Step Outside - Mississippi WELCOME TO STEP OUTSIDE! Find the best outdoor fun near you! en-us 30 http://45.55.122.59/ Step Outside - Mississippi 144 144 http://45.55.122.59/ https://cdn-step.americantowns.com/img/stepoutside_logo.gif Wed, 25 Jun 2025 17:03:17 -0500 5 Best Fishing Spots in Mississippi In Mississippi, veteran anglers and inexperienced fishermen and women alike will find no shortage of incredible fishing spots to discover. From lakes covering over 1,000 acres to magnificent reservoirs, you’ll be catching crappie, bass, and catfish in no time. The Mississippi's Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) estimates that there are more than a quarter of a million acres of freshwater fishing in the state. Here are the best fishing spots in Mississippi. 

Grenada Lake was created by the Army Corps of Engineers as a flood control lake on the Yalobusha River. The area is known as a particularly good spot to find crappie, but anglers also find bass, bream, and catfish in the waters. Set up camp in Hugh White State Park for a real outdoors experience.

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Lake Tangipahoa is a 490-acre lake in Percy Quin State Park southwest of McComb. It is formed by the Lake Tangipahoa Dam, which was built on the Tangipahoa River in 1940. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks reports that the crappie and bluegill are especially well-sized, but bass and catfish fishing are also popular here. 

The Okhissa Lake is a beautiful 1,075-acre lake located in the sprawling Homochitto National Forest. Okhissa Lake holds the unique distinction of being the first lake in the country endorsed by legendary bass fisherman Bill Dance, who was involved in developing the fishing habitat.

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Pickwick Lake is a reservoir in Mississippi's northeastern corner, and it joins Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. Fishermen here often find black bass, crappie, catfish, and paddlefish. Even if you don't catch anything here, the scenery will be worth the day spent on the water! 

Located in Lafayette, Panola, and Marshall counties, Sardis Lake covers an amazing 98,520 acres on the Little Tallahatchie River. Anglers will enjoy fishing for catfish, crappie, and bass. In fact, many say that Sardis Lake boasts some of the best crappie fishing in the state. You won’t want to miss out on the abundant opportunity provided by this incredible lake.

]]> http://45.55.122.59/article/5-best-fishing-spots-in-mississippi http://45.55.122.59/article/5-best-fishing-spots-in-mississippi Sun, 22 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500 6 Best Dirt Motorcycle Trails in Mississippi Motocross, or off-road motorcycle riding, is a sport that has seen a rise in popularity across the country since its beginnings. In Mississippi, a state where “mudding” and heading off road is among our favorite recreation, it should come as no surprise that dirt biking follows suit. For the ultimate day on the trails, check out these awesome dirt biking spots in Mississippi. 

Trace State Park is located near Tupelo in Belden, Mississippi. According to the Mississippi Department of Wildlife Fisheries and Parks (MSDWFP), Trace State Park contains 35 miles of trails which are accessible to motorcycles and ATVs. Be sure to sign a release first!

MX886 is a dirt track in Pontotoc, Mississippi, which is open the first and third weekend of every month. The track offers a variety of obstacles like jumps and different types of dirt for riders of varying experience. In addition, the track holds regular races for the Midsouth Motocross Championship Series. 

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The track at Meridian’s Dirty Deeds is suitable for all skill levels and bike sizes, so all dirt bikers will feel at home.   Riders applaud the track for having some of the very best dirt in the state, excellent elevation changes, and a friendly and helpful staff. 

While primarily used by ATV riders looking to go mudding, Mudslangers makes for a prime location for off-roaders of the dirt biking variety too! This “recreational paradise” features an abundance of trails, mud holes, and even primitive camping if you decide to make a whole trip of it! Mudslangers is a huge local favorite with a die-hard community supporting it. 

Raine or shine, Crossroads ATV & Recreation Park in Clinton is open every weekend! From 9 a.m. until dark, you can start up your dirt bike and tear through the well-maintained trails at Crossroads. Be sure to check out the rules and regulations before you head out, to ensure that you and other riders stay safe during your time on the trails. 

