Let’s face it; although magical, the Christmas season tends to get pretty hectic. It seems like you can’t go anywhere without being subjected to huge crowds and long lines. With Christmas being less than a week away, you’ve probably just about reached your limit in terms of patience and are most likely looking for the perfect escape. Well, look no further. From historical sites to idyllic parks, these 13 places are perfectly secluded and practically guaranteed to be crowd-free.
- Natchez Trace (Natchez to Nashville, TN)
Tony Webster/Flickr Spanning 444-miles, you’re bound to find some peace and quiet along this scenic trail, which offers everything from hiking and horseback riding to a variety of historic sites.
- Deer Island (Biloxi)
Charles Braun/Southern Nature Shots This tropical treasure is just a quarter mile from Mississippi’s coastline and, surprisingly, many residents are unaware of its existence. The 400-acre island is home to ten different types of endangered species and not much else, making it ideal for a secluded getaway.
- Tishomingo State Park (Tishomingo)
mswildlife.org One of the most popular parks in the state, Tishomingo encompasses hundreds of acres and offers visitors the chance to ride rapids, climb mountains, immerse themselves in Native American history, and experience scenery like nowhere else in the state.
- Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge (Noxubee, Oktibbeha, and Winston Counties)
fws.gov Located just south of Starkville, this refuge was created in 1940. Hardwood and pine forests, lakes, ponds, and an array of wildlife fill the 42,500 acres that make up this ultimate outdoor recreation area.
- Jeff Busby Park (Ackerman)
Debby McElroy Curtis Located at milepost 193 on the Natchez Trace Parkway, this park includes a campground, hiking trails, and scenic overlook that takes you to the second highest point in the state, Little Mountain.
- Prairie Wildlife (West Point)
Prairie Wildlife/Facebook Aside from offering one-of-a-kind hunting opportunities, this West Point sporting estate provides the perfect setting for a peaceful retreat.
- Chalk Mine Hollow (near Iuka)
Michael Babb/Facebook Locals have been visiting this abandoned chalk mine for years now. Step inside and you’ll find several tunnels connected by numerous passageways, making it the perfect spot for some secluded fun and exploration.
- Tara Wildlife (Vicksburg)
tarawildlife.com Encompassing thousands of acres, guests at this hidden resort can take part in everything from serene strolls to exciting wildlife tours, making it the perfect escape.
- Blackland Prairie Trail (Tupelo)
Whatknot/Flickr Part of the Natchez Trace Parkway, this 4.2-mile point-to-point trail is considered good for all skill levels. Opened year-round, it traverses a river and beautiful fields of prairie flowers and offers access to interesting sites, such as the Chickasaw Village.
- Red Bluff (Foxworth)
Scott Breazeale Known as “Mississippi’s Little Grand Canyon,” this geologic formation has been created by the natural erosion of the nearby Pearl River. Standing at approximately 400 feet above sea level, Red Bluff is an amazing sight, which is forever changing as it continues to naturally erode.
- Old Cove (Eupora)
msstate.edu About as hidden as you can get, Old Cove consists of 350 acres, which are sunken about 100’ – 150’ below the surrounding surface, making it difficult to see, especially if you don’t know what to look for. Trek to the bottom, and you’ll find a variety of rare plants and animals.
- Mynelle Gardens (Jackson)
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi Quickly and easily escape the hustle and bustle of the capital city with a trip to Mynelle Gardens. The once private garden now serves as a city park and is filled with a variety of flowers, beautiful greenery, fish ponds, bridges, an island, and gazebos.
- Windsor Ruins (Port Gibson)
Picture Mississippi Photography by Kim Hunt/Facebook Often times, visiting a top attraction means dealing with huge crowds and long lines, but that’s not the case with the renowned Windsor Ruins, which are tucked away in the small town of Port Gibson.
What other secluded spots would you add to this list?
Tony Webster/Flickr
Spanning 444-miles, you’re bound to find some peace and quiet along this scenic trail, which offers everything from hiking and horseback riding to a variety of historic sites.
Charles Braun/Southern Nature Shots
This tropical treasure is just a quarter mile from Mississippi’s coastline and, surprisingly, many residents are unaware of its existence. The 400-acre island is home to ten different types of endangered species and not much else, making it ideal for a secluded getaway.
mswildlife.org
One of the most popular parks in the state, Tishomingo encompasses hundreds of acres and offers visitors the chance to ride rapids, climb mountains, immerse themselves in Native American history, and experience scenery like nowhere else in the state.
fws.gov
Located just south of Starkville, this refuge was created in 1940. Hardwood and pine forests, lakes, ponds, and an array of wildlife fill the 42,500 acres that make up this ultimate outdoor recreation area.
Debby McElroy Curtis
Located at milepost 193 on the Natchez Trace Parkway, this park includes a campground, hiking trails, and scenic overlook that takes you to the second highest point in the state, Little Mountain.
Prairie Wildlife/Facebook
Aside from offering one-of-a-kind hunting opportunities, this West Point sporting estate provides the perfect setting for a peaceful retreat.
Michael Babb/Facebook
Locals have been visiting this abandoned chalk mine for years now. Step inside and you’ll find several tunnels connected by numerous passageways, making it the perfect spot for some secluded fun and exploration.
tarawildlife.com
Encompassing thousands of acres, guests at this hidden resort can take part in everything from serene strolls to exciting wildlife tours, making it the perfect escape.
Whatknot/Flickr
Part of the Natchez Trace Parkway, this 4.2-mile point-to-point trail is considered good for all skill levels. Opened year-round, it traverses a river and beautiful fields of prairie flowers and offers access to interesting sites, such as the Chickasaw Village.
Scott Breazeale
Known as “Mississippi’s Little Grand Canyon,” this geologic formation has been created by the natural erosion of the nearby Pearl River. Standing at approximately 400 feet above sea level, Red Bluff is an amazing sight, which is forever changing as it continues to naturally erode.
msstate.edu
About as hidden as you can get, Old Cove consists of 350 acres, which are sunken about 100’ – 150’ below the surrounding surface, making it difficult to see, especially if you don’t know what to look for. Trek to the bottom, and you’ll find a variety of rare plants and animals.
Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent, Vicksburg, Mississippi
Quickly and easily escape the hustle and bustle of the capital city with a trip to Mynelle Gardens. The once private garden now serves as a city park and is filled with a variety of flowers, beautiful greenery, fish ponds, bridges, an island, and gazebos.
Picture Mississippi Photography by Kim Hunt/Facebook
Often times, visiting a top attraction means dealing with huge crowds and long lines, but that’s not the case with the renowned Windsor Ruins, which are tucked away in the small town of Port Gibson.
Looking for another great escape? Check out “Take This Road Trip Through Mississippi’s Most Picturesque Small Towns For A Charming Experience.”
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