BLUEWAY SPOTLIGHT GRASSY POINT

As part of the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area’s Nature Based Tourism effort, the Blueways program was established to provide explorers an unforgettable experience along miles of beaches, rivers, creeks and bayous. There are currently 15 Blueways, or water trails, that have been mapped out for recreational canoers and kayakers within the six coastal counties in Mississippi. Here is a quick look at the Grassy Point Blueway in Hancock and Harrison Counties.

The Grassy Point Blueway is located along the northern shore of the St. Louis Bay in both Hancock and Harrison counties. Beginning in Pass Christian, at the Marlin Necaise Public Boat Launch on the Wolf River, the water trail heads west into the St. Louis Bay just below Delisle, Miss. Aiming for the southern point of the Grassy Point peninsula, the namesake of this blueway, the trail continues west towards Diamondhead. On the west side of the St. Louis Bay, the trail enters Cutoff Bayou just south of Diamondhead and north of the Jourdan River. Approximately three-quarters of a mile up Cutoff Bayou is a major tributary on the right that will lead you to the terminus of the Grassy Point Blueway at the Diamondhead Marina after about a 1 and one-quarter mile paddle. From beginning to end, the blueway is roughly a 10.2-mile trip, and it is suggested for paddlers with at least an intermediate level of experience. Much of the journey is in the open waters of the St. Louis Bay, and boating traffic should be taken into consideration. Strong winds from the south can create an appreciable chop in the St. Louis Bay and a check of the weather conditions is advised when planning an outing. Both the Marlin Necaise Boat Launch and the Diamondhead Marina provide easy water access and ample public parking for boaters and paddlers alike.

Consider an estuarine system which offers a large variety of habitats for both flora and fauna, including beautiful marsh settings teeming with an abundance of song, raptor and wading birds. For anglers, this blueway offers inshore fish species including flounder, Redfish and Speckled Trout. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks as there are no amenities once in the open bay. The Grassy Point Blueway connects with the Wolf River Blueway to the east and the Rotten Bayou Blueway to the west for paddlers looking for their next adventure.

To learn more about the Grassy Point Blueway, or the many other coastal blueways Mississippi offers for paddlers, visit the Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area’s website at msgulfcoastheritage.ms.gov/natural/blueways/. Here you will find descriptions for all the coastal blueways, as well as downloadable PDF maps, to help plan your adventure.

Saturday, June 24th 8 AM to 2 PM

Henderson Point Park at the base of the Bay Bridge in Pass Christian

Paddle the Bay or around the bayous, and/or Run the Road

Food, Music & Fun https://secure.givelively.org/donate/the-rotary-charity-trust-fund/2023-rotary-of-pass-christian-paddle-the-bay-with-a-5k

WIN the gold, silver or bronze paddle with prizes by raising the most money!