Mississippi is full of natural wonders, and among those wonders are cypress swamps. These swamps are filled with trees, some dating back more than 1,000 years. The cypress trees are unique in the fact that they produce roots known as “knees,” which protrude from the surface of the water. The swamps also provide the perfect habitat for a variety of wildlife, making them prime locations for photography. By far some of the most beautiful sites in the state, a visit to a cypress swamp is a must. Still not convinced? The following photos should do the trick.

  1. Located in the Noxubee Wildlife Refuge, this stunning cypress swamp is home to a number of species.

Robert Barnette/Flickr

  1. Referred to as “a natural treasure in the Mississippi Delta,” the Greenville Cypress Preserve encompasses 16 acres and includes benches and an observation deck to make viewing the preserve that much more enjoyable.

Jimmy Smith/Flickr

  1. Belzoni’s Sky Lake Wildlife Management Area features a 1,700’ boardwalk that is perfect for viewing ancient bald cypress trees, some of which are more than a thousand years old and vary in size, with the biggest measuring 47 feet in circumference and 70 feet in height – one of the tallest in the state.

skylakemississippi.org

James Joel Harris

  1. Located at milepost 122 of the Natchez Trace Parkway, this cypress swamp includes a self-guided trail that is approximately one-half mile, allowing plenty of time for an alligator sighting – which has been known to happen.

Stephen Bugno/Flickr

Art DiTommaso/Flickr

  1. This beautiful sunrise was captured during the winter at a cypress swamp in the northwestern area of the state.

Steven Wayne/Flickr

  1. Gorgeous doesn’t even begin to describe this tranquil cypress swamp, which was photographed in 2011.

Mzuriana/Flickr

  1. The cypress grove on Bluff Lake is located near Starkville and features a boardwalk, making for easy viewing and great photo-ops.

Roger Smith/Flickr

  1. The boardwalk at Bluff Lake is also a great spot for viewing fall foliage.

Roger Smith/Flickr

Have you visited any of the state’s gorgeous cypress swamps? Share your photos by sending them to submit-ms@onlyinyourstate.com.

Robert Barnette/Flickr

Jimmy Smith/Flickr

skylakemississippi.org

James Joel Harris

Stephen Bugno/Flickr

Art DiTommaso/Flickr

Steven Wayne/Flickr

Mzuriana/Flickr

Roger Smith/Flickr

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