Shepard State Park

Shepard State Park is a 395-acre protected area featuring mixed hardwood forests, pine flatwoods, bayhead swamps, and tidal marshes near Highway 90. The landscape transitions from inland woods to coastal wetlands, creating diverse habitats throughout the park.

The Pascagoula Indians lived in this region for generations before European contact reshaped the landscape. French and Spanish colonial influence followed, leaving marks on the area's name and settlement patterns.

The park sits in territory once central to the Pascagoula Indian nation, a history that shapes how local people understand the landscape around them. This connection to indigenous heritage remains woven into the region's identity and the stories people tell about the place.

The park provides eight miles of trails for walking and exploring, plus disc golf and boat access for different interests. Wear sturdy shoes and check weather conditions since wet terrain can vary with the season.

Spring migration brings birdwatchers to spot Least Bitterns, Tricolored Herons, and Brown-headed Nuthatches in the park's live oak groves. These seasonal movements transform the park into a viewing spot for species passing through on their routes.

Location: Mississippi

Website: https://mdwfp.com/parks-destinations/state-parks/shepard

GPS coordinates: 30.37670,-88.62920

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:20