Page 53 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2025

Comprised of Mississippi’s six coastal counties, the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area is recognized for its unique cultural and scenic qualities. Its mission is to promote understanding of and to conserve and enhance the heritage resources of the Gulf Coast region. It tells the area’s nationally significant story to residents and visitors through activities and partnerships that celebrate the area’s unique history, people, traditions, and landscapes.
beautiful scenery and past charming waterfront restaurants, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and local flavor..
Turkey Creek Blueway flows through Harrison County and winds its way to Bayou Bernard, a popular destination for fishing, swimming, and canoeing. The Blueway shares its name with the town of Turkey Creek, a historic African American community that was founded just after the Civil War. Along the trail, you’ll find numerous historical sites and markers that are perfect for short breaks to learn the lay of the land.
The lower stretch of the creek is near the protected Bayou Bernard and is a favorite spot
for Blueway birders searching for brown and
white pelicans, osprey, and heron while the upper sweep reaches through wooded riparian areas with beautiful old bridges and historic sites.
Other Coastal Mississippi Blueway trails to while away an afternoon include Bayou Bogue Homa Blueway in Hancock County, home to a multi- cultural history including tribal cultures, pioneers, explorers, traders, and settlers from all over the world. Along the waterway, you’ll spot ospreys, hawks, kingfishers, and alligators and explore the ghost town known as Logtown. Banks and markers help you soak up all the history.
Grassy Point Trail takes paddlers on a 10-mile trip through Diamondhead, Pass Christian, and Bay St. Louis while Wolf River Water Trails run through Harrison and Hancock counties. This Blueway is named after the Red Wolves that once roamed the southeastern United States.
Davis Bayou Blueway in Jackson County is part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore and provides a tranquil setting for a paddle through coastal marsh and tree-lined banks with views of the Mississippi Sound. Old Fort Bayou winds and meanders through protected areas of Jackson County
passing through Twelve Oaks Conservation Park, the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, and the Old Fort Bayou Coastal Preserve.
But no matter the Blueway, the excursion itinerary is up to you. Stop for a swim. Pull out for a hike. Visit a cultural landmark. Or maybe bring a fishing pole, relax a little, and throw some lines.
Jourdan River Blueway Trail.
Davis Bayou Blueway.
Mississippi Gulf Coast Natural Heritage Area
www.msgulfcoastheritage.ms.gov
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
July 2025 | 53