Mathews Brake National Wildlife Refuge
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Mathews Brake National Wildlife Refuge is a protected area covering over 2,400 acres in north-central Mississippi.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
The refuge is home to a wide range of wildlife, including waterfowl, migratory birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors can explore the refuge's diverse habitats, including forested wetlands, open fields, and cypress-tupelo swamps.
One of the top reasons to visit Mathews Brake National Wildlife Refuge is its exceptional birdwatching opportunities. The refuge is a vital stopover site for migratory birds, and visitors can see a wide variety of species throughout the year. Some of the most common birds seen at the refuge include wood ducks, blue-winged teal, northern pintails, and great blue herons.
Other points of interest at the refuge include the Old Sledge Trail, a historic route used by early settlers and Native Americans, and the Mathews Brake Boardwalk, which offers visitors a close-up look at the swamp's unique ecosystem. Visitors can also fish, hunt, and hike at the refuge.
Interesting facts about Mathews Brake National Wildlife Refuge include its role in protecting and restoring wetland habitats, which are critical for both wildlife and humans. The refuge is also home to several rare and endangered species, including the Louisiana pine snake and the ringed sawback turtle.
The best time of year to visit Mathews Brake National Wildlife Refuge depends on the visitor's interests. Spring is an excellent time for birdwatching and wildflower viewing, while fall is the prime hunting season. Visitors looking to avoid the summer heat and humidity may want to plan their trip for the cooler months of October through March.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References