Mississippi is absolutely wonderful – and by that we mean it’s full of wonder. Want proof? We thought you might, which is why we compiled this list of some of the state’s best natural wonders. Brimming with natural beauty and sure to impress, these stunning sites belong on your bucket list. Take a look:
Exploring our state is always an adventure, but there’s so much to see beyond its borders! Sign up for our Bucket List Newsletter to see must-visit destinations throughout the nation and inspire your travels, both near and far.
- Blue Bluff Recreation Area
Blue Bluff Recreation Area/Facebook Nature lovers won’t be disappointed with a visit to this small town gem, which boasts more than 400 acres of hardwoods and 80’ bluffs that offer incredible vistas of Aberdeen Lake. An abundance of wildlife, including small mammals, an array of bird species, and aquatic life, are also part of the recreation area’s perks.
Address: 20051 Blue Bluff Rd, Aberdeen, MS 39730
- Gulf Islands National Seashore
National Park Planner This national seashore, which is located in Mississippi and Florida, has been deemed one of the South’s greatest natural treasures. And with beaches, nature trails, bayous, and more, it definitely lives up to its reputation. Most of the seashore is accessible only by boat; however, the Davis Bayou Area, which is in Ocean Springs, can be reached by car.
Address: 3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
- Petrified Forest
Chris Gaun/Google At this natural phenomenon, you’ll find 36-million-year-old trees, which have been transformed into stone through the process of petrification. In addition to the historic trees, visitors can spend time perusing the on-site museum, which includes an impressive gem collection as well as several fossils.
Address: 124 Forest Park Rd, Flora, MS 39071
- Friendship Oak
arohila/TripAdvisor Some of the state’s best sites are also the oldest – and that’s definitely the case with the Friendship Oak. The majestic oak tree dates back to 1487, making it over 500 years old! But it’s not just the tree’s age that’s sure to impress – there’s also its size. The trunk has a circumference of nearly 20’, while the average length of the massive downward sweeping limbs is 60’- 66’ from the trunk.
Address: 738-, 798 Beach Blvd E, Long Beach, MS 39560
- Sky Lake Wildlife Management Area
Dave Bonta/Flickr One of the Delta’s best natural wonders, this 3,500-acre WMA is home to some of the oldest and biggest bald cypress trees on earth. When it comes to exploring the WMA, there are a couple of options, which include a 1700’ elevated boardwalk and a 2.6-mile paddling trail.
Address: 1692 Townsend Lake Rd, Belzoni, MS 39038
- Mississippi River
Bobby Wilbert/Google No list of natural wonders would be complete without the Mighty Mississippi. Flowing through ten states, the Mississippi River is 2,320 miles long. There are lots of places to view the state’s namesake waterway, including the Mississippi River Overlook in Vicksburg and Bluff Park in Natchez. Of course, you can always go for a leisurely drive along Great River Road, which follows the course of the Mississippi River through 10 states.
- Natchez Trace Parkway
Crooked Letter Photography/Facebook Though the Natchez Trace itself isn’t a natural wonder, it’s lined with plenty of them. Among the most popular is the Cypress Swamp at milepost 122. Rated one of the Trace’s top 20 natural wonders, it’s a must-see and can be easily explored via a boardwalk that extends out over the swamp. At milepost 304.5, you’ll find Mississippi’s most scenic state park, otherwise known as Tishomingo State Park. Throughout the years, the park has won numerous awards, including Top 50 Hiking Trails, Top 50 Scenic Views, and Top 25 Amazing Locations.
Address: Natchez Trace Parkway
- Deer Island
Southern Nature Shots At just 1/4 mile from Biloxi’s coastline, this tropical paradise can be easily accessed by anyone with a small boat, canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. Perfect for some fun in the sun, minus the crowds, the secluded spot boasts 17 miles of undisturbed sandy beaches, pristine water, and unrivaled views.
Address: Biloxi, MS 39530
- Clark Creek Nature Area
Dwight Jodon/Flickr One of Mississippi’s most beautiful outdoor treasures, this nature area encompasses more than 700 acres, which are comprised of steeply sloping loess bluff hills, a mixed hardwood and pine forest, and more than 50 waterfalls – some of which are more than 30’ in height.
Address: 366 Ft Adams Pond Rd, Woodville, MS 39669
So, ever visited the places listed above? Have a natural wonder to add? Tell us in the comments section.
