Everyone knows Mississippi is a nature lover’s paradise. But it seems like our top natural wonders and best-known state parks tend to steal the spotlight. If you’re looking for a more off-the-beaten-path recreation area with hiking trails, scenic views, and wildlife viewing (if you’re lucky), check out the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge. This place is truly an underrated gem.

The Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge spans 48,000 acres and is located in Noxubee, Oktibbeha, and Winston counties.
BluegooseTraveler / TripAdvisor
Despite its massive size, this wildlife refuge is known as an off the beaten path spot.
The wildlife refuge was established on June 14, 1940 and was meant to be a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife.
jewelekuhar / TripAdvisor
And plenty of species of birds to call this beautiful place home, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.
The refuge was originally simply called the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge.
jewelekuhar / TripAdvisor
But in 2012, it was renamed Sam D. Hamilton, a former director of the Fish and Wildlife Service.

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Popular activities here including hiking, fishing, hunting, bird watching, and educational research.
Caleb Abbott / Google
The refuge even serves as an outdoor classroom for the nearby Mississippi State University in an extensive research program with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries and the Department of Forestry.
The two main bodies of water here are Bluff Lake and Loakfoma Lake, which provide much of the wetlands within the refuge.
Caleb Abbott / Google
The 1,000 foot long Bluff Lake Boardwalk is a top attraction, access to an overlook at Cypress Island.
The trail system at the refuge is fantastic, with plenty of great places to go for an exhilarating nature walk.
jewelekuhar / TripAdvisor
Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, bald eagles, grouse, turkeys, and other creatures that sometimes make appearances.
The Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge is truly a breathtaking place.
Kara R / TripAdvisor
Check it out the next time you need to relax in nature.

Have you ever been to this little piece of paradise?

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Featured Addresses
Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge Admin Building And Visitor Contact Station, 13723 Bluff Lake Rd, Starkville, MS 39759, USA