Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge

You can explore this amazing wilderness area that is only 20 minutes from Starkville year-round. Established in 1940, Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge manages habitat for the conservation of migratory birds. The refuge is located in three counties of Mississippi, Noxubee, Oktibbeha, and Winston. In 2012, the refuge was renamed Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in honor of Sam D. Hamilton, a former director of the Fish and Wildlife Service who grew up in this area.

Fishing

Bluff Lake, a 1,200-acre lake, is a favorite fishing spot for many anglers, but there are several other fishing opportunities, including Noxubee River and Borrow Pits, Loakfama Lake, and more. Fishing from the shore or by boat is allowed at specific times of the year. Read the fishing regulations.

Hiking

There are two boardwalks for viewing wildlife on the water, three overlooks for great views of waterfowl and white-tailed deer, and 5 trails ranging in length. For a short hike in bottomland hardwoods along a creek, try the Beaver Dam Trail. It is a round trip of two miles and follows the banks of Oktoc Creek. View the trail guide (PDF) The Woodpecker Trail traverses a stand of loblolly pines where you might see the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Informative signs about the plants and animals of this habitat are scattered throughout the trail. This is a very short trail and takes about 20 minutes to complete. The Scattertown Trail is a 1.75-mile loop that crosses upland hardwoods forests and hills. You can get a great view of the surrounding terrain from the top of the ridges, which is perfect for seasonal color changes. If you are interested in prairie habitat, the Morgan Hill Overlook and Prairie Trail are a great option.

Hunting

During the appropriate state season, it is allowable to hunt small game, deer, waterfowl, and turkey at the Refuge. Only certain areas are designated for hunting and hunters must follow the appropriate rules and regulations. An entrance pass is required.

Biking

While the trails at the refuge are closed to bicycles, you can ride down any of the many roads to view wildlife, get away from it all, and just enjoy the ride. From pine stands to open prairies and lakes, there is a lot to see as you bike on the Refuge. The refuge encompasses 48,00 acres and allows hunting, fishing, birding, hiking, and more. There are picnic tables set up alongside Bluff Lake – so pack a picnic and take a ride!

Birding

Over 200 species of birds have been recorded at the Refuge. Resident birds include Red-cockaded Woodpeckers, Bobwhite Quail, Eastern Wild Turkey, Wood Ducks, and Barred Owls. Migratory waterfowl utilize the rookery in Bluff Lake and a pair of Bald Eagles have nested here since 2003. The Refuge has been designated an Important Bird Area by the National Audubon Society. With habitats ranging from bottomland hardwoods, wetlands, upland woodlands, old growth pine stands, and a pair of lakes, there is a wide variety of birds and other wildlife on the 42,500 acres that make up the Refuge. From Wood Storks and Prothonotary Warblers to Roseate Spoonbills and Bobolinks, there are many amazing bird species to be found each season. Download the Refuge’s bird list (PDF). An entrance pass is required.

Canoeing and Kayaking

Take a short drive down Blackjack Rd from Starkville to get to the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge where you’ll find Bluff Lake – the perfect spot for canoeing and kayaking. Bluff Lake is 1,200 acres in size and is dotted with cypress trees, American lotus, waterlilies, and lots of aquatic life. The rookery at the far end of the lake will be filled with egrets, herons, and wood storks at certain times of the year. You might even be lucky enough to spot an alligator on the lake when you’re paddling. Just give them plenty of space. The Friends of the Noxubee Refuge, an organization that supports the Refuge, hold free canoe days each year. It’s a great opportunity to test out your canoeing skills.