Outdoor Recreation

Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge

Deer at the Noxubee Refuge

A 48,000-acre resting and feeding area for migratory birds, the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge is a 20-minute drive south of Starkville. Alligators, white-tailed deer, bald eagles, and more than 250 species of birds, including red-cockaded woodpeckers and a variety of waterfowl, are among the many wildlife species present. An entrance fee is required.

With several trails, two lakes, overlooks and boardwalks, and a visitor’s center, the Refuge provides extensive opportunities for

• bird watching
• hiking
• hunting
• fishing
• wildlife viewing

John Starr Forest

Located 10 miles south of Starkville on MS Hwy 25, the 8,200-acre John Starr Memorial Forest offers

• hunting
• hiking
• bird watching
• picknicking
• primitive camping
• lodge
• RV park

Trim Cane WMA

The 891-acre Trim Cane Wildlife Management Area is 4 miles north of Starkville on MS Hwy 389. Permitted activities are

• deer hunting
• waterfowl hunting

Starkville Wet N Wild

Bald Eagle at the Oktibbeha County Lake

Located on a 479-acre lake, this KOA and water park is 7 miles northwest of Starkville. The Starkville Wet N Wild offers boating and fishing passes, camping sites and cabins, and a beach and water park.

Pick-Your-Own Orchards

For ultimate freshness and flavor, pick your own oriental persimmons, pears, muscadines, and blueberries in season at Reese Orchard and then visit Peeples Pecan Company to purchase or harvest your own Mississippi-grown pecans.

Both farms are owned and operated by local families. Reese Orchard is at 1716 Sessums Circle in the Sessums community about 5 miles southeast of Starkville (662-324-1509. Peeples is at 754 Pecan Drive, Starkville (662-323-7038). Call for hours and best picking dates.