Perfect Fall Road Trip in Mississippi
Fusion Coffeehouse, Ridgeland, MS
Kickstart your road trip with a cup of coffee from Fusion Coffeehouse. This locally-owned shop serves coffee roasted in Mississippi, and there's nothing like a fresh cup of coffee and a bite to eat to get you ready for a big day of traveling! Even better, this coffee shop is just minutes away from Natchez Trace Parkway, your next step of the trip.
Natchez Trace, Jackson to Tupelo, MS
Once breakfast is out of the way, enjoy a beautiful drive up the Natchez Trace. You'll start out cruising along the Ross Barnett Reservoir, eventually moving into forests that are perfect for showcasing the season's changing leaves. There are plenty of places to stop and explore along the way, such as the Bynam Mounds at milepost 232.4 and the Chickasaw Village Site at 261.8.
The Grill, Tupelo, MS
Once you've finished exploring the Natchez Trace, you've probably worked up an appetite! Stop by The Grill in the heart of downtown Tupelo. Enjoy classic favorites with a twist, like the Sriracha chicken sandwich or the Philly cheesesteak dressed with Cheez Whiz.
Cherry Creek Orchards, Pontotoc, MS
After lunch, take a quick trip west to the small town of Pontotoc, where you'll find Cherry Creek Orchards, one of the only places in the state where you can go apple picking each fall. You'll love strolling through the beautiful grounds of the orchard, and you'll leave with a bundle of Arkansas Black apples as a souvenir!
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Chewalla Lake Hiking Trail, Waterford, MS
If apple picking has you in the mood to spend a little more time outdoors, head northwest towards Holly Springs to hike in the Holly Springs National Forest. The Chewalla Lake Hiking Trail is a four-mile path along the shoreline of Chewalla Lake, giving you more opportunities to see some stunning fall foliage.
Rafters, Oxford, MS
After a day outdoors you're going to need a place to relax and unwind. Take a quick trip to Oxford, where you'll find Rafters, a laid-back spot to enjoy a few drinks and get a bite to eat. You might even be able to catch a live show!
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Graduate Oxford, Oxford, MS
You've had a pretty full day, so now it's time to turn in for the night. If you've had a few drinks, we recommend that you grab a cab and take the two minute drive to Graduate Oxford, a chic hotel known for its nostalgic, quirky decor. Go on—you deserve a good night's sleep!
Big Bad Breakfast, Oxford, MS
For a truly big, bad breakfast, stop into this Oxford hot spot to start off your day! If you prefer an omelet, try their “Good Old Boy” with house-made beef chili and cheddar. If you’re into pancakes, get their oatmeal short stack with three oatmeal pancakes, whipped cream, strawberries, and the option to add chocolate chips, blueberries, pecans, or bananas.
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Delta National Forest, Rolling Fork, MS
There's no better way to end a road trip than with a scenic ride through the Mississippi Delta. Enjoy miles of open plains and freshly harvested fields. Just north of Vicksburg, you'll come to Delta National Forest, the only hardwood forest left in the Delta—a perfect detour to see more fall foliage before hopping on I-20 to end up back in Jackson!
Key Insights at a Glance
- Start in Jackson and circle through northern parts of the state to see fall foliage
- Stop at Fusion Coffeehouse in Ridgeland for a cup of coffee before heading to Natchez Trace
- Explore Natchez Trace, stopping at Bynam Mounds and Chickasaw Village Site
- Have lunch at The Grill in Tupelo and visit Cherry Creek Orchards in Pontotoc for apple picking
- Hike the Chewalla Lake Hiking Trail in Holly Springs National Forest
- Relax at Rafters in Oxford for drinks and food, then stay at Graduate Oxford for the nigh
- Enjoy a big breakfast at Big Bad Breakfast in Oxford before heading to Delta National Forest on the way back to Jackson
