Page 52 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2025

PADDLERS' PLAYGROUND
story by
Cherie Ward
The Mississippi Gulf Coast Natural Heritage Area
A float trip along any of the Coastal Mississippi Blueways is an adventure you’ll want to repeat again and again. Luckily, the Gulf Coast is home to some of the nation’s most scenic and protected waterways, a natural playground for paddlers of all skill levels.
From leisurely afternoon paddles to multi-day excursions, Coastal Blueway trails offer stunning landscapes, abundant wildlife, plenty of history, and gentle waters ready for exploration. So why not check out the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area’s designated Blueways this summer?
The beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast is one of only 62 congressionally-designated National Heritage Areas (NHA).
A program of the National Park Service, NHAs are selected based on their cultural significance to the United States. The Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area covers the six coastal counties in Mississippi. Its mission is to identify, preserve, and promote the region’s unique culture so more people can understand and enjoy what the Mississippi Coast has to offer.
Expert paddlers will want to explore the Pascagoula River, the longest free-flowing river in the contiguous United States and one of the most popular destinations in the Magnolia State, offering paddlers running rapids and meandering backwaters.
While exploring the 10 miles of Jackson County’s Pascagoula River Blueway you’ll discover parks, piers and rest stops in the natural estuary. The marsh is a sanctuary for wildlife, including 22 endangered animals, while the banks hold many notable historic sites and economic treasures. Birdwatching is big at the Bennet Bayou Blueway with two-thirds of Eastern migratory birds passing through the protected waters that feature more than 300 plant species.
The Jourdan River Blueway Trail invites canoers and kayakers to explore an eight-mile water trail that runs through the natural beauty of Hancock County. A popular route is the McLeod and then travel upriver to Bayou Bacon. The route takes paddlers
on a winding trip that passes natural oxbow lakes and includes lots of sand bars for sunbathing and picnicking. Explorers will also find a one-mile hiking trail at McLeod Water Park that offers chances to pull out and explore the hardwood forests. Downriver, around Bayou Talla, the Jourdan winds through
52 | July 2025
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GREAT OUTDOORS
Wolf River Water Trails.