For additional information about these and other local paddling destinations stop by Buffalo Peak Outfitters.

Ross Barnett Reservoir: The reservoir offers numerous places to launch and paddle. The Reservoir FHS Map lists all boat ramps, depth contours, structures, fishing information and GPS points. The map covers the reservoir and Pearl River from the spillway north to Tuscolameta Creek which is just up river from the Highway 25 bridge over the Pearl River.  Information: Buffalo Peak Outfitters (601) 366-2557, Ross Barnett Reservoir FHS Map (available at Buffalo Peak Outfitters)

Pelahatchie Creek: Put In/Take Out: From Lakeland Drive (Hwy 25) or Spillway Road take Hwy 471 north to the parking lot just south of the Pelahatchie Creek Bridge. This is just north of Tommy’s Store. The put in is next to the fishing pier. The creek runs west into Pelahatchie Bay (Ross Barnett Reservoir) or east where it meanders through the surrounding forest. This is an out and back paddle. Length of paddle is entirely up to the individual.  Information: Buffalo Peak Outfitters (601) 366-2557, Ross Barnett Reservoir FHS Map (available at Buffalo Peak Outfitters)

Pearl River - Ross Barnett Reservoir Spillway to Le Fleure's Bluff State Park: Put In: Boat ramp on southwest side of spillway. Take Out: Boat ramp in State Park near the campground. This eleven mile stretch of the Pearl River is beautiful. It travels through a mature river bottom hardwood forest with plenty of wildlife. When water levels are low there are many sandbars to stop on for a break but when water levels are high stopping places are harder to find. It’s hard to believe that you are paddling through an area surrounded by development.  Information: Buffalo Peak Outfitters (601) 366-2557, Mississippi Atlas by DeLorme (available at Buffalo Peak Outfitters)

Pearl River - Ratliff Ferry Area: Put In/Take Out: Ratliff Ferry Boat Ramp: This area offers great exploration of the surrounding swamps, sloughs and oxbows or leisurely paddles on the Pearl River either up or down stream. For the adventuresome wanting to explore simply paddle into any opening or cut in the bank exiting the main channel of the Pearl River. These areas are most accessible in the winter and early spring after the aquatic vegetation has died back and the reservoir water level are high. This section of the Pearl River is popular with power boats and jet ski’s in the summer so exercise caution!  Information: Buffalo Peak Outfitters 366-2557, Ross Barnett Reservoir FHS Map (available at Buffalo Peak Outfitters)

Pearl River - Ratliff Ferry to Goshen Springs: Put In: Ratliff Ferry. Take Out: Goshen Springs (Tommy’s Trading Post on Hwy 43). This 10 mile section of the Pearl River flows into the upper end of the reservoir. This is a great paddle anytime of year and there are many opportunities to explore the surrounding backwaters and swamps.  Information: Buffalo Peak Outfitters (601) 366-2557, Ross Barnett Reservoir FHS Map (available at Buffalo Peak Outfitters)

Little Sunflower River: Put In/Take Out: U.S. Forest Service Boat Ramp off Dummy Line Road in Delta National Forest. You can explore in either direction but the stretch from the boat ramp down river to the junction with Six Mile Cutoff is a beautiful river bottom hardwood forest. This 11 mile round trip is an example of what the Delta landscape once looked like.  Information: Buffalo Peak Outfitters (601) 366-2557, Canoeing Mississippi by Ernest Herndon (available at Buffalo Peak Outfitters), Delta National Forest (601) 873-6256

Pearl River - Coal Bluff Water Park to Ratliff Ferry: Put In: Coal Bluff Water Park. Take Out: Ratliff Ferry. This eight mile section is beautiful offering plenty of opportunities to explore the surrounding backwaters. This section of the Pearl River is popular with power boats and jet ski’s in the summer so exercise caution!  Information: Buffalo Peak Outfitters (601)366-2557, Ross Barnett Reservoir FHS Map (available at Buffalo Peak Outfitters)

Strong River - Puckett (Hwy18) to D’Lo Water Park: Put In: Hwy 18 Bridge. Take Out: D’Lo Water Park. This 16 mile section of the Strong River is great for the adventuresome. It is beautiful but requires numerous short portages around or under fallen trees. This is a full day trip. Launching from Everett Church Road Bridge cuts this trip in half. Both trips are not recommended when the water level on the D’Lo river gauge is below 4ft.  Information: Buffalo Peak Outfitters (601) 366-2557, D’Lo Water Park (601) 847-4310, Mississippi Atlas by DeLorme (available at Buffalo Peak Outfitters)

Strong River - D’Lo Water Park to take out points south: Put In: D’Lo Water Park. Take Out: Chapel Bridge: 11 miles. Take Out: Highway 28 Bridge: 14 miles. Take Out: Bridgeport Road Bridge: 23 miles. This is a very pretty river offering many options for various length trips.  Information: Buffalo Peak Outfitters (601) 366-2557, D’Lo Water Park (601)847-4310, Canoeing Mississippi by Ernest Herndon (available at Buffalo Peak Outfitters)

Black Creek: This beautiful stream offers many options for various length trips. Information: Black Creek Canoe Rental (601) 582-8817, Soggy Bottom Canoe and Kayak Rentals (601) 598-2754, Buffalo Peak Outfitters (601) 366-2557, Canoeing Mississippi by Ernest Herndon (available at Buffalo Peak Outfitters)

Okatoma Creek: This popular stream offers many options for various length trips. Recommend paddling this stream on weekdays during the summer and even better during cooler months to avoid the crowds.  Information: Seminary Canoe Rental,  (601) 722-4301, Okatoma Outdoor Post  (601) 722-4297, Buffalo Peak Outfitters (601) 366-2557, Canoeing Mississippi by Ernest Herndon (available at Buffalo Peak Outfitters)

The following trips require access via an outfitter or private property.

Pearl River - Moncure/Byram/Terry area: This unique stretch of the river is well worth exploring.  Information: Pearl River Canoe Company (601) 948-BOAT, Buffalo Peak Outfitters (601) 366-2557, Canoeing Mississippi by Ernest Herndon (available at Buffalo Peak Outfitters)

Wolf River - Long Beach: This river rivals Black Creek for its beauty.  Information: Wolf River Canoe & Kayak (228) 452-7666, Buffalo Peak Outfitters (601) 366-2557, Canoeing Mississippi by Ernest Herndon (available at Buffalo Peak Outfitters)