Laurel, Mississippi: 10 Easy Weekend Road Trips Nearby

on

10 Easy Road Trips From Laurel, Mississippi: Small-Town Adventures Just Down The Highway

If you live in or around Laurel, Mississippi in Jones County, you already know it’s a cozy little hub in the Pine Belt. But sometimes, you just want to hop in the car, roll the windows down, and see what’s beyond the county line. The good news? Within about an hour or so of Laurel, you’ll find quiet lakes, shady forests, family-friendly parks, and old-fashioned downtowns that feel frozen in time. These short road trips from Laurel, MS are perfect for a Saturday drive, a lazy Sunday, or a quick day trip when you’ve got out-of-town visitors. Below are 10 out-of-county things to do in the surrounding areas of Covington, Forrest, Jasper, Perry, Smith, and Wayne Counties—all an easy drive from Laurel.

1. Collins, MS & Mitchell Farms Sunflower Fields (Covington County)

If you’re craving open skies and farm-country charm, head west to Collins in Covington County. It’s a simple drive from Laurel, mostly along Highway 84. One of the biggest seasonal draws is Mitchell Farms, just outside Collins. In late summer and early fall, the farm bursts with sunflower fields, corn mazes, and pumpkin patches. Kids can run off energy while adults stroll around taking photos.
  • Pick pumpkins and peanuts in season
  • Walk through huge sunflower patches (great photo ops!)
  • Enjoy hayrides and farm-style activities
If you grew up in the South, it’ll probably remind you of childhood field trips and church outings. And if you didn’t, this is a nice peek at small-town Mississippi farm life.

2. Okatoma Creek Floating & Paddling Near Seminary (Covington County)

Looking for something a little more active? Keep going toward Seminary and the nearby stretches of Okatoma Creek. This is one of South Mississippi’s favorite spots for a lazy float. You can rent a canoe, kayak, or tube from local outfitters that run shuttles up and down the creek.
  • Gentle current—good for beginners and families
  • Plenty of sandbars to pull over and picnic
  • Cool, shaded banks on hot summer days
Pack snacks, sunscreen, and old shoes you don’t mind getting wet. It’s an easy half-day or full-day road trip from Laurel that feels like a mini-vacation without a long drive.

3. Hattiesburg Zoo & Kamper Park (Forrest County)

One of the best day trips from Laurel is straight down Highway 59 to Hattiesburg in Forrest County. It’s roughly 30–40 minutes away, depending on traffic, and feels like a bigger city without the big-city stress. Start at the Hattiesburg Zoo, tucked inside Kamper Park. It’s not enormous, which is actually a plus: you can see everything without wearing yourself out. You’ll find:
  • Giraffes, tigers, lemurs, and more
  • A splash pad for hot days
  • High ropes course and zipline for older kids and adults
  • Carousels and train rides
Kamper Park around the zoo has walking paths and picnic spots, so you can bring sandwiches and make a full afternoon out of it.

4. Downtown Hattiesburg & The Historic Neighborhoods (Forrest County)

While you’re in Forrest County, don’t skip Downtown Hattiesburg. It has that artsy college-town vibe thanks to the University of Southern Mississippi nearby. You can easily spend a few hours just wandering:
  • Murals and street art on brick buildings
  • Locally owned coffee shops and bakeries
  • Antique and vintage stores
  • Historic homes along tree-lined streets
If you’re from Laurel, Hattiesburg feels like a natural “big sister” city—close enough for a quick coffee run, dinner date, or shopping day, but still very Southern and down-to-earth.

5. Bienville National Forest Access Near Raleigh (Smith County)

Head northwest from Laurel into Smith County, and you’ll get closer to one of Mississippi’s great outdoor treasures: the Bienville National Forest. Near the town of Raleigh, you’ll find forest roads and trail access where you can:
  • Walk easy nature trails under tall pines
  • Look for deer, birds, and other wildlife
  • Enjoy peaceful drives through thick forest
If you’ve ever needed a quiet place just to breathe and unplug, this is it. The forest roads make it simple to explore, even if you’re not a hardcore hiker.

