The Best Places to Photograph in Mississippi

Mississippi includes some beautiful areas along the Gulf of Mexico, as well as some scenic state parks, and the historic Natchez Trace Parkway. On this page we’ll take a look at some of the most noteworthy locations in Mississippi for photographing. The interactive map below shows the location of each spot mentioned on this page.

This page will continue to be a work in progress, so please feel free to leave a comment with your own suggestions of great places to photograph.

• Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge

  In eastern Mississippi, about 15 miles south of Starkville, is the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee Wildlife Refuge. The refuge is an important resting and feeding area for migratory birds. There are two major lakes and wetlands within the refuge that provide a beautiful landscape to photograph. There is an observation platform overlooking each lake, several other observation platforms, a 1,000-foot boardwalk, and a trail system to help you get the best photos possible.

  Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge by Eddie Harsh / CC BY 2.0

  Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge by Roger Smith / CC BY 2.0

• Natchez Trace

  The Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile scenic drive through Mississippi, Alabama, and Tennessee. The original trail was used by Native Americas, early European and American explorers. The current Natchez Trace Parkway runs roughly the same path as the original trail. Along the way there are also five different sections of the original trail, totaling 60 miles of trail, that you can still walk, known as the Natchez Trace Scenic Trail.

  Natchez Trace by Jan Kronsell / Public Domain

  Cypress Swamp Along Natchez Trace by Visit Mississippi / CC BY-ND 2.0

• Gulf Islands National Seashore

  In southern Mississippi and Florida, Gulf Islands National Seashore includes plenty of beautiful beach scenery. Explore the blue waters, white sand beaches, and hiking trails to get plenty of amazing photos. The Davis Bayou Area located near Ocean Springs is the easiest section to access. Most of the rest of the area consists of undeveloped islands that are accessible only by boat. A ferry is available from Gulfport to West Ship Island.

  Gulf Islands National Seashore by NPS / CC BY-ND 2.0

• Vicksburg

  Vicksburg National Military Park preserves the Civil War battlefield. This is a beautiful area near the Mississippi River that is great for photographers in addition to history buffs. There is a 16-mile tour road and a 12.5-mile walking trail, both are great for seeing the area.

  Vicksburg by Ken Lund / CC BY-SA 2.0

  Vicksburg by Visit Mississippi / CC BY-ND 2.0

• Ocean Springs

  Ocean Springs is on the Gulf coast, east of Biloxi and west of Gulf Islands National Seashore. This is an artsy community that also benefits from a beautiful beach that is great for photographing.

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  Ocean Springs by Adrianna Battista / CC BY 2.0

• Tishomingo State Park

  In northeastern Mississippi, Tishomingo State Park is located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. The beautiful Bear Creek Canyon, rock outcroppings and cliffs make Tishomingo State Park an ideal location for landscape photographers. The park features several short trails (less than 3 miles) that are mostly easy hikes. The Natchez Trace Parkway runs through the park.

  Tishomingo State Park by Brad Kebodeaux / CC BY-ND 2.0

• h2>LeFleur’s Bluff State ParkLeFleur’s Bluff State Park lies along the Pearl River in Jackson, Mississippi. The park includes several short (less than 0.5 miles), easy trails. The scenery along the river makes it a great location for photography.

  LeFleur’s Bluff State Park by Geoff Alexander / CC BY 2.0

License links: CC BY-ND 2.0, CC BY-SA 2.0, CC BY 2.0