Cat Island NWR - Updates

Information on accessibility, special events and general announcements.

Every year Cat Island National Wildlife Refuge floods from the rising waters of the Mississippi River, which makes this refuge so unique. Parts of the refuge will periodically be closed due to the high water that can get as deep as 20 feet or more in places. The champion bald-cypress tree, which is several miles by road from the refuge entrance, will become inaccessible.
Follow the information on this page to plan your visit to Cat Island NWR. At

Home-made wooden kayak in foreground is a 16 footer.  Compared it to  the very large bald-cypress tree in background.

certain flooding levels, hiking and other activities will become very limited. However, it is the best time to paddle your canoe, kayak and pirogue. All precautions of boating safety should be taken, as it is easy to get lost if you are not familiar with the area. Purchase a map at the WFP Historical Museum on Ferdinand St.; bring a compass or GPS, and plenty of drinking water. If you are not experience in tracking your way, it is recommended to paddle down the main road and/or the ATV trails. Beware; cell phone service is limited on the refuge.
It's a great time to view migratory birds, discover some very old and large bald-cypress trees - some nearly as large & exciting as the champion tree, photography and interesting nature when things change from dry to underwater.
Enjoy the wonders of nature but be very cautious, this is a very remote area.

Reported birds sightings so far include; vireos, summer tanagers, cardinals, herons, egrets, chickadees, pileated woodpeckers, red-headed woodpeckers, bald-eagles, swallow-tailed kites, Mississippi kites, barred owls, hawks, indigo buntings, painted buntings, chat, variety of warbles, various ducks, vultures, crow, red-winged black birds, grackles, owls and more.

Latest conditions:

Jan. 3, 2012:  The refuge is closed for all activities, except for boating.  The flood waters are now near the entrance.

Sept. 14, 2011:  The refuge is open for all activities, except for boating.  The flood waters are now down and the trails are dry.

March 12, 2011:  The Cat Island NWR is presently closed for all activities except for boating, fishing and crawfishing due to the normal Spring flooding.  Boat drop in is at the weigh-in station (end of the straight road from the entrance).   Paddler should be cautious that it is easy to get lost unless you stay on the road.  Carrying a GPS is advised if travel to the lake or wandering into the cypress groves.

November, 2010:  The park is fully open.  The big tree (National Champion Bald-cypress) is now accessible.

July 17, 2010: The champion bald-cypress tree is not accessible. Water has resided back past Blue Goose Trail's parking lot, but next gate is closed.  Small boats can be launched at this point.

June 27, 2010: Opened to Blue Goose Trail. Access to Champion Bald-cypress tree is not possible, only first two gates are open.



See Mississppi River Gauge Reading Below