The Meridian Motorcycle Association (MMA) has one focus, and that’s “to unite off road riding enthusiast through MMA member events, cookouts, race events, and social gatherings.” At Meridian OHV Park, it’s not just about the ridging, it’s about the strong sense of community. At this park, riders will find an impressive selection of trails of varying difficulties. Be sure to pay attention to the signs and follow the rules! 

]]> http://45.55.122.59/article/6-best-dirt-motorcycle-trails-in-mississippi http://45.55.122.59/article/6-best-dirt-motorcycle-trails-in-mississippi Mon, 16 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500 5 Energizing Hikes in Mississippi If you’re looking for a hike that feels a little more like a workout and less like a leisurely stroll, there are several routes throughout the Magnolia State that offer varying terrains, inclines, and obstacles to get the heart pumping. To challenge yourself on your trek through the wilderness, check out these five energizing hikes in Mississippi!

If you're really looking for a challenge, try the Black Creek Trail. This 41-mile hike is definitely a stretch for an intermediate hiker, but it's relatively easy terrain. Keep in mind this is not a loop, so either plan to have a car take you back to your starting point or double back once you get about halfway. 

The Tanglefoot Trail is a Mississippi Rails to Trails conversion, meaning it was originally a railroad that is now a hiking trail. In fact, the original railroad was built by Col. William Clark Faulkner, grandfather of the famous author. The total length of the trail is 43.6 miles, but of course, you aren’t expected to tackle the whole thing! With plenty of changing scenery—including fields, wetlands, and six communities—this hike should keep you energized the whole time. 

The hiking area at Ethel Vance Natural Area (or Vance Park as it's known locally) is about 13 miles of varying terrain. Perfect for an intermediate hiker, most of the trail is an easy walk, but you'll find some hills and plenty of beautiful scenery to keep you interested and energized throughout your hike. 

Traveling there and back, the Tuxachanie Trail is miles of ridges, wetlands, and forest. The Tuxachanie is another trail that follows an abandoned railroad. Scenery includes live oaks, pitcher plants, creeks, ponds, and wooden footbridges. Be aware that a short section of the trail is also a horse trail.

At Clark Creek Natural Area, you can choose between a primitive trail or a more modern "improved" trail. For an exciting intermediate hike, give the primitive trail a shot. The trail is 2.6 miles-long and usually takes about three hours to complete. And you'll get a huge rush when you come across the waterfall on this route! 

]]> http://45.55.122.59/article/5-energizing-hikes-in-mississippi http://45.55.122.59/article/5-energizing-hikes-in-mississippi Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500 5 Beautiful Scenic Hikes in Mississippi Getting out and being active in nature is one of the best things a person can do to stay fit. Hiking is an activity that's both relaxing and challenging, and it's the perfect opportunity to unplug for the day. Luckily, there are plenty of beautiful places to hike in Mississippi. Here are our five favorite spots. 

Shockaloe Trail in the Bienville National Forest is the longest single-loop hiking trail in the state. The trail is nearly 23 miles, although it crosses service roads, allowing you to shorten the loop if you prefer. Be aware that Shockaloe is also used as a horse trail. 

The campgrounds at Shepard State Park are the perfect place to get away and enjoy nature. The park offers eight miles of trails that sprawl along the grounds, giving campers the opportunity to explore the land, seeing everything from beautiful wetlands to awe-inspiring oaks.

The Marathon Lake Recreation Area is a quiet campground near Raleigh. The lake is stocked full of fish and there are plenty of camping grounds, so you might just decide to stay the night and hike the short trails more than once!

Fontainebleau Nature Trail is made up of two paths, a .75-mile loop and a half-mile there-and-back trail that extends past the loop. Visitors will enjoy beautiful bayou hiking located in the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge. There's even an overlook to observe Davis Bayou!

At less than two miles, the Arkabutla Lake Education and Nature Center Trail (ARK) is an easy hike that the whole family can enjoy. These woodland walking trails take about an hour to navigate and offer beautiful views of Arkabutla Lake along with plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings!

