º£½ÇÉçÇø

A chill is in the air. Alligators know they will stop eating soon. The dying leaves are paradoxically coming to life. It is time to discover for yourself why Mississippi is the hospitality state. There are many small Mississippi towns to escape the crowds and take in the glorious seasonal shift between the branches.

Hattiesburg

The secret of Hattiesburg is going to explode in the tourism industry at any moment. Get there and live it as it is now while you can. The city of approximately 49,000 residents has a lovely little zoo. The falling shades of leaves blend surprisingly well with their capybara, spider monkeys, and African-spurred tortoise. The Paul B. Johnson State Park has slash pads, disc golf, and cabins waiting for you. The crown jewel of Hattiesburg is the 44-mile Longleaf Trace trail. You can walk, run, bike, or rollerblade the gentle passage. The speed limit is 15 mph no matter how you are moving.

Waterford

Waterford is within the boundaries of Holly Springs National Forest. The area was once a swath of abandoned agricultural parcels. To keep the soil from wasting to nothing, the Civilian Conservation Corps planted shortleaf and loblolly pines. Today, the trees’ scent opens the lungs and eyes of getaway seekers. Waterford is where Mississippians arrive to enjoy Wall Doxy State Park. The park cradles a 60-acre lake. For a spot that is a mere hop, skip, and jump from Memphis, the crowds are refreshingly small. Breathe a sigh of relief along with the wildlife that has returned to this revived landscape.  

Oxford

A drive to the college town of Oxford, just down the road from Ole Miss, is a treat after the new students have settled in. Pick an exam week to check out The Grove, tailgating grounds that showcase elms, oaks, and magnolia trees. Enjoy the gradual cinema of autumn at the grounds of Rowen Oak, once the home of William Faulker. The property and the connected Bailey Woods Trail are open all year round. The Greek revival-style home itself is closed on Mondays and keeps limited hours on Sundays. Admission is $5 for everyone over 12.

Tishomingo

The town of Tishomingo itself only has a population of 339, but the surrounding county’s 18,000 residents happily enjoy one of the most radiant jewels in the Mississippi crown. Boats can be rented for speed on the Tombigbee Waterway or Pickwick Lake. Chances are, though, that you will not want to rush. Rent a kayak or canoe and watch the leaves descend near Pickwick’s shoreline. Tishomingo State Park in the Appalachian foothills has been regularly inhabited since at least 7000 BC. Get a preview of the attraction by driving the Natchez Trace Parkway through the park.

Tupelo

A quick hack for finding a stellar autumn drive is seeking towns named after trees. The Tupelo tree is a flood-resilient forest dweller that loves to get dramatic around October and November. The population of 37,000 town amasses a steady trickle of tourists year-round looking for a glimpse of Elvis Presley’s birthplace. The town has a biannual furniture sale, allowing you to snag that rare find you did not know you wanted. Tombigbee State Park is just 6 miles south and has cabins for rent. The gentle surface of Lake Lee makes it a peaceful leaf-watching seat.

Amory

Monroe County is bursting with black oak, black cherry trees, black walnut, and the spectacularly deciduous American Elm. Armory is a lovely town in the middle of this beautiful mess with a population of 6,500. The walking trail around McAlpine Lake is your ticket to take in the foliage. The lake itself is a designated youth fishing area; it is only permitted for those 15 and below. The trail has interpretive features, making the spot perfect for families and class trips. While in town, you will not regret trying the shakes and fries at Dairy Kream.

Grenada

Grenada has a population of 12,400 people and sits on the 36,000-acre Grenada Lake; Mississippi’s largest. The lake’s corresponding crappie population makes Grenada the best-kept fishing secret in the state. A fall travel tip: good low-key fishing areas make great fall getaways. Grenada’s pristine ecosystem supports both traveler’s needs mutually. If you have an adventure in your blood, Grenada Lake is the perfect spot to begin your journey on the 520-mile Yalobusha River Trail.

Mississippi’s state bird is the Northern Mockingbird, an adorable little grey and brownish little survivor who loves to parody the rest of the forest. A 2009 paper established that the Northern Mockingbird remembers individual humans. As you tick destinations off your checklist, be aware that your actions are remembered. Please leave no trace in parklands and support local and Native American businesses whenever possible. Kindness echoes.