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One of the best things about hiking near Biloxi is the diverse habitats and wildlife viewing opportunities. While the coastline and cities are built up with shopping malls and busy roads, there are plenty of natural areas to escape to.
Enjoy wooded areas, boardwalks, and swamps. Learn about the history and ecology of the area as you walk. Visitors often see wildlife ranging from deer to dolphins. Bird sightings are plentiful and include hawks, sparrows, and herons.
The Crosby Arboretum features 12 different trails through beautiful landscapes. Visitors can mix and match the trails to curate the perfect walk.
Hike through the Savanna, the North Savanna/Bog, the Gum Pond, the Swamp Forest, and the Quaking Bog. As you walk, you'll be immersed in different landscapes and thrilled by this beautiful arboretum.
Don't miss the Pinecote Pavilion, an award-winning Mississippi landmark.
The Possum Walk Trail is a three-mile out and back trail. As you walk, stop and read the markers along the route. You'll learn about the history of Possum Walk, an African-American community. The area was also home to Logtown, an old logging community.
Signs discuss the area's native plants. The trail features benches, a floating dock, and a bridge. This is a great trail to find out about the history and ecology of the area while stretching your legs.
This trail is an easy walk and is conveniently right in the heart of Gulfport. The trail runs for just over a mile and features walkways and wooden bridges.
The Clower-Thornton Nature Trail is an excellent spot for birders. Over 200 species have been recorded in the nature area.
The Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge has a 3/4-mile trail next to the visitor center. This hike features the pine savanna, tidal marsh, and pine scrub views. There's plenty of plant life to learn about as you take the trail.
The refuge is a haven for birds and wildlife. You might spot white-tailed deer, raccoons, or foxes. Bluebirds, sparrows, harriers, osprey, and red-tailed hawks are often seen or heard.
Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve has several trails. Visitors can enjoy photography and watch for birdlife and wildlife.
Observant walkers might also see dolphins and river otters.
Visitors can take the Oak Grove Birding Trail through the maritime hardwood forest. Visitors might see migratory birds during fall migration, such as Yellow Warblers, Redstarts, and Scarlet Tanagers.
The Savanna Trail Boardwalk takes guests over the boardwalk to a freshwater marsh. Walkers might see lizards, skinks, and dragonflies, as well as migratory birds.
The Savanna Trail is the newest walking loop and is about one mile long. Trek through the pine savanna and admire the beautiful flora and exciting fauna.
Shepard State Park offers over eight miles of hiking and biking trails. The trails can be connected so visitors can walk one big loop or just walk a shorter path.
Trails lead hikers through peaceful, wooded areas. The woods provide shade and are a great option on hot days.
Mississippi's Gulf Coast offers a variety of exciting experiences. Enjoy a hike in nature, or check out our list of what to do in Gulfport or Biloxi.