]]> John Brueske/Shutterstock.com http://45.55.122.59/article/5-beautiful-scenic-hikes-in-mississippi http://45.55.122.59/article/5-beautiful-scenic-hikes-in-mississippi Mon, 09 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500 5 Great Hiking Trails in Mississippi If you’re looking to traverse the trails with your family, Mississippi has an abundance of beautiful hiking opportunities for you. From loop trails near incredible swamp land, to forested treks surrounded by abundant wildlife, everyone in the family can enjoy these five great hiking trails in Mississippi. 

Tanglefoot Trail is 43.6 miles, so it's best to pick a section if you're planning on hiking, but this beautifully-maintained trail is worth a visit. The Tanglefoot Trail was originally a railway, and conversion to a trail was completed in 2013. It travels through six towns, so visitors have a chance to explore some beautiful communities they might not otherwise see.

Natchez Trace is made up of five separate trails for a total of 60 miles. The trail’s total length, which extends from Mississippi to Tennessee, is around 450 miles. If you’re carting along some less experienced hikers, it’d be ideal to traverse the Blackland Prairie Section of the trail, which is generally not too crowded and is 12.5 miles (back and forth). Trekking through this area, you’ll be gifted with some scenic river views. This particular hike is ideal for all levels of skill, and you can bring the dog along too! 

This excellent trail is about 12 miles in length, and travels through Mississippi’s Desoto National Forest. Traverse through swamp-like areas. See pitcher plants, palmettos, and the rare wild orchid, in all their glory. On the western portion of the trail, about a quarter-mile stretch is a hard-packed surface, making it wheelchair accessible. 

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Experience some truly immaculate beauty hiking at LeFleur’s Bluff. The hiking trail is approximately 2.5 miles and is situated among 365 acres of enchanting woodland. Enjoy the serene beauty of the bluffs and nearby streams that lead to Mayes Lake. If you want to spend some more time immersed in the beauty of the park, consider camping, fishing, or having a picnic. 

Tishomingo covers 1,530 acres of land and is characterized by its stunning rock formations. Take in the sights of magnificent cliffs and valleys as you hike this 13-mile trail. Not only can you appreciate the geologic beauty of this park, but also the incredible flora and fauna. Here, you will find hundreds of species of fern, wildflowers, wild turkey, hawks, owls, and more. 

]]> http://45.55.122.59/article/5-great-hiking-trails-in-mississippi http://45.55.122.59/article/5-great-hiking-trails-in-mississippi Fri, 06 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500 5 Awesome Trail Running Spots in Mississippi Whether you're training for a marathon or just want the freedom that comes from running, finding a good trail is essential. With all of the beautiful natural areas in Mississippi, there are plenty of places for distance running. We've picked out five of our favorites!

The Kitty Bryan Dill Memorial Parkway is a 3.75-mile trail running through West Point, Mississippi. The surface makes this a good track for running, and since the path connects five parks throughout the city, there's plenty of scenery to enjoy. 

The six-mile loop at Butts Park is a popular choice for trail running. The area was originally home to a German POW camp during World War II. The natural-surface trails here are well-maintained, but runners should be aware that the trail is shared by mountain bikers, so stay alert.

Several of the trail options at Clark Creek make for an excellent running location. There are about 1.78 miles of improved trails in this area and 2.6 miles of primitive trails. Choose which one of these suits your skill set, depending on your level of endurance and ambition. Be sure to check the trail map before heading out!

The trails at Bonita Lakes are also highly recommended for a nice run. This city-owned park features three lakes, including Long Creek Reservoir. The area is relatively primitive and features lovely nature trails, a running/walking track, horseback riding opportunities, picnic areas, and much more.

Located in Tishomingo State Park, the CCC Camp Trail is a true delight to runners. Venture across springs, streams, and intricate rocky outcrops. Peep wildflowers, ferns, and abundant wildlife along your journey, too. The trail is approximately three miles in length. 

 

]]> http://45.55.122.59/article/5-awesome-trail-running-spots-in-mississippi http://45.55.122.59/article/5-awesome-trail-running-spots-in-mississippi Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500 5 Best Birdwatching Hikes in Mississippi From the plains of the Delta to the shores of the Sound, birding enthusiasts have plenty of options for watching the many species found throughout Mississippi. In fact, Mississippi is known for being a major thoroughfare for migrating birds, and the path that they travel is known as the Mississippi Flyway. Combine birdwatching with a day exploring nature with these five beautiful birdwatching hikes in Mississippi.

