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10 Easy Road Trips From Hattiesburg, MS: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Forrest County
If you live in or around Hattiesburg, Mississippi, you probably know there’s plenty to do in town. But sometimes, you just want to hop in the car, roll the windows down, and see what’s hiding a short drive away. The good news? Within about an hour or so of Hattiesburg, you’ll find small towns, rivers, lakes, and quiet roads that feel like a whole different world. And you don’t even have to leave South Mississippi. Below are 10 short out-of-county road trips from Hattiesburg that take you into nearby counties like Covington, Jones, Lamar, Pearl River, Perry, and Stone. None of these are in Forrest County, so you really are “getting away,” even if it’s just for the afternoon.1. Collins, MS (Covington County) – Small-Town Charm and a Classic Courthouse Square
Head about 25–30 minutes northwest of Hattiesburg and you’ll reach Collins, a friendly little town that feels straight out of a movie. What makes Collins a fun road trip?- Walk the courthouse square – Park downtown and stroll around the Covington County Courthouse area. You’ll find a few shops, old buildings, and that slow Southern pace that makes you want to sit on a bench and people-watch.
- Local diners and meat-and-threes – Stop into a local café for fried catfish, cornbread, and sweet tea. It’s the kind of comfort food that tastes like Sunday at grandma’s house.
- Seasonal events – Collins hosts festivals and holiday events throughout the year, especially around Christmas, when downtown lights up.
2. Magee, MS (Covington/Simpson area) – Antique Browsing and Backroads
Drive a little farther past Collins and you’ll reach Magee, another easy day trip for folks in Hattiesburg who love a good backroads adventure. Here’s what to do on a road trip to Magee:- Antique and thrift shopping – Browse small shops and antique stores along the main routes. You never know when you’ll find that old sign, record, or piece of furniture you didn’t know you needed.
- Scenic country drive – The drive itself is half the fun. You’ll pass farms, churches, and stretches of pine forest. It’s a great way to clear your head after a busy week in the Hub City.
- Picnic stop – Pack a cooler with sandwiches and find a quiet spot to eat. Sometimes a tailgate picnic in a shady parking lot is all you need.
3. Laurel, MS (Jones County) – “HGTV Town,” Murals, and Historic Homes
About 35–45 minutes northeast of Hattiesburg sits Laurel, Mississippi, a small city that’s gotten big attention thanks to HGTV’s “Home Town.” Even if you’ve never watched the show, Laurel is a fun, walkable road trip destination:- Downtown Laurel – Stroll past restored storefronts, colorful murals, and cozy coffee shops. The whole area has a warm, creative vibe.
- Historic homes – Drive through the historic district to see early 1900s houses with wide porches, big trees, and that classic Southern look.
- Shops and galleries – From local art to handmade goods, it’s easy to spend an afternoon wandering in and out of shops.
4. Ellisville, MS (Jones County) – Courthouse Square and Country Quiet
Just down the road from Laurel, Ellisville offers a quieter experience but still makes a nice stop, especially if you want a slower pace. Things to do on a short Ellisville trip:- Walk around the Jones County Courthouse area – Check out the historic courthouse and surrounding buildings. It’s a picture-perfect Southern square.
- Local spots for lunch – Grab a burger or plate lunch at a small-town restaurant where the waitress probably calls everyone “hon.”
- Scenic loops – Use Ellisville as a starting point to explore nearby backroads, old churches, and country cemeteries that tell stories from long ago.
5. Purvis, MS (Lamar County) – Rural Roads and a Laid-Back Downtown
Southwest of Hattiesburg, Purvis is one of those towns you may have driven past without really exploring. It’s close enough for a quick after-work trip, but still outside Forrest County. What you can do near Purvis:- Explore the small downtown area – Walk around, check out a local café or shop, and soak in that small-town Mississippi feel.
- Country drives – Use Purvis as a base for cruising Lamar County’s backroads. You’ll find rolling fields, stands of pine, and quiet neighborhoods.
