Brookhaven, Mississippi: 10 Easy Road Trips From Lincoln County

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10 Easy Road Trips From Brookhaven, Mississippi (Lincoln County) You’ll Love

If you live in or around Brookhaven, MS and you’re itching to get out of town for a bit, you’re in a great spot. Within about an hour’s drive, you’ve got quiet rivers, small-town diners, historic sites, and family-friendly parks just waiting on you. In this guide, we’ll look at 10 short out-of-county road trips from Brookhaven to nearby Mississippi counties like Amite, Copiah, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Pike, and Walthall. No need for days off work or big hotel bills—these are easy day trips where you can be back home by bedtime.

1. Scenic Sunday Drive & Small-Town Stroll in Meadville (Franklin County)

Head about 30–40 miles west of Brookhaven and you’ll roll into Meadville, the seat of Franklin County. The drive itself is part of the fun—two-lane roads, tall pines, and open fields. It’s the kind of ride where you roll the windows down and let the stress blow right out of the car. Once you’re there, slow things down:
  • Walk around downtown and poke into a local café or quick-service spot.
  • Chat with locals—small-town Mississippi is full of good stories.
  • Take a short drive out on country roads for sunset photos.
This is a simple trip, but that’s the charm. If you’ve had one of those weeks where you just need quiet, this little Franklin County town hits the spot.

2. Fishing & River Time in Franklin County’s National Forest Lands

Still in Franklin County, head a bit farther into the more wooded areas near the hills and creeks that feed into the Homochitto National Forest region. You’ll find:
  • Plenty of public access spots along small creeks and rivers for fishing and wading.
  • Pullover areas where you can park, stretch your legs, and listen to the water.
  • Quiet country bridges that make great photo spots.
Pack:
  • A small cooler with drinks and sandwiches
  • Fishing gear, if that’s your thing
  • Old shoes or water shoes for creek-walking
If you’re looking for an easy outdoor road trip near Brookhaven, Franklin County offers that laid-back, old-school Mississippi river vibe without big crowds.

3. Historic Courthouse Squares in Jefferson County

Drive southwest from Brookhaven and cross into Jefferson County, one of Mississippi’s older areas. Small towns there have that “stepped-back-in-time” feeling—weathered buildings, big shade trees, and friendly waves from porches. On your Jefferson County road trip:
  • Walk around a historic courthouse square and check out the architecture.
  • Grab a plate lunch at a mom-and-pop spot (you’ll usually find fried chicken, peas, and cornbread on the menu).
  • Take photos of old churches and historic markers along the way.
If you enjoy Mississippi history and want something low-key but meaningful, a Jefferson County loop from Brookhaven is a great way to spend half a day.

4. Country Roads & Old Churches in Amite County

To the southwest of Lincoln County you’ll find Amite County, a patchwork of farmland, forest, and crossroads communities. It’s perfect if you like to just drive and explore. What to do on an Amite County drive:
  • Follow the back roads and note the old wooden churches and cemeteries.
  • Stop at a local gas station store and try whatever homemade dessert they’re selling by the register.
  • Look for scenic spots with rolling fields and hay bales—great for photos or just sitting on the tailgate.
This is one of those trips where you don’t need a tight plan. Just a full tank, some snacks, a good playlist, and a curious mood.

5. Copiah County Park Time & Small-Town Eats

North of Brookhaven, Copiah County offers a nice little mix of outdoor fun and small-town flavor. You can plan a simple day that looks something like this:
  • Start with a walk in a local park or along a lake shore for fresh air.
  • Let the kids hit the playground while you relax on a bench or at a picnic table.
  • Head into a nearby town for lunch at a local diner—think burgers, fries, and sweet tea.
Copiah County is close enough that you won’t feel rushed. It’s an easy “let’s just get out of the house” road trip from Brookhaven when you don’t want to drive too far but still want somewhere different.