LeFleur's Bluff State Park is nearly 500 acres in the heart of Jackson, and the park is full of trails and boardwalks which are perfect for viewing woodland birds. There is a nest box trail to showcase prothonotary warblers, and birders can also seem Acadian flycatcher, wood thrush, summer tanager, and more. The park also includes the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science which conducts ornithological research.

Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge features a four-mile round-trip trail that runs alongside the Noxubee River. Birds which are commonly found include the Kentucky warbler and LeConte's sparrow, as well as a number of ducks and geese during the winter. The park is also a habitat for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. 

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St. Catherine Creek National Wildlife Refuge is a sprawling 25,000-acre refuge that has two nature trails—the 8.3-mile Magnolia Trail and the 2.2-mile Cabin Road Hiking Trail (which is also an ATV trail). The refuge was created to protect the waterfowl who use the area as a habitat. There have been 247 documented bird species that have been observed at the refuge, and there's a list available from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service so you can keep track of which ones you've seen.

The Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) covers 18,000 acres of bayous, salt marshes, and savannas. The wetlands here are mostly brackish, and the environment here is extremely diverse, giving birdwatchers incredible opportunities to see various species. Follow the Savanna Trail Boardwalk and see the American white pelican, brown pelican, osprey, reddish egret, and more. 

The Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge is another opportunity for bird lovers to see some spectacular wetland birds. There are two trails, the C.L. Dees Nature Trail and the Fontainebleau Nature Trail. This is the only place in the world to see the Mississippi sandhill crane—there are only 120 of the birds living in the refuge. 

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]]> http://45.55.122.59/article/5-best-birdwatching-hikes-in-mississippi http://45.55.122.59/article/5-best-birdwatching-hikes-in-mississippi Sun, 01 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0500 5 Awesome Campgrounds for Families in Mississippi Every once in awhile, it does the heart good to just unplug and escape into nature. This is an especially important lesson to reinforce when you have young children. Luckily, Mississippi is home to plenty of beautiful natural areas that are perfect for camping. Here are five great family-friendly campgrounds in the state! 

A trip to Tishomingo is like stepping back in time—way back, since the artifacts found in this area date back to 7000 B.C. Today, the moss-covered boulders, waterfalls, and lush greenery make it easy to imagine what life was like back then, sparking the imaginations of kids and parents alike! Be sure to visit the swinging bridge.

Located near the heart of Jackson, LeFleur's Bluff is a surprising escape from modern life. Set up at one of the 28 tent facilities, then enjoy either of the two playground areas, the hiking trail, picnic areas, and both regular and disc-golf. While you're there, drop into the Mississippi Natural Science Museum, which is located within the state park.

Paul B. Johnson is located in the Pine Belt, so you're already in a remote area before you ever reach the campground. Stay in a tent, cabin, or cottage, and enjoy plenty of space to boat, fish, and swim, as well as football fields, disc golf, and a splash pad the kids will love.

Sardis Lake Recreation Area is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spots in the state of Mississippi. Sardis Lake is a sprawling body of water that covers 98,000 acres, and with nine campgrounds surrounding the picturesque lake, there's plenty of room for everyone. Be sure to pick a spot near one of the playgrounds!

Surrounding a 640-acre lake and providing guests with an abundance of activities, Little Black Creek is a perfect family getaway. Book one of the campground’s many rustic cabins with stunning lake-side views. Enjoy fishing, swimming, camping, biking, kayaking, and picnicking to round out the day of activities. The kids will enjoy every minute of it. 

]]> http://45.55.122.59/article/5-awesome-campgrounds-for-families-in-mississippi http://45.55.122.59/article/5-awesome-campgrounds-for-families-in-mississippi Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 -0500 Cool Rock Climbing Spots in Mississippi Although much of Mississippi is flat and open, avid rock climbers can find a few great spots to practice their skills. Keep in mind that permits are required for some locations, and always use appropriate safety equipment. Here are some of the coolest rock climbing spots in Mississippi to hone your skills! 

Tishomingo State Park is one of the best areas in the state for rock climbing. This is one area where permits are required, so keep that in mind before you go. To get to Jean's Overhang, cross the Swinging Bridge, then turn right and hike down a short trail. Routes here include Ankles Away, Black Crack, Heart Ache, and Mental Block.

