COASTAL BLUEWAYS
Southern Mississippi offers explorers an unforgettable experience along miles of beaches, rivers, creeks, and bayous. There are currently seven Blueways, or water trails, that have been mapped out for recreational canoers and kayakers. Other water ways listed here are the perfect way to create your own adventure. Don’t forget to bring the sunscreen!
The Heritage Area has developed a Blueways Design Guide for the purposes of development and management of the beautiful water trails along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. It is meant to be a unified effort for marketing and consistency to increase usage by locals and visitors. This guide was developed by Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain and unabridged Architecture with the help of the Blueways Committee. This effort is part of the Nature-based Tourism Plan for Coastal Mississippi 2016. If your blueway planning group is interested in being a part of the program, contact Heritage@dmr.ms.gov or call 228-523-4075. Click here to download a copy of the guide.
BAYOU BOGUE HOMA BLUEWAY
Where the bayou meets the East Pearl River marshes, ancient bald cypress trees line the banks. Other plants you will see there include wild rice and pickerelweed. You will likely even see an alligator or two, so beware!
DAVIS BAYOU BLUEWAY
Part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Davis Bayou provides a tranquil setting for a paddle through coastal marsh and tree-lined banks with views to the open Mississippi Sound.
GRASSY POINT BLUEWAY
Grassy Point Trail is a 10.2 mile trip, one way to Diamondhead from Pass Christian through the open water in the Bay of St. Louis surrounded by saltwater marsh.
JORDAN RIVER BLUEWAY
For nature enthusiasts, visitors can take this blueway trail through coastal floodplains where they can explore a unique riverine ecosystem.
OLD FORT BAYOU BLUEWAY
Old Fort Bayou twists and turns through Jackson County, beginning with the longleaf pine savannas south of Vancleave, winding through natural areas such as the Sandhill Crane Wildlife Refuge, and Land Trust’s Twelve Oaks Conservation Park.
PASCAGOULA RIVER GEORGE COUNTY BLUEWAY
The Pascagoula river forms where Leaf and Chicasawhay Rivers join. Stretching almost 23 miles in length, this river is great for challenging aquatic sports as well as fishing and wildlife watching.
PASCAGOULA RIVER JACKSON COUNTY BLUEWAY
Explore the largest free flowing waterway in the lower 48 states. The Pascagoula River serves at the heart who claim this area as home.
RED CREEK BLUEWAY
Red Creek is a coastal blackwater stream that gets its name from the naturally-occuring tannins in the water that produce a reddish stain.
TURKEY CREEK BLUEWAY
This beginner to intermediate paddling trail winds through an historic black community settled in 1866 by emancipated men and women.
WOLF RIVER WATER TRAILS
The Wolf River is a river that runs through Harrison, Hancock, and Pearl River counties. This blueway is named after the Red Wolves that once roamed the southeastern United States.
BLACK CREEK NATIONAL WILD & SCENIC RIVER
The only National Wild & Scenic River in Mississippi treats visitors to nature’s vibrant colors and heights and depths. It features a variety of plant and wildlife and is an exceptional place for campers.
CAT ISLAND
Cat Island is unusual among the barrier islands in that it is covered by dense forests of oak and pine trees.
DEER ISLAND
Deer Island is located right off the coast of Biloxi. Although a popular tourist destination, Deer Island is not technically a barrier island at all.
HOBOLOCHITTO CREEK
Hobolochitto Creek is a great place to relax away from the sights and sounds of the city. Many people go to the Stream to catch fish all year long.
HORN ISLAND
Horn Island is a beautiful undeveloped island that is a favorite among Mississippi locals.
PETIT BOIS ISLAND
Petit Bois Island, named after the French term “little woods”, is named after the small wooded section that used to inhabit the island.
SHIP ISLAND
Ship Island is the common name for two separate islands, East Ship Island and West Ship Island, located off the coast of Southern Mississippi.
WALKAIAH BLUFFS
The water park in Walkiah Bluff is a great place to take the whole family for outdoor activities, reunions, and relaxation.
