Trails
Dees Trail Entrance Sign. Credit: USFWS
Wildlife observation at Mississippi Sandhill Crane is made easy with great trails that travel through multiple habitats. From wetlands to savannas, pitcher plant bogs and cypress groves - the refuge trail system offers many opportunities to get into nature.
At the refuge headquarters, you can walk C.L. Dees Trail
This trail winds through a mile of woodlands, wetlands and pine savanna. 20 stations denote different plant species found on the refuge.
Benches are available along the trail.
The Fontainebleau Trail is on the Fontainebleau unit of the refuge. To get to the trail, travel south from I10 on Hwy 57 until you reach U.S. Hwy 90. Turn south on Hanshaw Road and the trail head is on the eastern side of the road before you hit Old Spanish Trail (The trail is adjacent to the Ocean Springs Middle School).
This trail is open during daylight hours and features a mile and a half of trail through a variety of habitats.
Enjoy the view from one of the two observation platforms on the trail as it winds by the bayou.
Several benches are available along the trail.
You can reach the trail by kayak or canoe from the Davis Bayou. The boat dock is great for coming to the trail from the Gulf Islands National Seashore.
Fontainebleau Trail Sign. Credit: USFWS
Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge is also in Jackson County, Mississippi. Two trails are available on this refuge.
The Escatawpa Trail entrance is located at the Mississippi Welcome Center on I-10, Alabama side. This trail is a mile and a half through the refuge. The trail winds over to the Escatawpa river to the west and through savanna and wetlands. The trail is open only during daylight hours.
The Oak Grove Trail on Grand Bay NWR is another great place to see wildlife. From I-10 take exit 75 and go south on Franklin Creek Road to the stop sign at U.S. Hwy 90. Cross Hwy 90 onto Pecan Rd, and travel until you can take your first left onto Bayou Heron Road near the railroad crossing. Cross the tracks and stay heading right. Continue for approximately 2 miles to the trail entrance. This trail is also open only during daylight hours.
Check back for maps and more photos being added to the trail information.
