Are you ready for fall foliage, bonfires, and cooler weather? Mississippi sees its share of hot summer days and fall is the perfect time to step outside and enjoy cooler temperatures. From breathtaking bike tours to awe-inspiring birdwatching opportunities, add these outdoor fall activities to your calendar. Here are the 10 best in Mississippi.
Fall bike tours on the Natchez Trace Parkway are in high demand and usually sell out fast. The scenery is breathtaking, taking you through twists and turns through incredible fall scenery with no major climbing required. If you want to take advantage of this group ride, you better book early.
If you’re planning to ride the Natchez Trace Parkway this fall, get the food fuel you need with a breakfast stop at The Castle Restaurant. The name sets the right expectations - this place looks every bit of a castle and you’ll dine like royalty. Breakfast consists of elevated eats like croissants, fresh fruit, hard boiled eggs, and breakfast casserole, among other top choices.
This long-time hiking outpost has everything you need for fall hiking. Family owned and operated, you can find top brands like Patagonia, Chaco, and Columbia, among others. And since the folks here are locals and fellow hikers, they can also point you in the right direction for some of the best trails to hike this fall.
Truly a gem in the big city, LeFleur’s Bluff State Park is the biggest green space in Jackson and can make you feel like your miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life. The park is largely frequented by golfers and fishermen, but their nature trails offer an enjoyable escape during the fall. You might also luck out on a campsite so you can extend your stay.
The world of watersports isn’t quite finished when fall rolls around. Okatoma Outdoor Post still offers kayak and canoe rentals through Halloween, and by all means you should take advantage. Set adrift on a simple day trip or extend your stay with primitive camping. It’s your last chance until next year, so book your visit soon.
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This pier is one of many hotbeds along the Mississippi coast that offer close looks at fall migration. Ruby-throated hummingbirds are usually spotted all along the coast toward the end of September. The pier is frequented most often by birders hoping to see water and wading birds that are popular in marshy areas.
This local’s hotspot is a great place to unwind after a long day of bird sighting. Their menu is one of the most diverse in town, offering everything from burgers and sandwiches to steak and seafood. The food is tasty, the service is quick, and you’ll leave full thanks to plentiful portions.
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Mississippi isn’t exactly a climber’s paradise, but the bluffs in Tishomingo State Park can satisfy the need for a quick climb. Climbing is only available by permit and you’ll need to bring your own gear, but there’s truly no other climbing experience like it anywhere else in the state. You also have the added benefit of being surrounded by beautiful foliage in the fall.
Whether you’re planning some climbing or just want to welcome fall with a campsite bonfire, this state park is among the best. The park is teeming with hiking trails, wildflowers, and amazing sights that make this state park stand out from the rest. Camping grants you access to it all, including disc golf, sports areas, and fishing.
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Featuring trails, sandbars, and a campground, Wild Country Off-Road is beloved by locals and visitors alike. Featuring 1,000 acres of space, this off-road park is a bit of a local legend. Not only is there opportunity for off-roading, but this park also has fishing, primitive campsites, an indoor concert hall, a restaurant, and an awesome mud race track. You won't want to miss out on this come fall.
Alli Hill is a freelance content writer and mom of two. She spends most of her free time exploring the great outdoors by trail or by kayak. She is also the founder and director of FreelanceSpeak, a blog to support other freelance creatives.