- Sunset drive – Time your visit so you’re headed back toward Hattiesburg at sunset. The sky over the pine trees can be gorgeous after a summer storm.
6. Sumrall, MS (Lamar County) – Rail-Trail Access and Small-Town Feels
Further up in Lamar County, Sumrall is another short road trip from Hattiesburg that pairs well with a relaxing day outside. Ideas for a Sumrall visit:- Walk or bike a stretch of trail – While the main Longleaf Trace runs near Hattiesburg, you can start a walk or ride from the Sumrall area and enjoy a quieter section of the path just outside Forrest and Lamar lines.
- Grab a simple lunch – Stop at a local spot for a laid-back meal. Think burgers, sandwiches, and iced tea.
- Old-town atmosphere – Take a slow drive through residential streets to see older homes and tree-lined yards.
7. Picayune, MS (Pearl River County) – Gateway to the Coast and Local Flavor
Head south from Hattiesburg for about an hour and you’ll roll into Picayune, a Pearl River County town that often serves as a “gateway” to the Gulf Coast. Why add Picayune to your Hattiesburg road trip plans?- Downtown stroll – Walk through the historic area, browse local shops, and poke your head into antique stores.
- Local eats – Try a plate of seafood, BBQ, or a good po’boy. South Mississippi knows how to do comfort food.
- Coastal connection – If you want to keep driving, Picayune is a good jumping-off point toward the Mississippi Gulf Coast or even New Orleans.
8. McNeill & Carriere, MS (Pearl River County) – Country Stores and Backroad Exploring
Just north of Picayune, the McNeill and Carriere areas give you that real “country drive” feeling, with small clusters of homes, fields, and wooded land. How to enjoy this quiet corner of Pearl River County:- Backroad cruising – Turn off the main highway and just wander. You’ll see farms, old barns, and long driveways lined with trees.
- Stop at a country store – Grab a cold soda, a bag of chips, or a homemade dessert. These little stops can be the highlight of the trip.
- Photography opportunities – If you like taking pictures, you’ll find old signs, fence lines, and open skies that look great on camera.
9. Richton, MS (Perry County) – Pine Forest Vibes and Small-Town Life
East of Hattiesburg, in Perry County, you’ll find the town of Richton. This is classic pine belt country: tall trees, railroad tracks, and a slower pace. Things to do on a Richton road trip:- Walk through town – Park near the center of town and look around. You’ll see a mix of older buildings, churches, and everyday life.
- Forest-lined drives – The roads around Richton are surrounded by pine woods. Roll down your windows and breathe in that clean, woodsy air.
- Old-school lunches – Find a local spot for a simple plate lunch or burger, then take a slow drive back toward Hattiesburg.
10. Wiggins, MS (Stone County) – Piney Woods, Snacks, and a Laid-Back Main Street
About 45–60 minutes south-southwest of Hattiesburg sits Wiggins, the county seat of Stone County and a great base for exploring the surrounding pine forests. Here’s how to spend a simple day in and around Wiggins:- Check out downtown Wiggins – Walk along Main Street, look at old storefronts, and grab a drink or snack.
- Explore the surrounding roads – Stone County is full of tall pines and quiet stretches of two-lane highway. It’s the kind of place where you can drive for miles without hitting a stoplight.
- Make it a “scenic loop” day – Combine Wiggins with stops in Pearl River or Perry County to turn your trip into a full day of exploring South Mississippi’s pine belt.
Tips for Planning Your Hattiesburg Road Trips
To make these short road trips from Hattiesburg more enjoyable, keep a few simple tips in mind:- Start with one or two towns – Don’t try to do all 10 in one weekend. Pick a couple that sound fun and take your time.
- Pack a small cooler – Bottled water, a few snacks, and maybe some fruit or sandwiches go a long way on country drives.
- Check hours before you go – Small-town restaurants and shops sometimes close early or aren’t open every day.
- Bring cash – Some small stores or diners may not take cards, especially in rural areas.
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