Beauty can be found all over Mississippi, and that includes along the roadways. The country or back roads that fill the state are known for their exceptional scenery, but those aren’t the only roads where great views can be found. Mississippi is home to several scenic byways, perfect for taking in all the state has to offer. From the renowned Natchez Trace Parkway to lesser-known byways, these Mississippi routes will lead you to amazing sites.
- Logtown Scenic Byway, near Pearlington
MS Gulf Coast Scenic Byways/YouTube Part of the Byways to Space program, this scenic byway takes drivers through acres of pine plantation, hardwood trees, and oak-covered roadways, passing historic settlement sites and waterways. The beautiful Logtown Cemetery is one of the most popular sites along this route and contains graves that date back to the 1850s.
- Natchez Trace Parkway, Natchez to Nashville, Tennessee
James Joel Harris By far the most popular scenic drive in the state, the Natchez Trace Parkway spans over 400 miles through three states, guiding travelers through 10,000 years of history - a journey that is accompanied by views that are out of this world. And just to be sure travelers don’t miss a thing, informative markers along the roadside point out significant spots.
- Great River Road Historic Scenic Byway, Woodville to Tunica
visitmississippi.org This national scenic byway, which follows the course of the Mississippi River, extends 3,000 miles through 10 states. The portion that runs through Mississippi spans over 200 miles and is basically a diary of American history, telling the story of antebellum America, the Civil War, and the long lasting effects of the war.
- Brice’s Crossroads Battlefield-Chief Tishomingo Scenic Byway, Baldwyn to Guntown
John Padgett/Flickr At under 20 miles, this is one of the shortest scenic byways in the state but that doesn’t mean the drive is any less interesting. The C-shaped route traverses two counties and is filled with sites that perfectly portray the state’s rich history. Popular stops along the way include Brice’s Cross Roads National Battlefield and Interpretive Center and the home site of Chief Tishomingo.
- Highway 605, Saucier to Gulfport
Ed Schipul/Flickr This coastal drive will probably only take about an hour or two, which leaves plenty of time for exploring. And since the route ends in Gulfport, the fun won’t end when the drive is over. The city is full of things to do, which includes everything from relaxing on the beach to touring the Turkey Creek Community Historic District.
- Grenada Lake Loop, Grenada
Veronica Windham McNabb/Facebook This winding route is just under 50 miles and traverses pine woods dotted with bluffs, which provide exceptional views of Grenada Lake. There are several popular points of interest along this ride, including the historic truss bridge over the Yalobusha River, Hugh White State Park, and Carver Point State Park.
- Beach Boulevard, Waveland to Biloxi
Steven Martin/Flickr Formerly known as Old Highway 1, the Beach Boulevard byway tour is split into two parts, with Highway 90 being the dividing point. The leisurely coastal drive is about 30 miles long and runs parallel to the coastline, offering exceptional views of the Gulf of Mexico. The picturesque route includes a three-mile walking and biking trail of downtown areas, historic and artistic amenities, restaurants, casinos and unique stores. Noteworthy stops include Magnolia Branch and Cannery Row, Cedar Point, and Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.
- Highway 67, Saucier to Biloxi
Becky Seymour Gatian/Facebook Take this scenic four-lane highway and you’ll be inundated with out of this world views. The route passes directly through the Little Biloxi State Wildlife Management Area, a perfect place for exploration. Enter Biloxi and the vistas change from densely wooded forests to oceanfront views. Travelers along this route will definitely want to make time to explore the renowned landmark, the Biloxi Lighthouse, which is open daily for tours.
- Scenic Highway 18, Port Gibson to Raymond
Matt Northam/Flickr Portraying a more rural portion of the state, this scenic route is under 50 miles and is made up of small, charming towns and picturesque sites. Port Gibson’s historic Trace Cinema and the Raymond courthouse are among the popular points of interest on this scenic path.
When looking to unwind, there’s nothing quite like a scenic drive! Have you taken any of these picturesque routes?
MS Gulf Coast Scenic Byways/YouTube
Part of the Byways to Space program, this scenic byway takes drivers through acres of pine plantation, hardwood trees, and oak-covered roadways, passing historic settlement sites and waterways. The beautiful Logtown Cemetery is one of the most popular sites along this route and contains graves that date back to the 1850s.
James Joel Harris
By far the most popular scenic drive in the state, the Natchez Trace Parkway spans over 400 miles through three states, guiding travelers through 10,000 years of history - a journey that is accompanied by views that are out of this world. And just to be sure travelers don’t miss a thing, informative markers along the roadside point out significant spots.
visitmississippi.org
This national scenic byway, which follows the course of the Mississippi River, extends 3,000 miles through 10 states. The portion that runs through Mississippi spans over 200 miles and is basically a diary of American history, telling the story of antebellum America, the Civil War, and the long lasting effects of the war.
John Padgett/Flickr
At under 20 miles, this is one of the shortest scenic byways in the state but that doesn’t mean the drive is any less interesting. The C-shaped route traverses two counties and is filled with sites that perfectly portray the state’s rich history. Popular stops along the way include Brice’s Cross Roads National Battlefield and Interpretive Center and the home site of Chief Tishomingo.
Ed Schipul/Flickr
This coastal drive will probably only take about an hour or two, which leaves plenty of time for exploring. And since the route ends in Gulfport, the fun won’t end when the drive is over. The city is full of things to do, which includes everything from relaxing on the beach to touring the Turkey Creek Community Historic District.
Veronica Windham McNabb/Facebook
This winding route is just under 50 miles and traverses pine woods dotted with bluffs, which provide exceptional views of Grenada Lake. There are several popular points of interest along this ride, including the historic truss bridge over the Yalobusha River, Hugh White State Park, and Carver Point State Park.
Steven Martin/Flickr
Formerly known as Old Highway 1, the Beach Boulevard byway tour is split into two parts, with Highway 90 being the dividing point. The leisurely coastal drive is about 30 miles long and runs parallel to the coastline, offering exceptional views of the Gulf of Mexico. The picturesque route includes a three-mile walking and biking trail of downtown areas, historic and artistic amenities, restaurants, casinos and unique stores. Noteworthy stops include Magnolia Branch and Cannery Row, Cedar Point, and Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Becky Seymour Gatian/Facebook
Take this scenic four-lane highway and you’ll be inundated with out of this world views. The route passes directly through the Little Biloxi State Wildlife Management Area, a perfect place for exploration. Enter Biloxi and the vistas change from densely wooded forests to oceanfront views. Travelers along this route will definitely want to make time to explore the renowned landmark, the Biloxi Lighthouse, which is open daily for tours.
Matt Northam/Flickr
Portraying a more rural portion of the state, this scenic route is under 50 miles and is made up of small, charming towns and picturesque sites. Port Gibson’s historic Trace Cinema and the Raymond courthouse are among the popular points of interest on this scenic path.
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