Petal, Mississippi Weekend Escapes: 10 Easy Road Trips Nearby

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10 Easy Road Trips from Petal, Mississippi: Fun Things To Do Just Outside Forrest County

Living in or visiting Petal, Mississippi and looking for a quick escape? You don’t have to drive all day to find something fun. Within about an hour or so, you can hit small-town diners, historic downtowns, lazy rivers, and quiet pine forests in the counties that surround Forrest County. Below are 10 short out-of-county road trips from Petal, all in nearby Mississippi counties: Covington, Jones, Lamar, Pearl River, Perry, and Stone. Each one is an easy day trip, and most could even be a half‑day getaway if you start early.

1. Collins & Okatoma Creek – A Lazy River Day (Covington County)

If you’re craving sunshine and water, head about 40–45 minutes northwest to Collins in Covington County. This small town is a popular jumping‑off point for floating the Okatoma Creek, a clear, winding stream that feels like a hidden gem.
  • What to do: Rent a canoe, kayak, or inner tube from an outfitter along Okatoma Creek.
  • Why it’s fun: The creek has gentle rapids, sandbars, and plenty of spots to pull over for a picnic.
  • Family‑friendly? Yes. Many stretches are calm enough for kids with life jackets.
Imagine drifting under tall trees, cooler strapped in the boat, phones tucked away. It’s the kind of simple day that feels like summer camp, even if you’re long past school age.

2. Laurel’s Historic Downtown & Murals (Jones County)

About 35–45 minutes north of Petal, in Jones County, you’ll find Laurel—a small city that’s gained national attention from HGTV’s “Home Town.”
  • Stroll the historic downtown with its restored brick buildings.
  • Check out local shops, bakeries, and coffee spots.
  • Hunt for public art murals that brighten up side streets and alleyways.
If you like hometown‑revival stories, you’ll enjoy seeing how Laurel has leaned into its history and creative energy. Park once, walk everywhere, and take your time. Tip: Go on a Saturday morning, grab coffee, then wander the streets before it gets hot.

3. Lauren Rogers Museum of Art – A Quiet Cultural Escape (Jones County)

While you’re already in Laurel, don’t miss the Lauren Rogers Museum of Art, also in Jones County. It’s one of Mississippi’s oldest art museums and sits along a tree‑lined street in a beautiful old building.
  • Highlights: American and European paintings, Native American baskets, and rotating exhibits.
  • Vibe: Calm, cool (literally and figuratively), and very walkable.
  • Cost: Often free or low‑cost, making it a budget‑friendly stop.
This makes a nice break in the middle of a road trip. Spend an hour or two inside, then head back out for lunch nearby.

4. Sumrall & the Longleaf Trace – Biking in the Piney Woods (Lamar County)

Just west of Forrest County is Lamar County, home to the town of Sumrall and a long paved trail called the Longleaf Trace. From Petal, you’re looking at roughly a 35–45 minute drive to reach this section.
  • What it is: A paved rail‑trail stretching for miles through the woods.
  • Things to do: Walk, jog, or bike the trail from Sumrall’s trailhead.
  • Why go: Shady trees, fresh air, and no traffic to fight.
If you have bikes at home, toss them in the back of the truck or SUV and make a day of it. Even a simple 3‑ to 5‑mile ride feels like a mini‑vacation when you’re surrounded by tall pines instead of stoplights.

5. Poplarville – Small‑Town Flavor & Seasonal Festivals (Pearl River County)

Head about an hour south‑southwest from Petal to Poplarville in Pearl River County. It’s a classic southern small town with a relaxed pace.
  • Walk around downtown Poplarville and check out local shops.
  • Look for seasonal festivals and farmers’ markets (blueberry season is especially big here).
  • Grab lunch at a local diner and just slow down for a bit.
If you’re the type who enjoys browsing antiques, chatting with store owners, and people‑watching from a bench, Poplarville makes for a simple but satisfying road trip.

6. Wiggins – Gateway to De Soto National Forest (Stone County)

About an hour south of Petal, in Stone County, sits Wiggins, a small town that serves as a gateway into the De Soto National Forest.
  • Why go: Easy access to pine forests, campgrounds, lakes, and hiking areas.
  • What to do: Pick up supplies in Wiggins, then head into the forest for a half‑day of exploring.
  • Perfect for: Folks who like a mix of town and nature in one short trip.
If you’ve ever said, “We should go camping sometime,” this is a good place to finally do it—or at least test the waters with a daytime visit.

7. Little Black Creek Water Park – Relaxing by the Lake (Lamar County)

In Lamar County, about 35–50 minutes from Petal (depending on your route), you’ll find Little Black Creek Water Park—a popular spot for simple outdoor fun.
  • Activities: Fishing, paddle boating, swimming (in season), and picnicking by the water.
  • Best for: Families, couples, or solo travelers looking to unplug for a few hours.
  • Bring: Chairs, snacks, fishing gear, and maybe a hammock.
I like to think of places like this as “reset buttons.” Even a short afternoon by the lake has a way of clearing your head more than a whole weekend on the couch.

8. Runnelstown & Rural Perry County – Scenic Country Drives (Perry County)

If you’re in the mood for back roads instead of busy highways, point your car east toward Perry County and the community of Runnelstown. It’s only about 20–30 minutes from Petal, depending on where you start, and the drive itself is part of the fun.
  • Enjoy rolling fields, tall pines, and classic rural Mississippi scenery.
  • Look for small churches, old barns, and crossroads stores.
  • Pack a cooler and pull over at a quiet spot for a simple tailgate lunch.
This is the kind of trip where the destination doesn’t matter as much as the open road. It’s perfect when you just need to get out of the house and breathe a little.

9. Black Creek Wilderness – A Quiet Nature Escape (Stone County)

South of Petal, in Stone County and the surrounding area, lies the Black Creek Wilderness, part of De Soto National Forest. At about an hour’s drive, it’s still very reachable for a day trip.
  • What it offers: Marked trails, peaceful forest, and views of Black Creek’s sandy banks.
  • Who it’s for: Hikers, photographers, and anyone who wants some real quiet.
  • Tips: Wear sturdy shoes, bring bug spray, and pack more water than you think you’ll need.
If you’ve ever wanted to try a longer hike without heading all the way to another state, this is a solid option near Petal.

10. Seminary & the Bouie/Okatoma Region – Country Rivers & Backroads (Covington County)

Just north of the Covington–Forrest line, and reachable in about 30–40 minutes from Petal, the Seminary area in Covington County offers another flavor of river country.
  • Drive the backroads around Seminary and the upper Okatoma/Bouie Creek area.
  • Look for small river access points where you can sit and watch the water roll by.
  • Combine your drive with a meal at a country store or local cafĂ©.
This is one of those “see what you find” day trips—no strict plan needed. Just follow the curves in the road and let the scenery slow you down.

Tips for Short Road Trips from Petal

To keep these Petal, MS road trips easy and stress‑free:
  • Keep a go‑bag: Toss in sunscreen, bug spray, a phone charger, and a small first‑aid kit.
  • Fill up early: Gas up in town so you’re not hunting for a pump on a back road.
  • Check hours: Small‑town shops and museums sometimes close early or on certain days.
  • Bring cash: Some rural spots and small diners still prefer cash.
With a little prep, you can decide on a destination over breakfast and be on the road before mid‑morning.

Where Will You Go First?

From lazy rivers in Covington County to quiet forests in Stone County, there’s a lot to explore within a short drive of Petal, Mississippi—and none of it requires leaving the comfort of South Mississippi. Have you tried any of these day trips from Petal? Do you have a favorite diner, swimming hole, or back road in Jones, Lamar, Pearl River, Perry, Stone, or Covington County? I’d love to hear your stories and suggestions. Drop a comment with your favorite nearby getaway, and if you found this helpful, please share this post with friends and family around Petal who are always saying, “There’s nothing to do around here.” They might be just one short road trip away from changing their minds.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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