6. Roosevelt State Park & Archusa Creek Area Trips (Smith/Jasper Nearby)

While Roosevelt State Park itself is just outside Smith County, you can pair a Smith County drive with a stop there or at nearby lakes in Jasper County, such as Archusa Creek near Quitman (Wayne’s neighbor county). From Laurel, think of this as your “water and woods” loop:
  • Scenic views from park overlooks
  • Fishing and boating on nearby lakes
  • Picnic areas with grills and pavilions
It’s an easy way to mix a country drive with some time at the water’s edge. If you bring folding chairs, you can sit near the lake, read a book, and just watch the light change on the water.

7. Paul B. Johnson State Park (Forrest/Perry County Line)

Just south of Hattiesburg, near the Forrest–Perry County line, you’ll find Paul B. Johnson State Park, another classic Pine Belt getaway that’s still a simple drive from Laurel. This park sits around Geiger Lake and offers:
  • Fishing and small-boat access
  • Camping and cabins if you want to stay overnight
  • Playgrounds and picnic shelters
  • Shady spots to grill or just hang out
From Laurel, you can make this a long afternoon trip—arrive by late morning, have lunch at a picnic table, and be home before dark.

8. DeSoto National Forest Access in Perry County

Looking east from Laurel, Perry County offers access to the sprawling DeSoto National Forest, one of the largest pieces of public land in South Mississippi. DeSoto has:
  • Sandy-bottom creeks and clear streams
  • Hiking and horseback trails
  • Primitive camping areas
If you enjoy bird-watching, this area is especially fun. On quiet days, all you hear is wind in the trees and the sound of water moving over sandbars. It feels a world away, even though you’re less than an hour from Laurel.

9. Chickasawhay River & Rural Drives in Wayne County

To the southeast, Wayne County offers slower-paced country roads and access to the Chickasawhay River. Around areas near Waynesboro and smaller communities along the river, you’ll find:
  • Boat ramps and fishing spots
  • Quiet riverbanks for picnics
  • Scenic drives through farms and pine forests
If you’re the kind of person who enjoys just letting the road unwind in front of you, this drive is for you. Bring a cooler, some simple snacks, and maybe a fishing pole, and you’ve got yourself a full day.

10. Small-Town Courthouses & Backroad Loops (Jasper & Smith & Wayne)

Not every road trip from Laurel has to be about one big attraction. Sometimes, it’s about the journey more than the destination. Try this idea: pick a few nearby county seats—like Bay Springs in Jasper County, Raleigh in Smith County, and Waynesboro in Wayne County—and make your own loop. Along the way, you can:
  • Check out historic courthouses and town squares
  • Grab a burger or plate lunch at a local cafĂ©
  • Pop into hardware stores, thrift shops, or little markets
  • Take photos of old barns, churches, and country stores
It’s a simple way to get to know the communities that surround Laurel—and you’ll often find the friendliest people in the most unexpected places.

Tips for Short Road Trips From Laurel, MS

A few quick pointers to keep your Laurel day trips easy and fun:
  • Check hours first: Attractions like farms, zoos, and parks sometimes change hours by season.
  • Bring cash: Smaller, rural spots and roadside stands may not take cards.
  • Pack a small bag: Water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, and a light jacket go a long way.
  • Fill up your tank: Once you get onto those backroads, gas stations can get a little spread out.
With most of these places, you’re talking about drives under an hour to an hour and a half each way. That makes them perfect for last-minute plans.

Ready to Hit the Road?

Living in or near Laurel, Mississippi means you’re surrounded by quiet forests, rivers, lakes, and small towns that are all within easy driving distance. Whether you want:
  • A family day at the zoo,
  • A lazy float down a creek,
  • A peaceful hike under tall pines, or
  • A simple drive with a good playlist and a cold drink,
there’s a road trip waiting just beyond Jones County. Now it’s your turn: Have you taken any fun day trips from Laurel to these counties—Covington, Forrest, Jasper, Perry, Smith, or Wayne? Which spot is your favorite, and what did you do there? Share your experiences in the comments and let others know your best tips. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who are looking for easy weekend ideas around Laurel.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

Comments

Post a Comment