. \u00a0Directions<\/a> for getting to the trail. \u00a0Another\u00a0description from Longleaftrace.org<\/a> : “The Longleaf \u00a0Trace is regularly maintained with parking, water, vending and restroom accommodations at each of its eight (8) trailhead stations spaced along \u00a0the trail route.\u00a0 Sixteen (16) rest stops\/overlooks are also provided along its route for user convenience and to enjoy the picturesque views of nature…”
        \nTrail manager’s phone\u00a0 601-450-5247\u00a0 Here is TrailLink’s website.<\/a><\/p>\n

        <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li>

      • The\u00a0Rails-to-Trails Conservancy<\/a>\u00a0lists wheelchair accessible trails in Mississippi.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>

      • <\/a>The Tuxachanie National Recreation Trail<\/strong> near the\u00a0Gulf Coast, is a 22-mile hike through southern Mississippi’s Desoto National Forest. \u00a0The trailhead is off US\u00a049. \u00a0The first 1\/4 mile is hardpacked and wheelchair accessible although the website warns of a few roots. \u00a0The first 5 miles follow an abandoned railroad and are probably easy walking. Here is TrailLink’s website<\/a>.<\/p>\n

        <\/div>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul> Back to top<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        Mississippi has some trails with minimal obstacles. \u00a0Some are very easy and others are wheelchair accessible. \u00a0Here are a few of them. The\u00a0links given were found through Internet search. I have found references to many trails in Mississippi, which sound easy, especially those that are primarily boardwalks. \u00a0However, I don’t feel comfortable listing them without … Continue reading Tuxachanie National Recreation Trail<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-368","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/368","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=368"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/368\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5864,"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/368\/revisions\/5864"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.accessiblenature.info\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=368"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}