The Mississippi Gulf Coast Natural Heritage Area
A float trip along any of the Coastal Mississippi Blueways is an adventure you’ll want to repeat again and again. Luckily, the Gulf Coast is home to some of the nation’s most scenic and protected waterways, a natural playground for paddlers of all skill levels.
From leisurely afternoon paddles to multi-day excursions, Coastal Blueway trails offer stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, plenty of history, and gentle waters ready for exploration. So why not check out the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area’s designated Blueways this summer?
The beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast is one of only 62 congressionally-designated National Heritage Areas (NHA). A program of the National Park Service, NHAs are selected based on their cultural significance to the United States. The Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area covers the six coastal counties in Mississippi. Its mission is to identify, preserve, and promote the region’s unique culture so more people can understand and enjoy what the Mississippi Coast has to offer.
Expert paddlers will want to explore the Pascagoula River, the longest free-flowing river in the contiguous United States and one of the most popular destinations in the Magnolia State, offering paddlers running rapids and meandering backwaters.
While exploring the 10 miles of Jackson County’s Pascagoula River Blueway you’ll discover parks, piers and rest stops in the natural estuary. The marsh is a sanctuary for wildlife, including 22 endangered animals, while the banks hold many notable historic sites and economic treasures. Birdwatching is big at the Bennet Bayou Blueway with two-thirds of Eastern migratory birds passing through the protected waters that feature more than 300 plant species.
The Jourdan River Blueway Trail invites canoers and kayakers to explore an eight-mile water trail that runs through the natural beauty of Hancock County. A popular route is the McLeod and then travel upriver to Bayou Bacon. The route takes paddlers on a winding trip that passes natural oxbow lakes and includes lots of sand bars for sunbathing and picnicking. Explorers will also find a one-mile hiking trail at McLeod Water Park that offers chances to pull out and explore the hardwood forests. Downriver, around Bayou Talla, the Jourdan winds through beautiful scenery and past charming waterfront restaurants, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and local flavor.
Turkey Creek Blueway flows through Harrison County and winds its way to Bayou Bernard, a popular destination for fishing, swimming, and canoeing. The Blueway shares its name with the town of Turkey Creek, a historic African American community that was founded just after the Civil War. Along the trail, you’ll find numerous historical sites and markers that are perfect for short breaks to learn the lay of the land.
The lower stretch of the creek is near the protected Bayou Bernard and is a favorite spot for Blueway birders searching for brown and white pelicans, osprey, and heron while the upper sweep reaches through wooded riparian areas with beautiful old bridges and historic sites.
Other Coastal Mississippi Blueway trails to while away an afternoon include Bayou Bogue Homa Blueway in Hancock County, home to a multi-cultural history including tribal cultures, pioneers, explorers, traders, and settlers from all over the world. Along the waterway, you’ll spot ospreys, hawks, kingfishers, and alligators and explore the ghost town known as Logtown. Banks and markers help you soak up all the history.
Grassy Point Trail takes paddlers on a 10-mile trip through Diamondhead, Pass Christian, and Bay St. Louis while Wolf River Water Trails run through Harrison and Hancock counties. This Blueway is named after the Red Wolves that once roamed the southeastern United States.
Davis Bayou Blueway in Jackson County is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore and provides a tranquil setting for a paddle through coastal marsh and tree-lined banks with views of the Mississippi Sound. Old Fort Bayou winds and meanders through protected areas of Jackson County passing through Twelve Oaks Conservation Park, the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, and the Old Fort Bayou Coastal Preserve.
But no matter the Blueway, the excursion itinerary is up to you. Stop for a swim. Pull out for a hike. Visit a cultural landmark. Or maybe bring a fishing pole, relax a little, and throw some lines.
Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area
Comprised of Mississippi’s six coastal counties, the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area is recognized for its unique cultural and scenic qualities. Its mission is to promote understanding of and to conserve and enhance the heritage resources of the Gulf Coast region. It tells the area’s nationally significant story to residents and visitors through activities and partnerships that celebrate the area’s unique history, people, traditions, and landscapes.
www.msgulfcoastheritage.ms.gov
