The Best Outdoor Attraction In Mississippi

Encompassing over 18,000 acres, the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) contains some of the most biodiverse habitats in North America. Filled with pine savannas, salt marshes, saltpans, bays, bayous, and maritime forests, the reserve provides sites and scenery like nowhere else in the state. Perfect for everything from recreation to education, this hidden gem is worth checking out.

The Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is located near the small community of Pecan in Jackson County.

Home to a variety of habitats and a number of rare and endangered plants and animals, stepping inside this reserve will make you feel like you're in a different world.

The Nature Conservancy even named the area one of the “Last Great Places in America.”

Aside from the breathtaking views, the reserve is filled with things to do, including the Grand Bay Coastal Resources Center, which is open to the public Monday - Friday and has no admission fee. The center features interpretive exhibits, environmental education programs, and more.

Between the reserve's bayous, tidal creeks, and bays, there are plenty of places to canoe and kayak within the area.

The reserve even offers guided canoeing and kayaking tours.

A site on the Mississippi Coastal Birding Trail, the reserve is ideal for bird watching. In fact, over 250 bird species have been observed in the area.

Butterflies, dragonflies, turtles, alligators, raccoons, frogs, sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and manatees are just a few of the animals that can be found at the reserve.

The reserve is also home to critters you may not be used to seeing, like this Palamedes swallowtail caterpillar.

Photography is another popular activity at the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. And with photo-ops like these, it’s easy to see why.

There are also several improved hiking trails within the reserve, including the Savanna Trail (pictured below).

The Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve’s office and resource center are located at 6005 Bayou Heron Road; Moss Point, MS. For more information on the reserve, including hours of operation, directions, and upcoming events, call (228) 475-7047 or click here.

So many are unaware that this one-of-a-kind outdoor treasure is right in their own backyard. Did you know about the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve? Have you ever visited?

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This Little Known Natural Oasis Is Hiding In Mississippi... And You're Going To Love It

Daniella DiRienzo

Author

Related Stories

Word On The Street Is That C.A. Sarducci’s Serves The Best Pizza In Mississippi

Best Waterfalls In Mississippi: 12 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems

Enjoy A Sense Of Peace At This Incredible Waterfront Restaurant In Mississippi

Want more Mississippi in your inbox?

Related Articles