Page 63 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2025

GRAND BAY NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE
learn about the wildlife that thrives in the bayou. You don’t need a big plan just comfy shoes and maybe a pair of binoculars.
The Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve near the Alabama state line is one of those places most people only stumble on by accident. This 18,000-acre reserve is where fresh water ecosystems merge with the Mississippi Sound and ultimately find the Gulf. Diverse habitats including pine savannas, salt marshes, salt pannes, bays, and bayous, make this the ultimate location for viewing a wide variety of wildlife. They’ve got trails for easy walks and opportunities for slow or adventurous paddling.
All along the Coast, fishing piers offer people of all ages terrific opportunities for outdoor activities. At Bay St. Louis Pier or the Biloxi Small Craft Harbor, you’ll often see grandparents teaching kids how to bait a hook, or entire families lined up with coolers and crab nets.
For those who want to be on the water instead of beside it, calmer waterways like the Jourdan River are ideal for easy paddling. Outfitters like Everything Kayak in Gulfport rent stable kayaks and paddleboards that suit beginners.
It’s low-stress, high-reward and a great way for kids of all generations to share an adventure at their own pace.
Bayou Bernard also offers water calm enough for beginner paddlers. Fishermen enjoy trying to catch dinner while families come to see plenty of turtles and heron. There was even a manatee spotted there last year! It’s a spot that’s close by where you can slow down, take it easy, and watch the world drift by.
Bayou Cumbest in Jackson County is known for its importance as a natural habitat for marine life and is another hidden spot that feels worlds apart from the
bustle of life. For families, it’s a quiet place to paddle short stretches enjoying the wildlife. It’s also a great spot for nature photography, birding, or just to chill and take in the beauty of the bayou.
November may be the best time of year to enjoy the outdoors here. The humidity has dropped, the temps are down and it’s easier to linger outside. These are just a few of the places perfect for all ages and activity levels to get outside. There are plenty of others to see and explore. So, grab your family and see what you can find—the weather’s perfect!
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net
November 2025 | 63
DAVIS BAYOU FISHING PIER
SHEPARD STATE PARK