Blue Bluff Recreation Area/Facebook
Nature lovers won’t be disappointed with a visit to this small town gem, which boasts more than 400 acres of hardwoods and 80’ bluffs that offer incredible vistas of Aberdeen Lake. An abundance of wildlife, including small mammals, an array of bird species, and aquatic life, are also part of the recreation area’s perks.
Address: 20051 Blue Bluff Rd, Aberdeen, MS 39730
National Park Planner
This national seashore, which is located in Mississippi and Florida, has been deemed one of the South’s greatest natural treasures. And with beaches, nature trails, bayous, and more, it definitely lives up to its reputation. Most of the seashore is accessible only by boat; however, the Davis Bayou Area, which is in Ocean Springs, can be reached by car.
Address: 3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564
Chris Gaun/Google
At this natural phenomenon, you’ll find 36-million-year-old trees, which have been transformed into stone through the process of petrification. In addition to the historic trees, visitors can spend time perusing the on-site museum, which includes an impressive gem collection as well as several fossils.
Address: 124 Forest Park Rd, Flora, MS 39071
arohila/TripAdvisor
Some of the state’s best sites are also the oldest – and that’s definitely the case with the Friendship Oak. The majestic oak tree dates back to 1487, making it over 500 years old! But it’s not just the tree’s age that’s sure to impress – there’s also its size. The trunk has a circumference of nearly 20’, while the average length of the massive downward sweeping limbs is 60’- 66’ from the trunk.
Address: 738-, 798 Beach Blvd E, Long Beach, MS 39560
Dave Bonta/Flickr
One of the Delta’s best natural wonders, this 3,500-acre WMA is home to some of the oldest and biggest bald cypress trees on earth. When it comes to exploring the WMA, there are a couple of options, which include a 1700’ elevated boardwalk and a 2.6-mile paddling trail.
Address: 1692 Townsend Lake Rd, Belzoni, MS 39038
Bobby Wilbert/Google
No list of natural wonders would be complete without the Mighty Mississippi. Flowing through ten states, the Mississippi River is 2,320 miles long. There are lots of places to view the state’s namesake waterway, including the Mississippi River Overlook in Vicksburg and Bluff Park in Natchez. Of course, you can always go for a leisurely drive along Great River Road, which follows the course of the Mississippi River through 10 states.
Crooked Letter Photography/Facebook
Though the Natchez Trace itself isn’t a natural wonder, it’s lined with plenty of them. Among the most popular is the Cypress Swamp at milepost 122. Rated one of the Trace’s top 20 natural wonders, it’s a must-see and can be easily explored via a boardwalk that extends out over the swamp. At milepost 304.5, you’ll find Mississippi’s most scenic state park, otherwise known as Tishomingo State Park. Throughout the years, the park has won numerous awards, including Top 50 Hiking Trails, Top 50 Scenic Views, and Top 25 Amazing Locations.
Address: Natchez Trace Parkway
Southern Nature Shots
At just 1/4 mile from Biloxi’s coastline, this tropical paradise can be easily accessed by anyone with a small boat, canoe, kayak, or paddleboard. Perfect for some fun in the sun, minus the crowds, the secluded spot boasts 17 miles of undisturbed sandy beaches, pristine water, and unrivaled views.
Address: Biloxi, MS 39530
Dwight Jodon/Flickr
One of Mississippi’s most beautiful outdoor treasures, this nature area encompasses more than 700 acres, which are comprised of steeply sloping loess bluff hills, a mixed hardwood and pine forest, and more than 50 waterfalls – some of which are more than 30’ in height.
Address: 366 Ft Adams Pond Rd, Woodville, MS 39669
These aren’t the state’s only wondrous sites. Read about another here.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Blue Bluff Recreation Area, 20051 Blue Bluff Rd, Aberdeen, MS 39730, USAAddress: 3500 Park Rd, Ocean Springs, MS 39564, USAAddress: 124 Forest Park Rd, Flora, MS 39071, USAAddress: 738-, 798 Beach Blvd E, Long Beach, MS 39560, USAAddress: 1692 Townsend Lake Rd, Belzoni, MS 39038, USAAddress: Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez Trace Pkwy, Natchez, MS, USAAddress: Deer Island, Biloxi, MS, USAAddress: 366 Ft Adams Pond Rd, Woodville, MS 39669, USA
