The Yalobusha River is full of pleasant surprises and meanderings and is a paddler’s paradise from the dam in Grenada to its end. Claimed to be “one of Mississippi’s treasures,” it flows through the Malmaison Wildlife Management Area, displays sycamore, birch, maple, and willow forests along its banks, hosts and abundance of wildlife from beaver to red-tailed hawks and blue herons, and possesses some fine sandbars and clear water. It is floatable at virtually any level; even in flood the river is fairly docile. There are many opportunities for camping and other outdoor recreational opportunities along its path. This route flows through the gorgeous Malmaison Wildlife Management Area for about half its distance.

Launched at Kuhn Street boat ramp and kayaked down the north side of Deer Island.

The Bogue Chitto River is tiny and logjammed in its upper reaches but as it extends into Pike County, it widens into one of the prettiest and most popular paddling rivers in Mississippi. It is not too small that you are constantly fighting logjams yet not too big that you are forever fighting headwinds. It has a swift current with sharp bends and submerged logs that will keep your attention. The river abounds in wildlife, the water is clear and the scenery is gorgeous, alternating with woods and sandbars. This stretch offers a very pleasant float with gorgeous forested scenery. It can become very busy on weekends and in the summer, especially as you approach the water park. There are canoe rental companies available near the park as well.

The Mt. Zion Bike Trails are in a great, relatively remote area. This loop trail has great flow, the climbs are always rewarded with fun descents, and lots of intentional obstacles are placed to test your skill and provide a great playground for mountain bikers. You will encounter wooden berms, walls, and tabletops, a 14-foot see-saw, innumerable wooded bridges, and fun jumps. Although this route has many obstacles and challenges, there are always warning signs and turn-offs to avoid them. Alternate loops for beginners and a 1-mile loop for kids are available here with a pavilion stocked with popsicles for the kids. This is a great spot for riders of all abilities.

The Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway links the Tennessee and Tombigbee Rivers in northeast Mississippi. It has no current, is frequented by barges and motorboats, and often presents nothing more than a rock-lined canal. But it is one of the major waterways in the South and it passes through some superb wildlife areas. It is quite popular with many types of watercraft. Wildlife abounds along the waterway, beautiful hardwood forests and brushy areas fill the banks, and many campgrounds are nearby. With so many boat ramps and access points, paddling options are limitless. Bay Springs Lake is one of the most beautiful spots on the waterway. The beach-rimmed, piney-woods lake contains countless coves big and small. It is heavily used on summer weekends, but at off times the lake may be virtually deserted. The lock drops you 84 feet where you can have a whole new experience and new vistas.

The Tennessee Tombigbee Waterway links the Tennessee and Tombigbee Rivers in northeast Mississippi. It has no current, is frequented by barges and motorboats, and often presents nothing more than a rock-lined canal. But it is one of the major waterways in the South and it passes through some superb wildlife areas. It is quite popular with many types of watercraft. Wildlife abounds along the waterway, beautiful hardwood forests and brushy areas fill the banks, and many campgrounds are nearby. With so many boat ramps and access points, paddling options are limitless. This area is actually a lake and is well-worth exploring. It contains rocky bluffs draped with forests that display phenomenal foliage in the fall.

Grenada Lake is the largest body of water in Mississippi with nearly 64,000 acres of water, 148 miles of shoreline, 16 boat ramps, boundless opportunities for camping, and many other great outdoor recreation opportunities. This is the perfect spot for family fun and is a popular destination for visitors year-round. In addition to the many water-base and other outdoor recreational activities, Grenada Lake hosts several fishing tournaments annually as well. It is home to Hugh White State Park and several other public use areas around its shores. The scenery is beautiful and there are lots of things to do and see.

This section of the Natchez Trace Parkway travels through northwest Alabama crossing over the Tennessee River near its halfway point. The trail provides great view points and scenic vistas along the way through the rolling hills of Alabama’s countryside. Begin along the Alabama/Mississippi state line, at the parking area just off of the parkway and travel to the Alabama/Tennessee state line (shown here), or vise versa. This trail can be done as an out out-and-back day trip, or one way which is shown here. If desired, the entire route of the Natchez Trace Parkway can be linked with this portion beginning from Natchez, Mississippi traveling to Nashville, Tennessee.

This is a great urban ride through the city centers of Biloxi and Ocean Springs. You will ride along the beach in Biloxi with spectacular vistas over the long beach and large open waters. Crossing the bridge to Ocean Springs also offers many views of the water as well as of the cities. Another great beach ride is waiting after you cross the bridge and you will cut through some of the city streets in Ocean Springs and Biloxi before finishing. The cities are busy and there is lots of traffic but bicycle lanes and paths are available.

This scenic recreational pathway is the first in Louisiana to be part of the National Rail-Trail Network and is a popular destination for bikers looking for high mileage and good scenery. The paved corridor passes through lots of undeveloped forested terrain and green space as well as multiple historic communities. The trail has lots of convenient access spots and parking areas giving visitors the option of customizing trips of varying distances. The trail is very flat and very well-maintained so riders of all skill levels will enjoy visiting the trail.