Corn Flakes, also called Cornflakes Buttress, is also located in Tishomingo State Park, and this is one of the most popular climbing areas in the state. To get to Corn Flakes, continue hiking south of Jean's Overhang and past a small waterfall. Corn Flakes is home to routes including Slip-N-Slide, Mississippi Women, and Mad Dog.

If you’re looking to hone your skills indoors, the Hangout is your spot. This gym provides a perfect space to improve your abilities in case you decide to travel to a more mountainous state for some outdoor climbs. The Hangout features two walls for bouldering with a connecting overhang. 

]]> http://45.55.122.59/article/cool-rock-climbing-spots-in-mississippi http://45.55.122.59/article/cool-rock-climbing-spots-in-mississippi Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 -0500 5 Great Paddleboarding Spots in Mississippi Paddleboarding is a great way to have fun on the water without having to spend a ton of time practicing. Whether you're new to the sport or you're an experienced pro, there are plenty of places around the Magnolia State where you can take out your paddleboard for a day on the water. Here are five awesome spots to dip your paddle in the water in Mississippi. 

Front Beach at Ocean Springs is a beautiful stretch along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The beach here is a little quieter compared to some of the other cities on the coast, so it's the perfect place to paddle out and catch some waves.

The Yazoo River Trail is a beautiful trip through rich woods, beginning at King's Ferry Landing and ending at Loess Bluffs in Vicksburg. At just a little over five miles, this is an easy day trip. There's a nice sandbar about halfway down the trail, so paddlers can stop and rest or just enjoy the scenery. 

The lower Pascagoula River is a rich ecosystem with plenty of wildlife and natural beauty to enjoy as you paddle. This is such a great spot for paddleboards that it's even been the site of a paddle parade!

The white sandy beaches around Courthouse Pier are an ideal destination for anyone who enjoys being on the water. With beachfront public restrooms, a fire pit, and plenty of parking, you'll want to bring your board here every day!

The Ross Barnett Reservoir is a popular spot in Central Mississippi for all kinds of water sports. The Rez covers over 30,00 acres, has five campgrounds and 22 boat launches—so you shouldn't have any problems finding a spot all to yourself!

]]> sylv1rob1/Shutterstock.com  http://45.55.122.59/article/5-great-paddleboarding-spots-in-mississippi http://45.55.122.59/article/5-great-paddleboarding-spots-in-mississippi Thu, 01 May 2025 00:00:00 -0500 5 Awesome RV Campsites in Mississippi In Mississippi, there are plenty of beautiful places to camp, explore, and enjoy the outdoors. From national parks to privately held campgrounds, this state offers incredible diversity. For both a relaxing and thrilling weekend of travel, check out these five awesome RV campsites in Mississippi. 

The Tupelo area is home to some of the state's most beautifully secluded woods, making it an ideal spot for camping out. The Campground at Barnes Crossing is close enough to the city of Tupelo to be convenient, but you'll feel like you're a million miles from anywhere as you relax and enjoy the scenery!

River Town Campground is one of the most well-maintained RV campsites you'll ever find. You'll love the spacious feel of the park, the convenient amenities, and the friendly service. But the real star of the show comes when the sun goes down—you don't want to miss the legendary Vicksburg sunsets!

Paul B. Johnson is a sprawling park nestled in the heart of Mississippi's Pine Belt. Enjoy a day of fishing and boating on Geiger Lake, take the kids to the splash pad, or cool off in the game room. Whatever you're into, you'll find it at Paul B. Johnson!

Wallace Creek Campground is known for being peaceful and relaxing, with incredible views of Enid Lake. The staff here discourages loud music and partying, so it's the ideal place to escape if you're looking for a quiet retreat. There's also a large picnic area that's perfect for big groups!

Little Black Creek Campground stretches along the banks of a 640-acre lake. Enjoy fishing, biking, kayaking, or just relaxing and watching the sun set over the lake. Plan a visit on a holiday to enjoy their special firework shows!

