Corinth, Mississippi Weekend Escapes: 10 Easy Road Trips Nearby

10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips Near Corinth, Mississippi (Alcorn County)

If you’re based in Corinth, Mississippi (Alcorn County) and you feel like getting out of town for the day, you’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you can find beautiful lakes, Civil War history, small-town squares, and some surprisingly good food. This guide focuses on short road trips outside Alcorn County in these nearby counties:
  • Prentiss County, MS
  • Tippah County, MS
  • Tishomingo County, MS
  • Hardeman County, TN
  • Hardin County, TN
  • McNairy County, TN
Each idea is an easy day trip from Corinth, perfect for a Saturday drive, a family outing, or a simple “let’s just go somewhere” afternoon.

1. Explore the Bluffs and Trails at Tishomingo State Park (Tishomingo County, MS)

If you only pick one day trip from Corinth, make it Tishomingo State Park, about 35–45 minutes southeast of town. This park feels a little different from the rest of north Mississippi. You get:
  • Rocky bluffs and huge boulders
  • Shaded hiking trails that follow Bear Creek
  • A classic stone arch bridge that’s super photogenic
Want a light adventure? Try:
  • Short hikes: Many trails are just 1–2 miles.
  • Picnics: Pack a cooler and grab a table by the water.
  • Canoeing (in season): Outfitters sometimes run Bear Creek trips.
It’s close enough to head back home by dinner, but pretty enough that you’ll wish you had stayed longer.

2. Boating and Beach Time at Pickwick Landing State Park (Hardin County, TN)

Head northeast for about 45–60 minutes and you’ll reach Pickwick Landing State Park in Hardin County, Tennessee. It sits on Pickwick Lake, a wide stretch of the Tennessee River that’s perfect for:
  • Boating and jet skiing
  • Fishing for bass and catfish
  • Relaxing on the sandy swim beach
You’ll find:
  • Marinas with boat rentals (seasonal)
  • Walking paths along the water
  • Picnic areas with great lake views
If you’re coming from Corinth, this makes an easy lake-day road trip: leave in the morning, pack a picnic, swim or fish all afternoon, and roll back home before dark.

3. Step Into History at Shiloh National Military Park (Hardin County, TN)

Just a short drive beyond the lake is one of the most important Civil War sites in the region: Shiloh National Military Park, near Savannah in Hardin County. Even if you’re not a big history buff, Shiloh is powerful. The battlefield is spread out over rolling fields and quiet woods along the Tennessee River. Things to do:
  • Drive the self-guided auto tour and stop at key markers.
  • Visit the visitor center and museum for an overview of the Battle of Shiloh.
  • Walk the National Cemetery and take in the silence.
The park is very open and peaceful. It’s a good place to stretch your legs, reflect, and learn at the same time. Many folks from Corinth make this a regular road trip because it’s close, meaningful, and different in every season.

4. Hit the Trails at Brice’s Cross Roads National Battlefield (Prentiss County, MS)

About 35–45 minutes southwest of Corinth, near Baldwyn in Prentiss County, you’ll find Brice’s Cross Roads National Battlefield. The battle here was smaller than Shiloh, but the site has a calm, open feel that makes it a peaceful getaway. What you can do:
  • Walk the short interpretive trail around the battlefield.
  • Check out the monuments and markers that explain the battle.
  • Combine it with a stop in downtown Baldwyn for lunch or an antique browse.
This is an easy half-day trip: you can leave Corinth after breakfast, be home by mid-afternoon, and still feel like you “went somewhere.”

5. Shop, Stroll, and Snack in Ripley (Tippah County, MS)

Looking for a simple small-town escape? Head west about 40–50 minutes to Ripley in Tippah County. Ripley is known for its huge First Monday trade days, but even on a regular day, it makes a fun little outing from Corinth. Try this for a relaxed day:
  • Walk around the town square and check out local shops.
  • Dig through antique malls and flea market-style spots.
  • Grab a burger or plate lunch at a local diner.
If you like people-watching, go during an event weekend. The streets fill up, and you’ll see everything from hand-made crafts to farm tools.

