The 175-foot ironclad, raised in 1964, has been restored to display original cannons, engines, boilers, pilot house and a reconstructed gundeck. To the south is the Gulf Islands National Seashore, an area including sparkling blue waters, white-sand beaches and coastal marshes. The Seashore includes 19th century forts, shaded picnic areas, nature trails and campgrounds. To the north are Mississippi's National Forests, of which DeSoto is the largest. The forest is mostly longleaf and loblolly pine, providing a home to wildlife including deer, turkey and quail.
Visitors can enjoy recreation including hiking, camping, fishing and picnicking.
And running through the state is the Natchez Trace Parkway, which follows an old trail from Nashville to Natchez for 423 miles. The Natchez Trace offers hiking and walking trails as well as historic markers and educational stops along its route. It's educational and close to home and you can ride through it on a bike, too. Send this article as a postcard Copyright 2001, The Clarion-Ledger. Use of this site signifies your agreement to the Terms of Service .