Here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, we are blessed with so many options for outdoor activities. One of my family’s favorite is hiking. Here are a few of our favorite hiking trails all along the Coast.
FOUNTAINBLEAU NATURE TRAIL, OCEAN SPRINGS
Fountainbleau Nature Trail in Ocean Springs is one of our go-to spots when we need a quick hiking trail to walk. There are 2 options on this trail to choose from and one is shorter than the other. The first loop is definitely doable with a bigger wheel stroller. It’s a nice stroll through a bayou setting, over some bridges and through a pine savanna. We can usually spot different birds and animals on our time out there. The second loop is still being worked on so I would only suggest it for older children. There is a spot you have to cross the water by stepping across stones so be aware of that. Overall both trails are amazing and it’s a bit of solitude right here in town.
DAVIS BAYOU TRAIL, OCEAN SPRINGS
Davis Bayou Trail is also located inside Gulf Islands National Seashore Park in Ocean Springs. This hiking trail is broken up into a few different pieces so you can do one or all parts. Nature’s Way Trail is great for younger kids but not for strollers. There are steps up and down on this trail so have the kids watch out for that. We love this trail for the overlooks that are on it and all the animals we have seen while visiting. Just a note the boardwalk that leads by the bayou got damaged in the last storm however the overlook where we see the alligators most often was not damaged.
CLOWER-THORNTON NATURE TRAIL, GULFPORT
Clower-Thornton Nature Trail is located in Gulfport. It’s not what some would classify as a true hiking trail but I disagree. This trail is perfect for strollers due to the paved walkway and easy access. It’s a little slice of nature in Gulfport.
Even better this trail is a great place in spring for catching sight of all types of birds. It is part of the Mississippi Coastal Birding Trail and is best for Spring and Fall migration.
POSSUM WALK TRAIL, HANCOCK COUNTY
Possum Walk Trail at Stennis Space Center is as unique as they come. The trail has two entrances one at the southside of the Stennis visitors center just off I-10 and one in Logtown. Now Logtown is an old town situated right on the river that was taken over when Stennis was built. The place is filled with huge old oaks and a cemetery. The road to it is all gravel so lower cars probably shouldn’t go in that way. However, if you want to hike on Sunday that is the only way in. The trail is huge and gravel is perfect for strollers with bigger tires. The system is used for a tram tour that starts at Infinity center there just off I-10. The whole trail is set with historical markers and there is even old train tracks that run through part of it. Definitely a cool hike for anyone interested in history.
ADDITIONAL HIKING TRAILS & INFO
- Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge, Gautier
- Twelve Oaks Nature Trail, Ocean Springs
- The Crosby Arboretum, Picayune
- Hiking with Munchkin
Like being outdoors in nature with the kiddos? Check out our Camping Guide.
