When it’s fall in Mississippi, the roadsides are bursting with color. The bold hues are expected to be at their peak soon, giving you plenty of time to plan a foliage-fueled ride to see fall colors in Mississippi. To make your journey a bit easier, we mapped out a route that’ll lead you to some of the state’s best seasonal views. Take a look at this fall foliage drive in Mississippi.

The Natchez Trace Parkway is the perfect place for a scenic drive, especially during the fall.
google.com
Spanning hundreds of miles, driving the entire parkway would take quite a bit of time, which is why we opted to include just a portion of the scenic roadway. The route shown on the map covers 111 miles and will take roughly two hours to complete.
Begin your journey at Jeff Busby Campground. Located at milepost 193.1, you can simply drive through the area, or stop and take advantage of the campground’s amenities, which include picnic tables, grills, and access to Little Mountain, the 2nd highest point in Mississippi.
The Natchez Trace/Facebook
A 0.8-mile trail makes it easy to access the top of Little Mountain, where you’ll find an overlook that’s perfect for doing some leaf-peeping.
CapturedAudience/Getty Images
From Jeff Busby Campground, simply follow the Natchez Trace and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Natchez Trace Parkway/Facebook
When it comes to fall foliage in Mississippi, yellow and gold are the most common hues.
Natchez Trace Parkway/Facebook

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Remember, though, the Natchez Trace Parkway spans several hundred miles, which means the leaf color varies widely throughout its length.
Whatknot/Flickr
When you want to stretch your legs or get a closer look at the colorful leaves, consider stopping at the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail, which can be accessed from the Old Town Overlook Trailhead (milepost 263.9).
Jason Douglas/AllTrails
It can also be reached from the Beech Springs Trailhead (milepost 266.0). The trailhead is just across the parkway from the Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center (seen here).
Natchez Trace Parkway/Facebook
The route we mapped out comes to an end at Tishomingo State Park. You can opt to simply drive through the park or stop and explore all it has to offer - which is a lot.
Joe Adair‎/Only In Mississippi Facebook
Waterfalls, huge rock formations, and a swinging bridge are just a few things you’ll find at the top-rated state park.
Dean Schumacher/Google

Learn the history of the Natchez Trace area:

So, are you ready to soak up some seasonal hues on this fall foliage drive in Mississippi? For more information, visit the National Park Service on the web. You can also call the Foliage Hotline at (866) 733-6477.

Have you ever driven the Natchez Trace Parkway in the fall? Or maybe you know of another prime spot for leaf-peeping in Mississippi? If so, let us know in the comments section. Make sure to prepare with some road trip essentials before you head out!

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More to Explore

Natural Beauty in Mississippi

William Suphan | August 03, 2023

What are the most incredible natural attractions in Mississippi?

The most incredible natural attractions in Mississippi include:

  • Tishomingo State Park. There is so much to do in this park, like mountain climbing, riding the rapids, and learning about Native American history. 
  • Strawberry Plains Audubon Center. There are thousands of acres of wildflowers, wildlife, hummingbird gardens, and walking trails here.
  • Deer Island. You’ll have to take a boat to get here, but the natural beauty of this place is well worth the effort.
  • Red Bluff. This is locally known as “Mississippi’s Little Grand Canyon” and, like its namesake, it was caused by erosion from a river over millions of years.

Find out more about the most incredible natural attractions in Mississippi. 

What are some bucket list natural wonders in Mississippi?

Bucket list natural wonders in Mississippi include:

What are the most incredible natural attractions in Mississippi?

The most incredible natural attractions in Mississippi include:

  • Tishomingo State Park. There is so much to do in this park, like mountain climbing, riding the rapids, and learning about Native American history. 
  • Strawberry Plains Audubon Center. There are thousands of acres of wildflowers, wildlife, hummingbird gardens, and walking trails here.
  • Deer Island. You’ll have to take a boat to get here, but the natural beauty of this place is well worth the effort.
  • Red Bluff. This is locally known as “Mississippi’s Little Grand Canyon” and, like its namesake, it was caused by erosion from a river over millions of years.

Find out more about the most incredible natural attractions in Mississippi. 

What are some bucket list natural wonders in Mississippi?

Bucket list natural wonders in Mississippi include:

  • Sky Lake Wildlife Management Area. Some of the most ancient bald cypress trees grow here and you can walk among them on elevated boardwalks.
  • Gulf Islands National Seashore. This is one of the most stunning places in the South. Bayous, beaches, nature trails, and so much more await. 
  • Natchez Trace Parkway. The Cypress Swamp is nestled within this vast landscape and is one of many wonders in this park.
  • Petrified Forest. These petrified trees transformed over 35 million years from wood to stone and are truly a wonder of nature. 

Discover more about bucket list natural wonders in Mississippi. 

What are some hidden waterfalls in Mississippi?

Hidden waterfalls in Mississippi include:

  • Merit Falls. These ruching waterfalls are found in Merit Waterpark on Rials Creek and are a great place for the whole family to play in the water.
  • Seminary Falls. These were once called the falls on Okatoma and while they’re not very tall, they make up for it with their beauty.
  • Clark Creek Falls. There are about 50 waterfalls in this 700-acre area and it’s a blast to hop around from one to the other.
  • Cooper Falls. These 50-foot-tall waterfalls are considered the most beautiful in the state and they’re on the shores of Pickwick Lake.

Learn more about hidden waterfalls in Mississippi. 

  • Sky Lake Wildlife Management Area. Some of the most ancient bald cypress trees grow here and you can walk among them on elevated boardwalks.
  • Gulf Islands National Seashore. This is one of the most stunning places in the South. Bayous, beaches, nature trails, and so much more await. 
  • Natchez Trace Parkway. The Cypress Swamp is nestled within this vast landscape and is one of many wonders in this park.
  • Petrified Forest. These petrified trees transformed over 35 million years from wood to stone and are truly a wonder of nature. 

Discover more about bucket list natural wonders in Mississippi. 

What are some hidden waterfalls in Mississippi?

Hidden waterfalls in Mississippi include:

  • Merit Falls. These ruching waterfalls are found in Merit Waterpark on Rials Creek and are a great place for the whole family to play in the water.
  • Seminary Falls. These were once called the falls on Okatoma and while they’re not very tall, they make up for it with their beauty.
  • Clark Creek Falls. There are about 50 waterfalls in this 700-acre area and it’s a blast to hop around from one to the other.
  • Cooper Falls. These 50-foot-tall waterfalls are considered the most beautiful in the state and they’re on the shores of Pickwick Lake.

Learn more about hidden waterfalls in Mississippi. 

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105 Co Rd 90, Tishomingo, MS 38873, USA