There's Something Stunningly Beautiful About Mississippi's Cypress Swamps
By Daniella DiRienzo|Published June 03, 2016
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Daniella DiRienzo
Author
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for more than 30 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as the Mississippi-based Parents & Kids Magazine. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
Mississippi is full of natural wonders, and among those wonders are cypress swamps. These swamps are filled with trees, some dating back more than 1,000 years. The cypress trees are unique in the fact that they produce roots known as “knees,” which protrude from the surface of the water. The swamps also provide the perfect habitat for a variety of wildlife, making them prime locations for photography. By far some of the most beautiful sites in the state, a visit to a cypress swamp is a must. Still not convinced? The following photos should do the trick.
1. Located in the Noxubee Wildlife Refuge, this stunning cypress swamp is home to a number of species.
2. Referred to as “a natural treasure in the Mississippi Delta,” the Greenville Cypress Preserve encompasses 16 acres and includes benches and an observation deck to make viewing the preserve that much more enjoyable.
3. Belzoni’s Sky Lake Wildlife Management Area features a 1,700’ boardwalk that is perfect for viewing ancient bald cypress trees, some of which are more than a thousand years old and vary in size, with the biggest measuring 47 feet in circumference and 70 feet in height – one of the tallest in the state.
4. Located at milepost 122 of the Natchez Trace Parkway, this cypress swamp includes a self-guided trail that is approximately one-half mile, allowing plenty of time for an alligator sighting – which has been known to happen.