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You can paddle, fish and stay cool at these Mississippi creeks and rivers

Brian Broom, Mississippi Clarion-Ledger
·3 min read

Walking outside has been like walking into an oven with heat records being broken and weeks of triple-digit temperatures. So, most outdoor activities haven't looked very enticing this summer ā€” not even those that are normally fun.

But Mississippi has thousands of miles of rivers and creeks where you can paddle, explore and enjoy cool flowing water.

Of course, there's fishing, too. Mississippi's streams are home to everything from spotted and largemouth bass, longear sunfish, bluegill and several species of catfish. They're all fun to catch and all taste great.

So, here are five excellent rivers and streams where you can get outside and stay cool and for the sake of convenience, all of these streams have kayak and canoe rentals available.

Chunky River

The Chunky River forms in East Central Mississippi near Chunky and flows southeast and joins the Okatibbee River to form the Chickasawhay River near Enterprise.

Dunn's Falls Water Park is on the river where there is an 1800s grist mill and Stuckey's Bridge, which is said to be haunted by Old Man Stuckey who, legend has it, murdered 20 people there, crosses the river, too.

Paddlers can choose from rental services in Chunky and in Lauderdale.

Mississippi has thousands of miles of creeks and rivers where paddlers can explore, fish, and stay cool despite record-breaking heat.
Mississippi has thousands of miles of creeks and rivers where paddlers can explore, fish, and stay cool despite record-breaking heat.

Chickasawhay River

The Chickasawhay River begins near Enterprise in Clark County and meets with Leaf River to form the Pascagoula River in George County.

The river is known for its beauty and is a part of one of the most pristine watersheds in the nation. It's also known for fossil deposits dating back millions of years.

Paddlers can access the river and rent kayaks in Leakesville.

Strong River

The Strong River begins in Bienville National Forest and makes its way to Simpson County where it flows into the Pearl River just south of Georgetown.

Much of the river is shaded by trees which provide welcome relief from the heat. It is also where a scene in the 2000 comedy-drama movie 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' was filmed.

The river can be accessed and kayaks can be rented in D'Lo near Mendenhall.

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Bogue Chitto River

The Bogue Chitto River begins in Lincoln County near Brookhaven and winds its way south to the Pearl River in Southeast Louisiana.

The name comes from the Choctaw language and has been translated as 'big creek' or 'big stream.' It is a very popular river for tubing, canoeing and kayaking.

Kayaks can be rented in McComb and Tylertown.

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Black Creek

Black Creek begins near Hattiesburg and flows southeast until meeting the Pascagoula River north of Vancleave in Jackson County.

A portion of the creek is designated as a Wild and Scenic River in the DeSoto National Forest and has been used for travel and a source of food as early as 11,000 years ago. Its name comes from the dark water caused by decaying vegetation.

Kayaks can be rented in Brooklyn.

Do you have a story idea? Contact Brian Broom at 601-961-7225 or bbroom@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Canoe and kayak these Mississippi creeks and rivers and stay cool