6. Lawrence County River Picnic & Backroads Ride

East of Brookhaven is Lawrence County, dotted with rivers and creeks that are great for a quiet afternoon. This is a good pick for couples, solo travelers, or families looking for affordable fun. How to build a simple Lawrence County day trip:
  • Find a riverside area where you can park, spread a blanket, and set up a picnic.
  • Skip rocks with the kids or just soak your feet in the cool water.
  • After lunch, drive some backroads and enjoy the scenery—tall pines, old barns, and wide-open skies.
If you love taking photos, bring your camera or just use your phone. This part of Mississippi has that classic Southern countryside look that never gets old.

7. Pike County: Shopping, Snacking, and a Change of Pace

To the south, Pike County offers a nice little change of scenery from Brookhaven. You’ll find more places to shop, eat, and wander around—without dealing with big-city traffic. Ideas for your Pike County road trip:
  • Stroll through local shops and pick up a few small items—local honey, crafts, or gifts.
  • Try a different restaurant than your usual Brookhaven spots—maybe a BBQ joint or a small café.
  • Look for any community events or seasonal festivals (fall festivals, Christmas parades, etc.).
This is an easy option if you want to combine a bit of Mississippi small-town exploring with errands, shopping, and eating out.

8. Walthall County Countryside & Farm-Style Fun

Travel a bit farther southeast and you’ll reach Walthall County, a rural area that feels like a deep breath. This is the place for those who love:
  • Scenic drives past cattle pastures and hay fields
  • Pulling over for roadside produce stands when they’re in season
  • Looking for local farms that offer seasonal events, like pumpkin patches or u-pick days
Even if you don’t have a specific attraction in mind, just driving through Walthall County can be relaxing. It’s the kind of area where time seems to slow down a little.

9. Franklin & Amite County “Two-County Loop” Drive

If you’ve got most of a day to spare, try a simple loop drive that takes you from Brookhaven through parts of Franklin County and Amite County, then back home a different way. Here’s a rough idea:
  • Head west into Franklin County for a morning walk and maybe some fishing or river watching.
  • Continue south or southwest into Amite County, driving backroads and stopping for lunch at a local spot.
  • Return to Brookhaven on a different route, watching the light change over the fields as the day winds down.
This kind of route is perfect if you enjoy the journey as much as the destination. It’s also a nice way to see more of Southwest Mississippi without ever being too far from home.

10. Pike & Walthall County Foodie Road Trip

If you travel based on what you want to eat (no judgment here), try a food-focused road trip that hits both Pike County and Walthall County. For example:
  • Start late morning and grab coffee and a pastry at a local café in Pike County.
  • Wander through town a bit, then drive on toward Walthall County.
  • Find a down-home restaurant or drive-in style spot for lunch—burgers, po’boys, plate lunches, or fried catfish.
  • End the day with dessert or ice cream before heading back to Brookhaven.
Road trips like this are simple, but they create great memories. You get to try new places, see new roads, and still sleep in your own bed at night.

Tips for Easy Road Trips From Brookhaven, MS

To make these short getaways smoother, keep a few basics in mind:
  • Keep a “go bag” in the car: sunscreen, bug spray, paper towels, hand wipes, and a basic first-aid kit.
  • Use a paper map or download offline maps: some backroads in Franklin, Amite, or Walthall County can have spotty cell service.
  • Check gas and snacks before you leave: once you’re on the smaller roads, stations can be a bit spread out.
  • Be flexible: sometimes the best part of a Mississippi road trip is the spot you didn’t plan to visit.

Ready to Hit the Road From Brookhaven?

Living in Brookhaven, Mississippi, you’re surrounded by quiet, beautiful corners of the state that are perfect for quick escapes—no plane tickets, no huge budget, just a tank of gas and a free afternoon. From the calm rivers of Franklin County to the small-town streets of Copiah, the farmland of Walthall, and the diners of Pike and Amite, there’s always somewhere new to explore just a short drive away. Now it’s your turn:
  • Which of these road trips from Brookhaven sounds best to you?
  • Do you have a favorite hidden gem in Amite, Copiah, Franklin, Jefferson, Lawrence, Pike, or Walthall County?
Share your ideas, stories, and favorite spots in the comments so other travelers from Brookhaven can discover them too. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who are looking for fun, easy day trips near Brookhaven, MS.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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