The gorgeous scenery and varying terrain of the state’s regions create the perfect backdrop for an array of outdoor activities. From hiking trails that lead to unforgettable places to one-of-a-kind canoe trips, here are 11 amazing outdoor activities in Mississippi you have to add to your bucket list.

1. Clark Creek Nature Area, Woodville

Clark Creek Natural Area, 366 Ft Adams Pond Rd, Woodville, MS 39669, USA
Mike Freyder/Flickr
One of Mississippi’s "most beautiful outdoor treasures," this nature area encompasses more than 700 acres, which are comprised of steeply sloping loess bluff hills, a mixed hardwood and pine forest, and more than 50 waterfalls – some of which are more than 30’ in height. The area can easily be explored by people of all ages thanks to both primitive and improved hiking trails. Learn more about Clark Creek Nature Area.

2. Red Bluff, near Foxworth

Red Bluff, Mississippi 39483, USA
Robin B/Google Reviews
Traveling to the Grand Canyon is a lot easier than you might think. Red Bluff, which is known as Mississippi’s Little Grand Canyon," is a geologic formation created by the natural erosion of the west bank of Pearl River. Although on private property, visitors from near and far hike to the top of Red Bluff and are undoubtedly impressed with the exceptional views. Learn more about Red Bluff, one of the most extraordinary natural wonders in Mississippi.

Take a look at this video of Red Bluff by @obob08:

3. Tishomingo State Park, Tishomingo

Tishomingo State Park, 105 Co Rd 90, Tishomingo, MS 38873, USA
Judy Dunn/Google Reviews
Of all of Mississippi’s state parks, Tishomingo is by far one of the most popular – and for good reason. Over the years, the park has received numerous awards for everything from its impressive canoeing opportunities to amazing hiking trails. The park’s unique landscape is also a huge plus for outdoor enthusiasts. Full of massive rock formations, rare fern-filled crevices, and several waterfalls, the scenery is like nowhere else in the state. Visit and see why Tishomingo State Park is one of the best places for outdoor things to do in Mississippi.

Take a look at this news footage of Tishomingo State Park by @WJTV12News:

4. Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez to Nashville, TN

Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Natchez, MS, USA
Tony Webster/Flickr
History and natural beauty abound along the Natchez Trace. The 450-mile trail was traveled by traders, missionaries, early settlers, and Indians for thousands of years. Today, visitors to the Natchez Trace can take part in everything from hiking and horseback riding to exploring historic sites, such as Indian Mounds and the ghost town of Rocky Springs. This is one of the best scenic drives in Mississippi.

5. J.P. Coleman State Park, Iuka

J P Coleman State Park, 613 Co Rd 321, Iuka, MS 38852, USA
Kevin Glasstetter/Google Reviews
J.P. Coleman State Park sits atop a rocky bluff overlooking the Tennessee River. Venture further into the park and you’ll find the 47,500-acre Pickwick Lake. The gorgeous lake is perfect for all sorts of water activities and even features a 50’ waterfall. There's even a hotel inside J.P. Coleman State Park if you want to spend the night.

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6. Merit Water Park, south of D’Lo

Merit Water Park, 1043 MS-43, Mendenhall, MS 39114, USA
Tracy Davis/Google Reviews
This secluded 25-acre water park is located on Rials Creek and features a small waterfall, sand and rock creek-side beach, and an old-fashioned swimming hole. And since the creek is spring-fed, the crystal clear water is nice and cold all year long. Learn more about Merit Water Park.

7. Old Cove, Eupora

Eupora, MS 39744, USA
Aaron Posner/MSU Extension Service
About as hidden as you can get, Old Cove is something that many locals don’t even know about. The 350-acre piece of land is sunken about 100’ – 150’ below the surrounding surface, making it difficult to see, especially if you don’t know what to look for. The trek down is a bit rugged but completely worth it. Those making it to the bottom of Old Cove will have the opportunity to explore the hardwood bottomland canyon, which is home to a number of rare plants and animals. Learn more about Old Cove on the MSU Extension Service website.

8. Logtown Scenic Byway, near Bay St. Louis

Bay St. Louis, Bay St Louis, MS, USA
Byways to Space – Logtown Scenic Byway/YouTube
Part of the Byways to Space program, this scenic byway takes drivers through acres of pine plantation, hardwood trees, and oak-covered roadways, passing historic settlement sites and waterways. The beautiful Logtown Cemetery is one of the most popular sites along this route and contains graves that date back to the 1850s. Learn more about Logtown Sceenic Byway on the Gulf Coast Scenic Byways website.

9. The Riverside Trail, Natchez

Natchez, MS 39120, USA
for-natchez.org
The Riverside Trail is a great way to get both panoramic and close-up views of the Mississippi River. Divided into three tiers, this one-of-a-kind trail starts at the historic bluff and follows a nearly vertical 200' descent down to the riverbank below. Learn more about The Riverside Trail.

10. Little Mountain Trail, Ackerman

Jeff Busby Park, 305 Estes Rd, Ackerman, MS 39735, USA
barbaragaillewis/Flickr
When it comes to hiking in Mississippi, it doesn’t get much better than Little Mountain Trail at Jeff Busby Park. Located along the Natchez Trace Parkway, the park offers a serene setting, camping, and the chance to hike to the second-highest point in the state, Little Mountain. The "easy to moderate" point-to-point trail will take you to the top of Little Mountain where, on a clear day, visibility spans about 20 miles. Learn more about the Little Mountain Trail.

11. Pascagoula River Audubon Center, Pascagoula

Pascagoula River Audubon Center, 5107 Arthur St, Moss Point, MS 39563, USA
Pascagoula River Audubon Center/Facebook
The recently opened Pascagoula Audubon Center is the perfect way to explore the largest (by volume) undammed river in the contingent 48 states. Through interpretive exhibits, hands-on activities, canoe rentals, and boat tours, you’ll have a ton of fun learning about the abundance of wildlife and species of plants that inhabit the river. Learn more about the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, one of the best places for outdoor activities in Mississippi.

Take a look at this video of the Pascagoula River Audubon Center by @SquareBusinezz:

What else would you add to this list of outdoor activities in Mississippi? If you enjoyed this, be sure to check out “Here’s Mississippi’s Top Outdoor Attraction… And You’ll Definitely Want To Do It.”

If you enjoy hiking as it’s one of the best outdoor things to do in Mississippi, be sure to check out our Ultimate Hiking Packing List for all of the best hiking accessories you’ll need.

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Outdoor Activities In Mississippi

Melissa M. | December 10, 2023

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