Governor Tate Reeves Announces Great Mississippi Nature Trail Initiative

Visit Mississippi, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, Wildlife Mississippi, and the Commission on Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks announced the Great Mississippi Nature Trail initiative on Monday during a press conference where Governor Tate Reeves unveiled the statewide network connecting visitors to Mississippi's diverse natural landscapes. The initiative launches with 20 sites spanning from coastal wetlands to piney woods and rolling Appalachian foothills, including Jackson's LeFleur's Bluff State Park.

Great Mississippi Nature Trail represents a comprehensive effort to showcase Mississippi's natural beauty across all seasons, offering families, students, and outdoor enthusiasts access to some of the South's most stunning and biodiverse outdoor spaces. The initiative connects visitors to natural areas throughout the state, highlighting remarkable habitats while emphasizing conservation and stewardship.

"Great Mississippi Nature Trail celebrates what makes our state truly extraordinary—the rich landscapes, diverse wildlife, and communities that treasure them," Governor Tate Reeves said. "By launching these first 20 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."

LeFleur's Bluff State Park, located in the heart of Jackson along the Pearl River, serves as a natural gateway for visitors exploring the capital city. The park offers hiking trails, camping facilities, and waterfront access, providing both residents and visitors an accessible outdoor experience within Jackson's city limits.

The initiative serves multiple purposes beyond recreation, functioning as an economic driver for local communities while protecting Mississippi's natural heritage for future generations. By connecting outdoor areas across the state, the trail creates opportunities for visitors to experience Mississippi's geographic diversity in a single trip.

"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," said Drew St. John. "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."

Visitors can explore the complete network of sites, plan their adventures, and access detailed information about each location at MississippiNatureTrail.com. The website provides resources for outdoor enthusiasts of all experience levels, from casual day-trippers to serious nature explorers.