Forever Wild Nature Trail

Orange Beach is roughly 7 miles long and features many public beach access areas; I parked at the Gulf State Park Cotton Bayou Beach Access area. This small beach area is found at the intersection of Highway 182 and Highway 161, nestled between some of the most popular condominiums in the area. There are restrooms, outdoor showers, and ample free parking on site. The beach is easily accessible ...

The Davis Bayou Area is an estuary teeming with wildlife. Its salt marshes serve as nurseries for crabs, fish, and other marine life; its coastal woodlands are home to pines, magnolias, and saw palmettos. The William M. Colmer Visitor Center is where visitors can view the park oriented film and exhibits, purchase items at the bookstore, and on most weekends enjoy a ranger-led program. Here visi...

This walking path is very popular among locals, and for good reason. The perfect excuse to get outside and soak up the South Mississippi sun, this path offers a great place to train for a 5K, go for a relaxing walk, or ride your bike. There are three benches on the bridge if you need to take a break or just want to enjoy the view. You'll also come across several bronze artwork plaques created b...

Tired of walking on a boring treadmill? Then come walk or bike along Front Beach in Ocean Springs. It is a very popular walking path because of its beauty and amenities. Fort Marpaus Park is located about halfway down the path and has a shaded pavilion, benches, and restrooms. There are two piers and several volleyball nets right off of the path as well, so if you aren't in a hurry, go explore ...

Chain of Lakes Trail in Blackwater River State Park is a relatively easy 1.4-mile loop trail that takes less than a half hour to hike around. The trail starts just southeast of the Deaton Bridge at the trailhead in the parking lot. There may be birders or people fishing along the trail, but if you come early, you may be able to find some solitude.  Blackwater River State Park is open from 8 am...

Having once been part of the mainland, Deer Island is no more than a 5-minute paddle from Biloxi Beach. The island has been lengthened hundreds of feet in the past decade to protect against hurricane damage. Breakwaters/berms have also been created to reduce the effects of erosion on the island. The best place to park is at the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor next to the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino....