Natchez, Mississippi Weekend Escapes: 10 Short Scenic Road Trips

on

10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from Natchez, Mississippi

If you’re based in Natchez, Mississippi and love a good backroads adventure, you’re in luck. Within about an hour or so, you can hit quiet small towns, river views, old plantations, and some surprisingly great food. The best part? These are all out-of-county day trips, so you can enjoy new places without going too far from home. Everything below is in the nearby Mississippi counties of Franklin, Jefferson, and Wilkinson, or across the river in the Louisiana parishes of Concordia and Tensas. Let’s load up the car, grab a cooler, and hit the road.

1. Concordia Parish, LA – River Views & Relaxed Backroads

Just a quick hop across the Mississippi River from Natchez, Concordia Parish feels familiar yet refreshingly different.
  • Scenic river drives: Take Highway 84 and then wander the side roads that follow the river. You’ll pass wide open fields, old farmhouses, and long stretches of water that seem to go on forever.
  • Small-town stops: Towns in Concordia Parish are quiet and friendly. Pull into a local gas station or diner, grab a soda, and chat with folks. You’ll usually get a story or two along with your snack.
  • Bird-watching and photography: Bring binoculars or a camera. You’ll often spot herons, egrets, and hawks hanging out near ditches and ponds along the road.
If you like slow drives, big skies, and that “Sunday afternoon” feeling any day of the week, Concordia is an easy win.

2. Vidalia, LA – Mississippi Riverfront Chill Spot

Still in Concordia Parish, Vidalia sits directly across from Natchez, but remember, it’s outside your home county, so it totally counts as a road trip.
  • Riverfront walking paths: Stroll along the Mississippi River, watch the barges roll by, and feel that cool river breeze. It’s simple, but it’s relaxing.
  • Picnic by the water: Pack sandwiches, chips, and drinks in a cooler. Find a shaded spot and enjoy lunch with front-row river views.
  • Sunsets: If you stay toward late afternoon, the sun dropping behind Natchez across the river makes for some gorgeous photos.
This is a perfect short trip if you only have a couple of hours but still want a change of scenery.

3. Tensas Parish, LA – Wildlife, Wetlands & Wide-Open Spaces

Drive a little farther west into Tensas Parish, and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a quiet, wild corner of Louisiana that most travelers never see.
  • Scenic rural drives: Expect long, flat roads, huge fields, and stretches of forest and bayou. It’s the kind of place where you roll down the windows and just listen to the sound of nothing.
  • Wildlife spotting: Keep an eye out for deer near dawn and dusk, and look for birds along power lines and fence posts.
  • Photography and painting spots: If you love landscapes, these empty, peaceful scenes are fantastic for photos or sketching.
If you’re craving quiet and open space just a short drive from Natchez, Tensas Parish is a hidden gem.

4. Franklin County, MS – Meadville’s Small-Town Charm

Head east from Natchez into Franklin County, Mississippi, and you’ll find Meadville, a laid-back town with that classic Southern small-town feel.
  • Old-fashioned downtown: Walk around the few main streets and enjoy the slower pace—storefronts, local businesses, and friendly folks.
  • Local eats: Look for family-owned spots that serve burgers, plate lunches, or homemade pie. Ask a local, “Where’s the best place to grab lunch?” and follow their lead.
  • Country drives: After visiting town, keep driving the back roads. You’ll see rolling hills, forests, and old churches tucked under big oak trees.
If you like places where people still wave when you drive by, Meadville is worth the short trip.

5. Franklin County Backroads – Forests, Creeks & Picnic Spots

Beyond Meadville, the rest of Franklin County offers peaceful, wooded drives that feel a world away from everyday life.
  • Forest-lined roads: Many two-lane roads run through thick pine and hardwood forests. On a sunny day, the light filters through the trees in a way that’s almost magical.
  • Creek crossings: You’ll pass small bridges over creeks and streams. These are great spots to pull over (safely) and listen to the water for a few minutes.
  • Simple roadside picnics: Pack folding chairs, a blanket, and a cooler. Even a wide shoulder with a safe pull-off can become your private picnic spot.
This is the kind of road trip where the drive itself is the main attraction.

