State leaders announced Monday the launch of the Great Mississippi Nature Trail, a new initiative designed to connect residents and visitors to natural outdoor spaces throughout the state.
The announcement was made at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science in Jackson during a press conference hosted by Visit Mississippi, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, Wildlife Mississippi, and the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. Gov. Tate Reeves unveiled the initiative, which establishes a statewide network of outdoor sites highlighting Mississippi’s diverse landscapes.
Officials said the Great Mississippi Nature Trail links 20 natural areas ranging from coastal wetlands to piney woods and the rolling Appalachian foothills, offering opportunities to experience the state’s scenery throughout the year. The initial rollout includes a curated list of 20 sites across the state.
“Great Mississippi Nature Trail celebrates what makes our state truly extraordinary — the rich landscapes, diverse wildlife, and communities that treasure them,” Reeves said. “By launching these first sites, we’re opening the door for more families, visitors, and future generations to experience the beauty that has always defined Mississippi. Today’s unveiling is the beginning of countless journeys, discoveries, and stories yet to be written.”
MDWFP Commissioner Drew St. John said the effort focuses on both access and conservation while showcasing Mississippi’s natural heritage.
“Our goal has been to highlight and create spaces where families, students, and explorers of all ages can experience the quiet beauty, biodiversity, and history that make our state unique,” St. John said. “These sites spotlight Mississippi’s most remarkable habitats, but they also remind us of our responsibility to safeguard them. This is an investment in our outdoors, our economy, and our shared sense of place.”
Some places the initiative features are the Crosby Arboretum in Picayune, Red Bluff in Foxworth, LeFleur’s Bluff State Park in Jackson, and Tishomingo State Park. The new trail system and more participating locations can be explored here.