Take This Gorgeous Fall Foliage Road Trip To See Mississippi Like Never Before
Get ready to experience the best fall foliage in Mississippi. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the state’s peak fall foliage dates are October 19th – November 4th. Nothing beats Mississippi’s wonderful autumn colors, which is why we decided to look around and find the best places in the state for viewing this annual wonder. Ready to see Mississippi like never before? From state parks to national forests, this one-of-a-kind road trip to the best fall fall foliage in Mississippi will definitely do the trick.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Spanning 860 miles with nearly 14 hours of driving time, you’ll need to break the trip up into at least two days. Staying overnight at one of the state parks is a great option. Click here for more information. No matter what you do, you're certain to see the most spectacular fall colors in Mississippi.
During the fall season, the 189,000-acre Homochitto National Forest comes to life with vibrant colors. The forest is teeming with nature trails and recreation areas, which makes it a great spot for exploring. Lake Okhissa (pictured) provides gorgeous views year-round, especially in the fall. Also nestled in the forest is the Clear Springs Recreation Area. A great stop, the area includes a man-made lake, campground, picnic area, swim area, and two hiking trails. Address: 1200 Highway 184 East, Meadville, MS, 39653.
When it comes to beautiful fall foliage, no place can compare to the Natchez Trace Parkway. Since driving the entire parkway would be a road trip all its own, we decided to include only a portion of the famous path. Located at milepost 105.6, the Reservoir Overlook has been named one of the "Top 30 Favorite Sites" on the Natchez Trace. Spend time here taking in the popular Ross Barnett Reservoir and colorful foliage via a Multi-Use Trail. Address: Natchez Trace Parkway, Canton, MS, 39046.
Built around two lakes and surrounded by gorgeous hardwood forests, stunning views are a given at this Durant state park, and those views only get better during the fall season. Be sure to have your camera ready – the area is known for providing great photo-ops. Address: 5369 State Park Road, Durant, MS, 39063.
A park known for its beauty, Tishomingo only gets better this time of year. Full of massive rock formations, rare fern-filled crevices, and several waterfalls, the park is definitely one of Mississippi’s most impressive natural wonders. You’ll definitely want to devote some time to exploring this park, which has been nationally recognized for its hiking trails, canoeing, scenery, and cabins – making this a great place to stay overnight. Address: 105 County Road 90, Tishomingo, MS, 38873.
You may think lakes are best reserved for summer, but that’s definitely not the case with Sardis Lake, which is located within a 98,000-acre recreation area, perfect for everything from picnicking to hunting. Exploring the area, and the breathtaking fall foliage, is a breeze since there are several nature trails throughout the recreation area. Address: 29049 Highway 315, Sardis, MS, 38666.
Located just south of Starkville, this refuge was created in 1940. Hardwood and pine forests, lakes, ponds, and an array of wildlife fill the 42,500-acre outdoor recreation area. The fall season is the perfect time to visit the area – not only because of the cooler weather but also because of the vibrant foliage that pops up all over the place. Absolutely breathtaking, this WMA is truly a sight to be seen. Fall colors in Mississippi don't get much better than this. Address: 13723 Bluff Lake Road, Brooksville, MS, 39739.
This nature trail is part of Lucedale’s city trail system and follows Depot Creek. Suitable for people of all ages and skill levels, the trail is the perfect way to explore the wooded area surrounding the creek all while taking in the vividly-colored fall foliage. Address: Main St & Depot Street, Lucedale, MS, 39452.
Fall is definitely one of the most beautiful times of the year in Mississippi! Are you excited to take this road trip to the best fall foliage in Mississippi? What are your favorite things to do in fall in Mississippi?
What is the best time to see peak fall foliage in Mississippi?
Mississippi sees peak fall foliagebetween October 19th and November 4th. Even though that is a small window, the colors are absolutely stunning. It’s definitely worth it to plan your autumn adventures in advance. That way, you can soak up all the wonderful beauty this state has to offer.
Where are the best places in Mississippi to see fall foliage?
Homochitto National Forest, located in Meadville, is an incredible place to experience Mississippi’s fall foliage. This 189,000-acre natural area absolutely glistens in the autumn. It’s also home to the shimmering Lake Okhissa. When the nearby trees’ leaves change color, they reflect into the water and provide breathtaking scenery. Holmes County State Park, located in Durant, is another popular autumn destination. Here, you’ll see two lovely lakes and a plethora of colorful trees. Bring your whole family along and enjoy the natural beauty. These places are not to be missed.
What are the best Mississippi hikes to take in the fall?
The Beaver Dam Trail, located in The Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge in Brooksville, is a breezy hike that’s packed with scenic views. This easy stroll is only one mile long, so it’s the perfect outing for young ones. Pat Lamar Park in Oxford is another wonderful place for fall hiking. This park has an easy-to-follow paved path, so you never have to worry about strenuous climbs or elevations. You’ll also come across a tranquil lake and fishing area. This place is picture perfect for a fall picnic.
Though Daniella was born in New York and has lived in a couple of other states, Mississippi has been her home for the past 25 years. After graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi, Daniella began to hone her writing skills through various internships, working for The Royal Obsession and Anatomie clothing. In the years since, she’s had the privilege of having her articles appear in several publications, such as Parents & Kids Magazine and Girl Meets Strong. She’s also had the honor of interviewing actress Sela Ward for The Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience.
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