There’s nothing quite like a scenic drive. It’s the perfect way to see some of the state’s best sights, without overexerting yourself. Lucky for us, there are lots beautiful backroads in Mississippi, including the seven scenic byways below.

1. William Faulkner Scenic Byway
Matthew Pintar/Google
Boasting immense history and scenic beauty, this 15-mile route is located almost entirely within the Holly Springs National Forest, passing by several locations closely related to the byway’s namesake, William Faulkner. Points of interest include Faulkner’s birthplace and grave as well as the Tanglefoot Trail and Puskus Lake Recreational Area.
2. Noxubee Hills Route Scenic Byway
Roger Smith/Flickr
When it comes to stunning vistas, this route, which winds through the rolling woodlands of central Mississippi, has got plenty of them. Beginning at Choctaw Lake, the byway meanders through Tombigbee National Forest and passes by the beautiful Bluff Lake.
3. Highway 67 Scenic Byway
James Duke/Google
Vistas of flora and fauna are plentiful along this byway, which extends 20 miles through forests and agricultural areas. There are quite a few historically significant cities and towns along the way too.

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4. Gateway to History Scenic Byway
Will Allen/Google
Spanning 32 miles, this byway is brimming with beautiful views and historic sites. In fact, county officials established the Mannsdale-Livingston Preservation District in 2005 in an effort to protect the significant sites that line the byway. Offering something for everyone, the byway’s points of interest include Livingston Township (a replica of a historic county seat), a farmer’s market, a general store, organic gardens, and lots of boutiques.
5. Gulf Coast Scenic Byway
Downtown Long Beach, MS/Facebook
A great way to see the coast, this 18-mile stretch borders the Gulf of Mexico, passing through Pass Christian, Long Beach, and Gulfport. In addition to oceanfront vistas, the byway offers access to numerous historic structures.
6. Grand Gulf-Raymond Scenic Byway
Gilbert Thompson/Wikimedia
Scenic sights and history unite on this 50-mile route, which follows the path General Grant travelled during the Civil War. Informative markers line the byway, highlighting its significance. And though the route has since been paved, it still retains much of its Civil War appearance.
7. Byways to Space Scenic Byway
MS Gulf Coast National Heritage Area/Facebook
Giving drivers an impromptu history lesson, this byway runs through the Stennis Space Center’s 125,000-acre buffer zone, which boasts a combination of scenic countryside and former historic settlements. Recreational opportunities are also plentiful, as several parks line the route and offer everything from hiking to kayaking.

 

For more info on these routes as well as the state’s other scenic byways, check out the Mississippi DOT website.

These aren’t the only scenic drives in Mississippi. There several others, but there’s no denying that the Natchez Trace Parkway is the most famous. The 444-mile drive is lined with great sites, including these little-known and unforgettable destinations.

 

 

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