6. Jefferson County, MS – Fayette & Old-South Atmosphere

Just north of Natchez, Jefferson County and the town of Fayette offer that “old Mississippi” feeling—quiet streets, historic homes, and a lot of character.
  • Historic neighborhoods: Drive slowly through town and nearby roads to spot older homes, big porches, and giant shade trees.
  • Local stores: Step into a small grocery, hardware store, or gas station. You’ll often find friendly conversation along with your bottle of soda or snack.
  • Photo ops: Think weathered barns, church steeples, and tree-lined roads that feel like movie backdrops.
If you’re interested in small-town Mississippi history and atmosphere, Fayette is a great short escape from Natchez.

7. Scenic Drives Through Jefferson County – Natchez Trace & Beyond

You don’t have to stay in town. The roads winding through Jefferson County are ideal for a relaxed driving day.
  • Shaded two-lane highways: Some stretches are almost like tunnels of green, with trees arching over the road.
  • Old churches and cemeteries: You’ll spot simple country churches and small graveyards that tell quiet stories of the past.
  • Stop-and-explore spots: When you see a pretty view—rolling pasture, pond, or forest—find a safe place to pull over, get out, and enjoy it for a few minutes.
Turn on some music, bring your favorite road-trip snacks, and let the day unfold at its own pace.

8. Wilkinson County, MS – Woodville’s Historic Small-Town Vibe

Head south from Natchez into Wilkinson County and the town of Woodville. It’s one of those places that feels like time slowed down a bit—and that’s the charm.
  • Town square and streets: Stroll or drive around the central area. Look for older buildings, shady trees, and simple storefronts.
  • Southern flavor: When you find a local café, grab a plate of comfort food. Fried chicken, mashed potatoes, or a good burger always tastes better in a spot that’s been around for a while.
  • Historic feel: The town has that classic, slightly faded but beautiful Southern look that photographers love.
If you enjoy small-town exploring and taking things slow, Woodville makes for a very satisfying day trip.

9. Rural Wilkinson County – Country Roads & Hidden Views

Beyond Woodville, Wilkinson County is full of quiet roads, small communities, and rolling countryside.
  • Curvy backroads: Unlike some flat areas, you’ll hit more hills and curves here. It keeps the drive interesting.
  • Farm and forest mix: You’ll see fields, cattle, patches of woods, and the occasional old barn slowly leaning with age.
  • Pull-over moments: Spot a pretty ridge, an old house, or a long fence line at sunset? Use those as chances to stop, stretch, and really soak in the view.
This is a great area for those who love driving with no strict plan—just turning where the road looks inviting.

10. Louisiana River Country Loop – Concordia & Tensas in One Day

If you have a full day to spare, combine Concordia and Tensas parishes into one relaxing loop from Natchez.
  • Morning: Concordia Parish – Cross the river, cruise through Vidalia, and explore some side roads along the Mississippi. Enjoy coffee by the river or a simple breakfast at a local spot.
  • Midday: Tensas Parish – Continue west into quieter countryside. Stop for photos, watch for wildlife, and find a shady place for a picnic lunch.
  • Afternoon: Scenic return – Head back toward Natchez before dark, watching the afternoon light soften across the fields and water.
By the time you roll back into Natchez, you’ll feel like you’ve been on a real getaway—even though you never went that far from home.

Tips for Natchez Road Trips into Nearby Counties

To make the most of your Natchez day trips into Concordia, Tensas, Franklin, Jefferson, and Wilkinson:
  • Fill up on gas in Natchez: Some small towns don’t have many stations, especially at night.
  • Pack a cooler: Bring water, drinks, and snacks so you can stop anywhere that looks nice.
  • Bring a paper map or download offline maps: Cell service can get spotty on backroads.
  • Take it slow: These are rural areas. Watch for deer, tractors, and slow-moving vehicles.
  • Respect private property: If you want to take photos near someone’s land or driveway, it never hurts to ask permission.

Ready to Hit the Road from Natchez?

You don’t need a long vacation to feel like you’ve gone somewhere new. From Natchez, Mississippi, short drives into Franklin County, Jefferson County, Wilkinson County, and the Louisiana parishes of Concordia and Tensas open up a whole world of quiet towns, river views, and easygoing country roads. Have you taken any of these out-of-county road trips from Natchez?
  • Which nearby town is your favorite for a lazy Sunday drive?
  • Do you have a go-to backroad or picnic spot you love?
Share your stories and tips in the comments—locals and visitors both can learn from your experiences. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends or family who are planning a trip to Natchez and looking for new things to do nearby.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

Comments

Post a Comment