]]> http://45.55.122.59/article/5-awesome-rv-campsites-in-mississippi http://45.55.122.59/article/5-awesome-rv-campsites-in-mississippi Sun, 27 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500 5 Exhilarating Jet Skiing Spots in Mississippi If you love being near the water, chances are you'll enjoy riding on a jet ski. Jet skis, also known as personal water crafts (PWC) or water scooters, skim across the surface of the water and are driven like a motorcycle. With such an abundance of ocean, lakes, rivers, and streams across our state, it was hard to narrow down—but we've rounded up our picks for the five of the most thrilling jet skiing spots in the state. Ride safely!

What better place to enjoy your personal watercraft than out in the open Gulf of Mexico? Whether you take a boat out to the barrier islands or you stay close to shore, you'll have no shortage of space to cruise through the waves.

Eagle Lake is an oxbow (or U-shaped) lake which sits at the border between Louisiana and Mississippi near Vicksburg. This lake was originally part of the Mississippi River, and although it's primarily popular for bass fishing, the shape of the lake makes it a popular spot for watercraft as well. There's even a public boat ramp for your convenience!

Grasshopper Island is a tiny piece of land where the Biloxi and Tchoutacabouffa Rivers meet Biloxi's Back Bay. The island is only accessible by boat, making it a popular destination for anyone who enjoys hanging out on the river. This is a great spot to anchor the boat and cruise around on your jet ski!

Barnett Reservoir is a popular destination for anyone in central Mississippi who likes spending time on the water. With five marinas located on "The Rez,” you'll easily find a space all to yourself to really get your jet ski going!

Tunica Cutoff is another oxbow lake, this time in the far northwestern corner of the state. Although this lake borders both Arkansas and Mississippi, you can only access it from the Mississippi side. This lake is narrow, but with 2,500 acres, there's plenty of room for jet ski enthusiasts!

]]> CRM/Shutterstock.com http://45.55.122.59/article/5-exhilarating-jet-skiing-spots-in-mississippi http://45.55.122.59/article/5-exhilarating-jet-skiing-spots-in-mississippi Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500 5 Excellent Places for Beginners to Kayak in Mississippi Mississippi is a great place for beginners to find places to kayak. Although there are certainly a few challenging whitewater areas to be found, most of our creeks and rivers provide a pace that is just right for those learning the sport. Before you head out, think about taking a few lessons or bringing along an expert guide. Here are five great spots for beginners to kayak in the state! 

Kayakers love Black Creek because it's an easy trip with beautiful scenery. There are numerous sand bars on the route, along with cypress marshes, rock bluffs, and springs which join the creek along the way.

The Bogue Chitto Water Park is a tributary of the Pearl River which originates in central Mississippi. Its numerous twists and turns make it an exciting trip for a kayaker, but its slow speed, especially near Tylertown, makes it ideal for the beginner.

The Jourdan River Blueway Trail is popular for water sports of all kinds. However, although the Jourdan River Blueway Trail is a beautiful 8.5-mile trip through beautiful coastal scenery, only the trail from Bayou Bacon to McLeod Park is recommended for beginners. 

Chunky River is a popular place for kayaking and canoeing just outside of Meridian. The Chunky River flows southeastward starting near the town of Chunky and joins with the Chickasawhay River near Enterprise. It is part of the watershed of the Pascagoula River.

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Bear Creek is a beautiful stretch of water that runs through Tishomingo State Park. The trip is only 6.25 miles and is ideal for beginners when the creek is at its average level. Kayakers will enjoy the unique Tishomingo scenery, with its ancient-looking moss-covered boulders and enormous trees.

]]> Rock and Wasp/Shutterstock.com http://45.55.122.59/article/5-excellent-places-for-beginners-to-kayak-in-mississippi http://45.55.122.59/article/5-excellent-places-for-beginners-to-kayak-in-mississippi Tue, 01 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0500 5 Best Watersport Retailers in Mississippi Can’t get enough of the water? If you’re in Mississippi, you’re in good company. Watersports seem to be a way of life for many, especially given Mississippi’s beautiful coast and endless opportunities to enjoy a day on the water. Whether you’re new to watersports or looking to perfect your skills, you can find everything you need at these five best watersport retailers in Mississippi. 

