Mississippi Gone Wild

Natchez is just the place to hit the pause button, take a deep breath, and relish the beauty of one of the South’s prettiest destinations. From its languid waterways to its tree-shaded hiking trails, the rolling bluffs along the Mississippi's eastern shore harbor natural wonders that will stir your soul. Spot a gator (from a safe distance!), watch an egret spear a fish, and hear the gentle croak of a family of frogs. This place offers soothing escapes you won’t soon forget.

Where to begin? At OutsideIN MS, a unique nature educator and outfitter based in downtown Natchez, and providing personalized kayak tours and guided day hikes for groups of six. Operated by nature enthusiast and former museum professional Robin Person, OutsideIN MS offers an easy and accessible introduction to wild, unspoiled areas, enabling visitors to discover hidden corners of the region.

Kayak tour participants meet Robin at the Natchez Visitors Center downtown, then caravan to a placid waterway 15 minutes from town. Robin provides life jackets, dry bags, and paddles (of course). All you need to bring is sun protection and water. Don’t forget to dress in something that can get a bit wet!

As Robin points out the area’s native flora and fauna, keep your eyes peeled for native birds including herons, egrets, ospreys, and songbirds. You might spot turtles sunning on logs, fish jumping, and even the occasional alligator! Don’t worry—these ancient creatures just want to be left alone. Paddle across the glassy water, listen to the sounds of nature, and feel the sun’s warmth as you drift along the shoreline, relishing its endless shades of green.

OutsideIN MS also leads one- or two-hour easy guided nature hikes. Meet your guide at a trail located in Natchez or just a few miles out of town to enjoy a leisurely jaunt through woods where native plants and birds abound. Wear comfy shoes and bring water and bug spray. OutsideIN MS provides a trail bag for supplies, binoculars, and a nature ID guide to help identify local plants and wildlife. You’ll soon find that a day spent on a shady hike might be just what the doctor ordered.

For more information on all that Natchez outdoor activities entail, visit outsideinms.com .