Fall outdoor opportunities are here

Published 12:00 pm Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Labor Day has come and gone but there are still opportunities for outdoor fun in the Lafayette County area.

Jeff Wells, assistant park manager at John W. Kyle State Park said there is not anything specifically planned for the fall at the park but it’s a great getaway.

“Once the weather cools off it’s a great time to come out and enjoy the lake. It’s a lot nicer if you’re looking to do outdoor activities where it’s not so hot,” he said. “Fishing is starting to pick up more. It’s still warm enough for lake activities if you want to.”

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In addition to being out on the water, the park offers cabins for a place to stay instead of driving home. The cabins and campground are mostly booked for University of Mississippi football game weekends, but there are openings for non-home game weekends.

Wells said the 20 cabins sleep four individuals and have central heat and air, a kitchen with appliances, DirecTV, and all the modern day things people could need to be comfortable away from home.

“If you just want a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of life with all the conveniences of life, this is a great place to do it,” Wells said.

Brandy Morrow, land use program manager with U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, said there are still options for getting out on Sardis Lake even though the lake level is starting to go down.

She said boat ramps are starting to rise above the water level, but Engineer Point stays under water always so people can come launch a boat and fish. While that particular ramp is in Panola County, there are options for outdoor activities in Lafayette County.

Morrow said there are several hiking trails along Sardis Lake as well as two campgrounds that will be open this fall in the county. Clear Creek also is in Lafayette County and boasts mountain biking trails year-round.

“We have a lot of people who also enjoy camping when it cools off,” she said.

Morrow said hunting is picking up along their land. With the exception of near boat ramps, private property and the refuge in Lafayette County, the U.S. Corp of Engineers land is accessible for hunting.

“Families and people that are out using the lake tapers off, but you still have your campers, a few fishermen, and your traffic in the woods heats up,” she said.

Morrow recommended getting outdoors this fall and utilizing the land and nature opportunities available locally.

“It’s fall and the weather’s nice,” she said. “It’s pretty with the leaves changing and it’s very scenic. Even though it’s not necessarily water recreation season anymore it is a good time to be outdoors. We have a lot to offer in the way of nature.”