6. Get Outdoors at Tippah County Lake (Tippah County, MS)

Not far from Ripley, you can find a quiet slice of nature at Tippah County Lake. This is one of those spots locals love but many travelers drive right past. Here’s what makes it a nice day trip from Corinth:
  • Fishing: The lake is stocked with bass, bream, and catfish.
  • Picnicking: Simple tables and shade trees by the water.
  • Short walks: Scenic views without major hiking.
If you have kids, bring a fishing pole and some snacks. If you’re going solo, it’s a peaceful place to sit by the water and unplug for a bit.

7. Waterfalls and Overlooks Along the Natchez Trace Parkway (Tishomingo County, MS)

The Natchez Trace Parkway cuts through Tishomingo County, and it’s one of the prettiest drives near Corinth. From town, you can be on the Trace in about 30–40 minutes. Once you hop on, take time to stop at some key spots:
  • Bay Springs Lake area: Clear blue water and photo-worthy overlooks.
  • Small waterfalls and creeks: Several short walks from roadside pull-offs.
  • Scenic overlooks: Great for sunrise or sunset drives.
The Trace has a slower speed limit, which makes it feel more like a relaxing Sunday drive than a highway run. Roll down the windows, turn up the radio, and just enjoy the ride.

8. Visit the Birthplace of Buford Pusser in Adamsville (McNairy County, TN)

Drive about 35–45 minutes northeast into McNairy County, Tennessee, and you’ll run into Adamsville and nearby Selmer. This area is tied to Buford Pusser, the sheriff made famous by the “Walking Tall” stories. In Adamsville, you can:
  • Visit the Buford Pusser Home & Museum (check hours before you go).
  • Learn about his life and the local history connected to it.
  • Explore a bit of small-town Tennessee around the square.
Even if you’re not a movie buff, it’s an interesting slice of regional culture, and it turns a simple cross-state drive into a history-themed outing.

9. Wander the Small-Town Streets of Savannah, Tennessee (Hardin County, TN)

If you like little riverside towns, put Savannah, TN on your list. It’s roughly an hour from Corinth and pairs nicely with either Pickwick Lake or Shiloh if you want a fuller day. Things to enjoy:
  • Walk the historic downtown area and check out local shops.
  • Grab ice cream or coffee and stroll along the streets.
  • Head down toward the Tennessee River for a quick riverside view.
Savannah gives you that laid-back, small-town Tennessee feel without being too far from home.

10. Step Back in Time in Bolivar, Tennessee (Hardeman County, TN)

To the north, about an hour from Corinth, you’ll find Bolivar in Hardeman County, Tennessee. If you enjoy old houses, courthouse squares, and slower-paced streets, this is your kind of place. Plan your visit around:
  • A stroll around the Hardeman County Courthouse Square.
  • Checking out historic homes and buildings.
  • Lunch at a local café or diner.
You can easily turn this into a “scenic drive day” by taking back roads there and a different route home. It’s a pleasant way to see more of rural Tennessee beyond the main highways.

Tips for Planning Your Corinth Road Trips

To make these short road trips from Corinth smooth and stress-free:
  • Drive times: Most of these spots are 30–60 minutes away.
  • Check hours: Museums, visitor centers, and some parks may have seasonal hours.
  • Pack a bag: Water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, and a light jacket can go a long way.
  • Bring cash: Some small-town spots or local events may not take cards.
You don’t need a huge budget or a long weekend to enjoy north Mississippi and southwest Tennessee. A full tank of gas and a free afternoon are often enough.

What’s Your Favorite Road Trip from Corinth?

Now it’s your turn. Have you visited any of these out-of-county day trip spots near Corinth?
  • Which park, lake, or small town is your favorite?
  • Did I miss a hidden gem in Prentiss, Tippah, Tishomingo, Hardeman, Hardin, or McNairy County?
Share your ideas and experiences in the comments so other readers can discover new places too. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who live in or around Corinth and are looking for fresh road trip ideas.

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