5 Excellent Places for Beginners to Kayak in Mississippi

5 Excellent Places for Beginners to Kayak in Mississippi

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Mississippi is a great place for beginners to find places to kayak. Although there are certainly a few challenging whitewater areas to be found, most of our creeks and rivers provide a pace that is just right for those learning the sport. Before you head out, think about taking a few lessons or bringing along an expert guide. Here are five great spots for beginners to kayak in the state! 

1. Black Creek

Kayakers love Black Creek because it's an easy trip with beautiful scenery. There are numerous sand bars on the route, along with cypress marshes, rock bluffs, and springs which join the creek along the way.

2. Bogue Chitto, Bogalusa, MS

The Bogue Chitto Water Park is a tributary of the Pearl River which originates in central Mississippi. Its numerous twists and turns make it an exciting trip for a kayaker, but its slow speed, especially near Tylertown, makes it ideal for the beginner.

3. Jourdan River Blueway (North), Hancock County, MS

The Jourdan River Blueway Trail is popular for water sports of all kinds. However, although the Jourdan River Blueway Trail is a beautiful 8.5-mile trip through beautiful coastal scenery, only the trail from Bayou Bacon to McLeod Park is recommended for beginners. 

4. Chunky River, Chunky, MS

Chunky River is a popular place for kayaking and canoeing just outside of Meridian. The Chunky River flows southeastward starting near the town of Chunky and joins with the Chickasawhay River near Enterprise. It is part of the watershed of the Pascagoula River.

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5. Bear Creek, Tishomingo, MS

Bear Creek is a beautiful stretch of water that runs through Tishomingo State Park. The trip is only 6.25 miles and is ideal for beginners when the creek is at its average level. Kayakers will enjoy the unique Tishomingo scenery, with its ancient-looking moss-covered boulders and enormous trees.