Finding Mayes Lake is relatively easy, even though the signs are not very helpful. The easiest approach is from I-55. Take the Lakeland (Highway 25) exit heading northeast towards Carthage. After traveling about 6/10 of a mile on Lakeland Drive, take a right at the second light (a Shell station is at the corner)where there s a brown sign that says "LeFleur's Bluff State Park Camping Entrance."
After traveling a block, a colorful sign announces "Mayes Lake" in large letters and "LeFleur's Bluff State Park" in small script. The daily entrance fee for automobiles in $2.00 (or pay $20.00 for an annual pass good for a calendar year). After passing through the gate, take the first right which will lead you to the picnic area parking lot. After scanning the lakes for waterbirds, the picnic area is often productive, particularly along the edge of the western lake (the one with the most cypress and cypress stumps). Thereafter, follow the nature trail. Several spurs from the nature trail are often productive. Watch out for adundant poison ivy as well as mosquitos, snakes and other critters. Take bug repellant and water in warm weather.
Be sure to visit the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, which is reached from the I-55 entrance to LeFleur's Bluff State Park. Current adult admission price is $4.00 and it is well worth the price. Individual ($25.00) and Family ($50.00) memberships are available. Benefits for the yearly membership include museum admission,(plus admission to more than 200 other participating museums) member-only events, Musuem newsletter and 10% discount at the Dragonfly Shoppe. Call the Nature Center at 601-354-7303 for details.
