Here Are the Best Times and Places to View Mississippi’s Fall Foliage in 2025

It’s no secret that fall in Mississippi doesn’t look like our northern friends' version. However, we welcome the cozy season the best way we know how. We still see the leaves change here...if you know when and where to look. Of course, the weather gets crisp, and if we’re lucky, we are greeted with misty mornings, too. 

Now, we’ve still got a few weeks until we start to see the season transform from the sunny days of summer to the peaceful rhythms of autumn. But if you ask me, this is a great time to start blocking off weekends in your calendar so you can be prepared to witness the best fall foliage in Mississippi. So, when do leaves change color in Mississippi?

Take a look at the Smoky Mountains fall foliage map for 2025. As you click on the different dates, you’ll see the map change. Pretty neat, right? The good news? You’ll have up-to-date information on when to visit your favorite fall destinations in Mississippi. 

So, when to expect fall foliage in Mississippi? While the first week of October may be a swell time to do some leaf-peeping in the northern half of the United States, fall in Mississippi tends to make a casual late appearance. Beginning in mid-October, northern Mississippi will begin to see partial change, albeit slowly. Your patience will be rewarded toward the end of October when Mississippi starts to transform into a beautiful color splash of reds, oranges, and yellows.

Peak fall foliage in Mississippi typically happens around the first week of November, and if you really want to experience fall in Mississippi, I’d block out that weekend to do some exploring. This is a great time to visit Tishomingo State Park, Wall Doxey State Park, or even the Homochitto National Forest. A road trip in Mississippi is another fantastic way to see fall foliage, and there are plenty of scenic routes you can take.

My all-time favorite is the Natchez Trace Parkway that stretches for 444 miles from Natchez, MS, to Nashville, Tennessee. On the portion of the scenic drive in Mississippi, expect to see gorgeous fall colors as well as historical sites, parks, picnic areas, overlooks, and nature at its best. I promise you'll find fall inspiration around every turn.

Aside from scenic drives and leaf-peeping, early November is also a wonderful time to go camping! Camping during the fall is my absolute favorite. The cooler temperatures keep the mosquitoes at bay, and the views are just mesmerizing. You can always rent a cabin at one of the state parks in Mississippi, but if you really want to level up your camping experience, consider renting an RV through RVShare.

While this Smoky Mountains fall foliage map is pretty accurate, remember that Mother Nature can throw a curveball at us at any moment. One cold snap can change everything, so if you want to experience the leaves changing colors in Mississippi, I’d recommend opening up your availability and staying as flexible as possible. Happy leaf-peeping!

What are your favorite things to do in Mississippi in the fall? Are you planning your autumn excursions for the season? If not, what are you waiting for? Consider using our Only In Your State itinerary planner to personalize your fall adventures this year.  

Feature Image: Jasmin Merdan/ Moment Collection via Getty Images