2025's Towns In Mississippi That Come Alive In The Fall

Mississippi in autumn bursts with vibrant color, crisp air, and a spirit of celebration. From Holly Springs and its rolling hills to the riverfront views of Natchez, each town reveals a unique side of the season. College towns like Oxford glow with campus energy, while Tishomingo and Tupelo invite outdoor adventure amid fiery foliage. Festivals, history, and scenic drives make each stop unforgettable. Here are 2025’s towns in Mississippi that truly come alive in the fall.

Holly Springs

Holly Springs bursts into color from late October through early November, when its rolling hills and wooded landscapes transform into a canvas of fiery reds, oranges, and golds. Nestled in the northern part of the state, the town’s geography—surrounded by forests, lakes, and historic countryside—creates a striking backdrop for leaf-peeping. Reflections of fall foliage shimmer across the waters of Wall Doxey State Park and Chewalla Lake, making them favorite stops for hiking, camping, and lakeside views.

The sprawling Holly Springs National Forest adds to the spectacle with its mix of hardwoods and pine stands, offering endless opportunities for scenic drives and quiet walks beneath the changing canopy. For a unique perspective, the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center blends history with nature, where trails wind past ponds, wildflower meadows, and hardwood forests glowing in autumn hues.

Oxford

Oxford reaches peak fall color in mid to late October, when the town’s oak, maple, and hickory trees ignite the landscape with warm hues. Resting in the North Mississippi hills, Oxford’s natural topography and mix of woodlands create a picturesque setting for the season. The lakeside charm of Lamar Park and the leafy trails of the South Campus Rail Trail showcase the rich palette of autumn, where reflections and winding paths amplify the experience.

The town’s cultural heartbeat blends seamlessly with its seasonal beauty. The Grove, a centerpiece on the University of Mississippi campus, transforms into a canopy of gold and crimson during fall weekends, while Bailey Branch Park at FNC invites visitors to wander its meandering creek and wide green spaces beneath brilliant foliage. Paired with its literary heritage as William Faulkner’s hometown, the town is both a vibrant and contemplative backdrop for savoring autumn.

Natchez

Autumn comes alive by mid to late October in Natchez, when the trees lining the river bluffs glow with fiery hues and the historic streets take on a golden charm. The elevated vantage points along the Mississippi River create unmatched panoramas, while the Natchez Trace Parkway winds through forests and open meadows, surrounding travelers with miles of vivid fall color.

Fall also marks the celebrated Natchez Pilgrimage Tours, where historic homes like Stanton Hall, Longwood, and Rosalie open their doors against a canvas of seasonal beauty. In addition, Duncan Park, with its wooded trails and golf course, is ideal for a crisp afternoon walk or ride under fiery canopies. At the same time, the gardens of Rosalie Mansion frame sweeping river views with roses and lush greenery, blending history with natural elegance at the height of autumn.

Tishomingo

Peak colors in the Tishomingo area typically arrive from late October through mid-November. This tiny town provides the most rugged and unique fall experience in Mississippi, situated in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at the extremity of the Southern Appalachian Plateau.

The centerpiece is Tishomingo State Park, directly accessible from Milepost 304 of the Natchez Trace Parkway. The park offers seven distinct hiking trails past scenic natural springs, rock walls, and huge boulders, along with opportunities for rock climbing at formations like Jean's Overhang or canoeing on Bear Creek. In addition to furnished cabins, RV sites, and a pool, the park hosts a nature center featuring displays of Tishomingo heritage and Civilian Conservation Corps history. For a reflective stop, the Bear Creek Indian Mound, restored to its estimated eight-foot stature, marks a historically significant site dating back to 1100 AD.

Hattiesburg

Hattiesburg greets autumn with warm hues from mid-October through early November, when the forests of pine, oak, and dogwood ignite in seasonal splendor. The rolling hills surrounding the town create a natural stage for these colors, with golden leaves mirrored in the still waters of Geiger Lake. At Paul B. Johnson State Park, trails wind past wooded slopes and lakeside vistas, making it one of the most inviting spots to enjoy crisp air and dazzling foliage. The park blends recreation with scenery—whether casting a line for bass, paddling across calm waters, or hiking under fiery canopies.

Beyond the park, Hattiesburg pulses with autumn energy. The Longleaf Trace, a 44-mile paved trail, transforms into a leafy corridor for cyclists, joggers, and horseback riders moving through glowing countryside. Families find another seasonal escape at the Hattiesburg Zoo, with shaded paths lined with changing trees framing encounters with exotic animals.

Morton

Morton, surrounded by the sweeping expanse of Bienville National Forest, transforms into a colorful retreat each fall. The forest’s 178,000 acres blaze with shifting tones of pine and oak, while rivers and lakes weave through the rugged landscape. Marathon Lake and Shongelo Lake invite anglers and paddlers to soak in the mirrored reflections of autumn foliage. Hiking trails and campgrounds offer the perfect way to take in the crisp air and vibrant scenery.

Just southwest, Roosevelt State Park adds to Morton’s charm with Shadow Lake as its sparkling centerpiece. Visitors can hike forested trails, fish from the shore, or take in sweeping overlooks that showcase the rolling hills in their autumn best. The park’s cabins, campsites, and even a performing arts center make it both a natural and cultural escape. For a more relaxed pace, families gather at Farris Municipal Park, a shaded green space ideal for an easy walk beneath fall’s fading light.

Tupelo

Known worldwide as the birthplace of Elvis Presley, Tupelo merges musical heritage with striking autumn beauty. At Tombigbee State Park, a 90-acre lake built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s reflects the fiery colors of the season. Anglers cast for bass, bream, and crappie while hikers wander scenic trails through hardwood groves. The park’s cabins and campgrounds make it an inviting retreat for those seeking both quiet and color.

Beyond the park, Tupelo Buffalo Park & Zoo spans 210 acres and hosts Mississippi’s largest collection of animals, including a roaming herd of bison, giraffes, and tigers. Visitors can enjoy interactive encounters or simply take in the wide-open landscapes. History also runs deep at the Chickasaw Village Site, with interpretive signs, prairie wildflowers, and birding opportunities connecting guests to a storied past.

Fall Journeys Worth Taking in the Magnolia State

Mississippi in the fall is a landscape painted with color, history, and quiet charm. From the rugged cliffs of Tishomingo to the cultural streets of Oxford and the river bluffs of Natchez, each town reveals a different side of the season. Whether it is hiking forested trails, exploring heritage sites, or simply soaking in reflections across a still lake, these towns show why autumn is the perfect time to explore.