Enjoying the great outdoors is easy when you live in Mississippi. There are so many incredible sights – from secret waterfalls to treetop trails and beyond! And just to ensure that you see the state’s best sights, we’ve mapped out the ultimate Mississippi nature lovers road trip.
At 388 miles, the route will take just under seven hours to complete.
Can't imagine being in the car for 7+ hours? Don’t worry. We’ve included a couple of lodging options, so you can easily spread the trip out over several days.
1. Elvis Presley Center (Tupelo)
The Elvis Presley Center isn’t just a must-visit for music fans. Nature enthusiasts will also be pleased with the site, as it includes a boardwalk path that winds around a pristine lake and past a small waterfall. For more info, visit the Elvis Presley Birthplace website.
2. Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge (Starkville)
A great place to reconnect with nature, the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge spans 48,000 acres and offers a wealth of recreational opportunities, including hunting, fishing, nature photography, and hiking. It’s also a great place for bird-watching since the National Audubon Society has designated the refuge an "Important Bird Area." For more info, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.
3. Bonita Lakes Park (Meridian)
This 3,300-acre park is brimming with idyllic beauty – and plenty of opportunities for fun! Park-goers can spend their time paddling, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, exercising, picnicking, or simply listening to the birds. An added perk – you can bring along your dog (so long as he's on a leash). For more info, visit the Bonita Lakes Park website.
4. McClain (Brandon)
A one-stop shop for outdoor lovers, McClain is a 2,000-acre resort with rustic dining, a petting zoo, safari tours, and more. There’s also lodging, which makes McClain a great place to stop for the night if you want to extend your road trip into an overnight adventure. For more info, visit the McClain website.
5. Chautauqua Park (Crystal Springs)
Absolutely idyllic, this 74-acre park boasts wooded rolling hills, flowing springs, and a 35-acre lake. It’s got a couple of trails, too, including the state’s only treetop trail. Fun for all ages, the 1,500-foot elevated boardwalk trail affords hikers a unique "squirrel’s-eye view" of the surroundings. For more info, visit the Chautauqua Park website.
6. Red Bluff (Foxworth)
The Grand Canyon is a long way from Mississippi. Luckily, the state’s got its own version of the iconic landmark. At over 150 feet deep, a half of a mile wide, and almost a mile long, it’s fittingly known as the "Little Grand Canyon." Admire Red Bluff from above, or, for an added adventure, head down into the canyon, and follow the well-beaten path that leads through a forest and past train wreckage, before coming to an end at the Pearl River. For more info, check out the Red Bluff Facebook page.
7. Paradise Ranch and Resort (Tylertown)
Paradise Ranch and Resort is the perfect place to wrap up your road trip. Not only does the 105-acre resort offer several lodging options, but it boasts entertainment and attractions for the whole family. For more info, check out the Paradise Ranch and Resort website.
Ready to embark on this nature-inspired road trip? Then you’ll definitely want to take a closer look at the route, which can easily be customized.
Let’s switch gears now and focus on something else that’s abundant in Mississippi – great pizza! Lucky for you, we’ve mapped out the ultimate pizza pilgrimage through Mississippi.
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