Mississippi’s Scenic Byways: The Best Routes for a Picturesque Road Trip
Mississippi's diverse landscapes, from the scenic coastal shoreline and dense woodlands to beautiful river valleys, provide the perfect backdrop for an adventure on the open road. Getting behind the wheel to explore Mississippi's scenic byways is an opportunity to discover hidden state history, tour underexplored small-town gems, and soak up the stunning natural scenery making up the great outdoors. From National Scenic Byways to All-American Roads, these routes harbor archaeological, cultural, historical, natural, recreational, and scenic wonders, inviting leisurely driving with frequent stops.
Whether road-tripping alone or with friends, experience Mississippi's geographical and cultural diversity firsthand along these picturesque pathways. Travelers will encounter everything from sleepy coastal communities and spots of Civil War intrigue to untouched forests perfect for recreation or relaxation away from the highway bustle.
Beach Boulevard Scenic Byway
Bay St. Louis Small Craft Harbor.
Previously known as Old Highway 1, this beautiful pathway in Hancock County straddles about 13 miles along the picturesque Gulf coastline, exposing travelers to several historic spots. The path begins in Cedar Point, St. Louis, through Waveland before culminating in Bayou Cadet. Driving along the route is an immersive historical experience that allows you to explore the unique heritages of different towns, with stops at well-preserved historical markers and sites. Notable stops include the Bay St. Louis National Historic District, where you can explore ancient structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Opportunities abound for fun recreational activities, from viewing various bird species along the Mississippi Gulf Coast Birding Trail to cycling on the scenic Dunbar Pier. Buccaneer State Park in Waveland is a notable stop, home to a waterpark, disc golf course, and lovely campsites if you are up for an overnight stay.
Highway 67 Scenic Byway
Biloxi, Mississippi USA 5 May 2021 aerial view of the Biloxi, Mississippi waterfront skyline.
This pleasant byway runs northwest through Harrison County along a 20-mile stretch. It starts in the beautiful town of D'lberville and traverses a lush patch of rural Mississippi dominated by forests and farmlands with thriving plant and animal life. The path bisects the De Soto National Forest, which offers an excellent setting to stop in and immerse in a dense wilderness area with several hiking trails, secluded campsites, and peaceful picnic areas to explore.
The route also traverses several noteworthy destinations, highlighted by the historic city of Biloxi. Drivers will notice the changing vistas as they enter Biloxi, from dense woodlands to oceanfront views. You should also stop at the Little Biloxi State Wildlife Management Area to discover fabulous animal species.
Noxubee Hills Scenic Byway
Leroy Percy State Park, Mississippi's Oldest State Park.
The Noxubee Hills Scenic Byway is set against the backdrop of undulating woodlands in the central section of the state, including the Tombigbee National Forest. It stretches through four counties in Mississippi: Choctaw, Winston, Oktibbeha, and Noxubee, beginning from the beautiful Choctaw Lake. Drivers along the route can look forward to a scenic journey with endless exploration opportunities featuring rich history, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures. Several charming towns on the road are ideal stops to refuel and explore local attractions.
Points of interest to look out for include the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, known for its thriving deer population. It is a famous hunting zone with other small game like turkey and waterfowl. You will also love the section between Highway 45 and Starkville, as it harbors some of the prettiest sights.
Great River Road Scenic Byway
Bluff in fall colors along highway and Mississippi River at Lake Pepin, Minnesota.
The only route designated a National Scenic Byway in Mississippi, the Great River Road is considered among the most important routes in the country. It straddles the Mississippi River, traversing 10 states and countless river communities from the northern part of Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi section spans 275 miles and carries an unmatched wealth of cultural, historical, and natural treasures road-trippers will enjoy discovering. Tourists should pack enough supplies and anticipate a once-in-a-lifetime experience if they plan to explore the entire highway.
There is no shortage of worthwhile stops and towns to explore, with notable points of interest including the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, the oldest music museum in Mississippi, and the Vicksburg National Military Park.
Natchez Trace Parkway
If you are looking for a compelling historical experience during your road trip adventure, Natchez Trace Parkway is an excellent choice among Mississippi's scenic byways. This 444-mile trip traverses three states: Alabama, Tennessee, and Mississippi. The Mississippi part begins in Natchez and continues 312 miles through the state, spoiling drivers with scenic vistas. Exploring the route exposes you to thousands of years of American history along a path used by Native Americans, soldiers, government officials, and settlers in their ancient travels.
Natchez Trace Parkway has numerous recreation opportunities, from camping and biking to hiking. Some notable stops you might want to consider are the Old Trace and Confederate Gravesites and Tishomingo State Park.
Gateway to History Scenic Byway
A Mississippi River scenic landscape with wildflowers in the foreground.
This exciting byway in Madison County tells the fascinating stories of the various communities it passes through. It is popular with tourists looking to explore Mississippi by road and is known for its rich history and natural beauty. The trip begins in Madison and passes through other charming towns, including Flora and Canton. What is unique about the journey is that the concerned communities have shown dedication to preserving the different landmarks and sites in respective old town districts through the years, resulting in a vivid window into the years gone by.
Prominent attractions include the Petrified Forest in Flora, which allows you to delve into millions of years of history in a serene forest with a museum, nature trail, and gem-mining site. The historic Town of Livingston is another exciting site. Once deserted, it is being replicated to mirror its original state.
Byways to Space Scenic Byway
The Byways to Space Scenic Byway is a collection of six routes straddling over 30 miles through the NASA Stennis Space Center's buffer zone. These wind through a lovely countryside dominated by oaks, passing through historic sites and landmarks with exquisite views. Tourists are in for an adventurous trip with several recreational activities, including hiking, biking, kayaking, and bird-watching. The six routes are named as a tribute to the individual communities that had to cede their land and give way to the Stennis Space Center and include Logtown, NASA, Napoleon, Santa Rosa, Westonia, and Pearlington.
While numerous sites to explore exist, you do not want to miss the INFINITY Science Center in Pearlington. This center excites guests with educational exhibits that plunge them into the fascinating world of science, technology, and astronomy.
Brice’s Crossroads Battlefield-Chief Tishomingo Scenic Byway
Walking path in Brice's Crossroads Battlefield in Mississippi.
One of Mississippi's most impressive scenic routes, this beautiful byway mixes multiple historical heritages to deliver an absorbing experience. It features Native American, Civil War, and African American histories and straddles Lee and Prentiss Counties. Driving along the byway exposes drivers to several Civil War sites, historic cemeteries, and ancient tribal sites, including the home of Chickasaw Chief Tishomingo.
Each location has an interesting backstory, which makes the trip even more gripping and satisfying. Brice's Crossroads Visitors Center is one of the best attractions. The remarkable facility exhibits an impressive mix of archeological relics from the infamous Civil War battlefield.
Wrapping Up
Driving down one of Mississippi's scenic byways is a perfect way to spend a day escaping the ordinary. The journey immerses travelers in the natural, historical, and cultural richness that gives this state its uniqueness with a look into its formative years. Many memorable scenes and hidden gems come into perspective as travelers take the time to appreciate the picturesque changing landscapes out the window. Memories from the adventure will linger long after returning home.
