The Best Road Trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Hattiesburg, Mississippi

Are you already bored with your daily routine and looking for something exciting to do? Well, why not embark on a road trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Hattiesburg, Mississippi? This road trip is an incredible journey that offers stunning views and is perfect for anyone who loves to explore new places. Along the way, you’ll discover various attractions that are worth stopping for. So, buckle up and get ready to experience these top places to see when driving from Atlanta, Georgia to Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

Explore the Nature and Historical Landmarks

The road trip from Atlanta, Georgia to Hattiesburg, Mississippi is a fantastic way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of natural wonders and historic landmarks that will mesmerize you with their beauty and charm. Here are the top 5 places that you won’t want to miss.

1. Talladega National Forest

Talladega National Forest is a natural beauty that you can explore while driving from Atlanta to Hattiesburg. It features stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and vast stretches of forest. You’ll come across many opportunities to observe wildlife, including the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.

2. Montgomery, Alabama

Montgomery, Alabama, is a city with a rich history dating back to the Civil War. If you’re a history buff, you’ll love visiting the historic sites in this city. The Rosa Parks Museum is particularly popular, as it features exhibits detailing the Civil Rights Movement and the Montgomery Bus Boycotts.

3. Selma, Alabama

Selma, Alabama also proudly wears the hat of a historical city as well. This city played a vital role in the Civil Rights Movement, and it's where Martin Luther King Jr. led the march from Selma to Montgomery. Some of the places to visit here include the Edmund Pettus Bridge, Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail, and the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute.

4. Natchez Trace Parkway

If you love long drives, the Natchez Trace Parkway is a must-visit. This 444-mile scenic route between Nashville, Tennessee, and Natchez, Mississippi, offers stunning views of the Mississippi River and surrounding landscapes. You'll find plenty of beautiful vistas to stop and take pictures, making it perfect for capturing memories.

5. Petrified Forest

The Petrified Forest is a natural wonder that awaits you in Flora, Mississippi. It's a forest dating back over 36 million years, where the trees transformed into stones after being buried by volcanic ash. Today, it's a beautiful park you can explore with a hiking trail surrounding it.

The Best Places for Relaxation and Outdoor Fun

Now let's take a break from history and exploration, and highlight the best places where you can enjoy outdoor fun and relaxation.

1. Lake Lurleen State Park

Lake Lurleen State Park is worth the stop while driving from Atlanta, Georgia, to Hattiesburg, Mississippi. It's home to a beautiful lake ideal for activities such as boating, swimming, and fishing. If you prefer to stay on the shore, the park offers plenty of picnic areas and camping facilities.

2. Gulf Shores, Alabama

Gulf Shores in Alabama is a popular vacation destination known for its sun-kissed beaches. The beaches here boast pristine white sand, clear waters, and a relaxing ambiance. It’s an ideal way to enjoy a relaxing getaway before moving to more rigorous activities.

3. De Soto National Forest

De Soto National Forest spans more than 500,000 acres and offers a myriad of outdoor activities. It has more than 100 miles of trails for hiking and cycling and numerous campsites where you can connect with nature.

4. Saenger Theatre

The distinctive architecture of the Saenger Theatre in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, never fails to amaze visitors. The theater features a neo-classical style and has hosted many popular shows, theater productions, and performing arts acts over the years. If you're a fan of theater arts, you won't want to miss a show here.

5. Hattiesburg Zoo

The Hattiesburg Zoo should be your first stop once you reach Hattiesburg. This zoo features an array of animal species, including tigers, pythons, flamingos, and numerous other species. The highlights of the zoo are the African exhibits, which feature a meerkat exhibit, a wetlands aviary, and a ribbon snake exhibit.

Conclusion

The road trip from Atlanta, Georgia, to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is filled with unforgettable experiences. You get to explore historic sites, natural beauty and soak up the sun on the beaches of Gulf Shores. You can also hike De Soto, take pictures of the unique architecture of Saenger Theatre and have a glimpse of exotic animals in Hattiesburg Zoo. What’s more, you’ll get to create memories with family, friends, or on your own. So what’s holding you back? Head on out on this fantastic road trip and experience it yourself!