This isn’t your average paddleboard shop. The folks here live the paddleboarding lifestyle and can put their expertise to work for you. They’ve helped customers of all ages find their passion by offering rentals for paddleboards, kayaks, jet skis, and pontoon boats. If you choose to purchase your board here, they’re committed to helping you find the right one to suit your needs and skill level.

If you’re looking for adventure, you’ll find plenty of it here. They’re one of the dive and outdoor adventure stores in the state, offering a huge selection of in-stock inventory that’s ready for you to take out that day. They have a full line of SUPs and kayaks, plus they offer dive tours and other group adventures to help you fuel your love for all things water.

This national chain of watersport stores has just about everything you can imagine, and then some. They can outfit you with paddleboards, kayaks, safety gear, and all the best apparel to make you look good while you enjoy your new equipment. They’ve even got doggie life vests so your furry friends can join you on your adventures.

This sports chain is known for selling high-quality second-hand sports gear. Their inventory changes frequently, but they’ve been known for procuring wakeboards, tubes, ropes, body boards, SUPs, kayaks, canoes, and apparel to give you whatever experience you’re looking for. With locations in Hattiesburg and Ridgeland, call before you go to see what’s in stock! 

Kiteboarding is the specialty here, but you’ll be able to find a quality line of SUPs for those days when the wind doesn’t cooperate. Owned by one of the first kiteboards on the Mississippi coastline, you’ll be shopping with someone who knows the sport inside and out and can make sure you get only the best equipment to satisfy your needs.

]]> http://45.55.122.59/article/5-best-watersport-retailers-in-mississippi http://45.55.122.59/article/5-best-watersport-retailers-in-mississippi Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500 9 Best Bait and Tackle Shops in Mississippi Being on the Gulf Coast and home to several lakes and rivers, there’s no doubt Mississippi has some of the best fishing in the country. Largemouth bass is a particular favorite in the state, along with sea trout, redfish, and catfish. However, you won’t win the day’s best catch without the right bait and gear. Stop by one of these best bait and tackle shops in Mississippi if you don’t want to go home empty handed.

As the local fisherman’s best friend, the staff here know the area well and help you find the best fishing spots for a successful day on the water. They’ve always got a high-quality selection of bait, lures, and other necessities in stock so you can get in, get out, and get on with your fishing goals.

Featuring both live and dead bait, you can find exactly what you need here without having to make a second trip elsewhere. Located right on the water, you won’t have to travel far to find a good fishing spot.

Fishermen dropping lines in Lake Washington know there’s no better place to shop than Bait-n-Thangs. This place offers a full-service fishing experience, from bait and tackle to camping cabins and RV hookups. They also have a fish cleaning station on site, plus they sell hunting and fishing licenses. 

This small yet sturdy shop is brimming with the greatest fishing gear in the area. They also carry all the extras you may have forgotten, like sunglasses, coolers, ice, and extra clothes.

Whether you’re planning on fishing in the marina or launching your boat here, you’ll want to first stop by the on-site shop for bait and other necessities to make your experience complete. It also helps they have some of the best views of the bayou, too.

Clay’s has earned its reputation among local fishermen and vacationers alike. They know their stuff, especially when it comes to finding the best gear to fish in the area. Regardless of where you’re fishing, be it the river or the lake, this shop has you covered.

There are lots of one-stop bait shops in Mississippi, but only Tommy’s offers a full suite of bait, tackle, gas, beer, snacks, and an on-site kitchen where you can fill up before you start your day on the water. They’re confident in the service they provide to you—if you don’t agree, they’ll refund your entire purchase price.

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Unlike many bait stores, McComb’s has a large retail area that makes it easy to shop for what you need. Because of their spacious size, they’re able to offer a variety of bait types and other accessories most shops simply don’t have the room for.

Folks love Bryant’s because it’s a no-frills shopping experience with hometown service. They’ve got just about everything you could want from a bait and tackle shop, and a little extra.

#lakelife #lake #cat

A post shared by Johnny Vegas (@_johnnyvegas_) on

]]> http://45.55.122.59/article/9-best-bait-and-tackle-shops-in-mississippi http://45.55.122.59/article/9-best-bait-and-tackle-shops-in-mississippi Fri, 28 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500