Page 57 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2020

If someone tells you to “Take a Hike,” don’t get upset. That might be an invitation to a great family adventure for little expense. Families could carry a picnic lunch and make a day of it exploring the rich natural heritage of the Gulf Coast.
“There are many great places
to hike in South Mississippi,” remarked Geneva Dummer,
a hiking enthusiast and administrator with Heritage Trails Partnership of the Mississippi Gulf Coast in Biloxi. “I take my kids almost every time I go.”
People could spend as little or as much as they want. Some people go all out, buying hiking clothes, shoes, walking sticks, designer backpacks and water carriers, etc. Others just slip on a pair of old sneakers and hit the trail. Either way works.
“I highly recommend someone get a good quality pair of comfortable hiking shoes,” Dummer advised. “Always bring lots of water wherever you go.
It’s easy to get dehydrated even on a pleasant day. Also, I would bring a compass, particularly in
a wilderness area. I would also recommend bringing a whistle to signal people a long way o if you get lost.”
People can download free compass and GPS apps on their smart phones. People can also see electronic maps or satellite images showing their location. Obviously, a smart phone comes in handy
to contact someone for help if necessary, but the re ective screen can also act as a ash signaling device like a mirror.
Some people might want to make a multiple-day wilderness trek while others just want a short stroll along the beach or through
a park. For either adventure, the Mississippi Gulf Coast o ers many options. Two good hiking trails include the Tuxachanie National Recreational Trail in the Desoto National Forest between Saucier and McHenry and the Gulf Islands National Seashore in Ocean Springs.
“The Tuxachanie Trail is a fantastic place to walk,” Dummer recommended. “It’s easy to nd and an easy walk. The trail is very obvious and doesn’t drop o anywhere. Gulf Islands National Seashore has a really nice trail called the Nature’s Way Trail that they’ve just recently redone.”
People can also hike the Fontainebleau Nature Trail or the C. L. Dees Nature Trail
on the Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge. Hikers on each trail can read interpretive signage, good for educating children, as they pass through various ecosystems. The Mississippi Welcome Center
on Interstate 10 coming from Alabama includes a hiking trail that’s also a good bird-watching place.
“Birding and hiking go hand in hand, especially for someone with a good camera and a quick eye,” Dummer quipped. “D’Iberville just opened a trail that follows
the Tchoutacabou a River in Harrison County. It’s still really rough. I would not recommend it for beginners. People can also visit Pennzoil Park in Biloxi for a nice,
ABOVE: Hikers can nd many great places along the Coast, including the Heritage Trail pictured below.
shady walk through a huge oak hammock.”
With cooler temperatures, hikers can more comfortably take to the trails in the fall and winter. The Desoto National Forest, wildlife management areas and refuges o er great hiking experiences, but they also allow hunting. Check the regulations, stay away from hunting areas during the season and wear orange to keep out of trouble.
Heritage Trails Partnership of the Mississippi Gulf Coast www.gulfcoasttrails.org SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
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