Driving south? Stuck in car? Note Fontainebleau Nature Trail

 

Fontainebleau Nature Trail

    Few people would define we Bakers as eager hikers. We have hiked, of course, but mostly we concentrate on walking, running and the like.

    That's until Steve and I discovered the Fontainebleau Nature Trail near Ocean Springs, Mississippi. 

    We recently spent almost three weeks on the Gulf Coast. I did some online sleuthing and found what was described as an "easy" hiking trail, located not far from our hotel.

    It was tricky to locate at first. The trail sign is relatively small and the first time we tried, there was a car accident. Police would not let us drive on Hanshaw Road, where the trail head is located.    

    But we eventually figured out the entrance. It is a very nice trail, and I'm using it as a topic because many folks travel south for warmer weather, and some visitors might be interested in a nice, pleasant and easy hike.

    According to alltrails.com, the Fontainebleau Nature Trail is a 1.5 mile loop. It takes about 28 minutes to complete. It's great for birding, hiking, catching views of the bayou and more.

    The first part of the trail is handicapped-accessible and very easy to traverse. There are some slight hills but really, this is about as simple as can be.

    Husband Steve took the lead both times we hiked the trail. There are nice water views, explanatory signs and places to sit for a bit.

    We were there in November and the leaves are basically green in Mississippi. But the scenery is quite different from the Midwest, and hence, very interesting. 

    For example: We spotted wild flowers in bloom. 

    There is parking at the trail head and while we didn't meet many people at the site, those we did run into were very pleasant. One nice woman was walking her dog, which is also allowed as long as the dog is on a leash.

    Strollers are allowed as well.

    Driving a vehicle south can be a tedious task. Taking a break at a place like the at the Fontainebleau Nature Trail may make good sense.

    Directions: Drive on Highway 90 in Ocean Springs. Turn on Hanshaw Road and continue north. The sign is on the right, and the trailhead is on the left. If you reach the town's Middle School, you've gone too far. Directions are also available on the alltrails site.

    Funny Story: When we first tried to find the trail, a car accident meant we went had to traverse around the area and approach from an opposite direction. This idea blew up when we ended up in the Middle School parking lot! Embarrassed, we quickly exited as a security vehicle sped toward us to -- probably -- ask what we were doing!    

This is an example of the view along 
the Fontainebleau Nature Trail.


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