If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, Southern Mississippi offers a treasure trove of secluded towns that are perfect for a peaceful retreat. I love how these hidden gems are nestled amidst lush forests, rolling farmlands, and serene waterways, each offering its own unique charm.
From tranquil pine retreats to riverside havens, these towns provide the ideal setting to unwind and reconnect with nature. Join me as I count down my top ten secluded towns in Southern Mississippi, each one a quiet sanctuary waiting to be explored.
10. Sumrall: Hidden Corners Near the Leaf River
Sumrall, with a population of around 1,500, is a delightful small town that embodies the essence of Southern charm. I enjoy strolling through its quiet streets, which are lined with historic buildings and shaded by towering oaks.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Longleaf Trace, a rails-to-trails conversion perfect for biking and hiking, or enjoy fishing near the Leaf River. The town’s economy is primarily driven by local businesses and agriculture, maintaining a tight-knit community feel.
What makes Sumrall truly secluded is its tranquil environment away from busy highways, making it an ideal spot for those seeking peace and solitude.
Where is Sumrall?
Located in Lamar County, Sumrall is about 15 miles northwest of Hattiesburg, nestled near the Leaf River. Its seclusion is enhanced by the surrounding dense forests and the absence of major commercial development.
I find that the best way to get there is by taking Highway 589, which gently winds through the countryside, offering scenic views as you approach this serene town. Sumrall’s out-of-the-way location ensures a quiet atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding.
9. Collins: Rural Retreat Amidst Magnolia State’s Heartland
Collins is a quaint town of approximately 2,500 residents that offers a slice of authentic rural Mississippi life. I appreciate its charming downtown, where you can visit local shops and dine on classic Southern cuisine.
Nearby Mitchell Farms provides an opportunity for agritourism, with seasonal events like pumpkin patches and farm tours. The main industries here include agriculture and small-scale manufacturing, contributing to its pastoral economy.
Collins’ seclusion stems from its expansive farmlands and gentle rolling hills that surround the town, creating a peaceful backdrop far removed from urban noise.
Where is Collins?
Situated in Covington County, Collins lies along U.S. Highway 49, about halfway between Jackson and the Gulf Coast. Despite its accessible location, the town retains a quiet ambiance due to its rural setting and the vast open spaces that envelop it.
To reach Collins, I typically take U.S. Highway 49, which offers a pleasant drive through the countryside. The town’s distance from larger cities ensures a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a tranquil escape.
8. Richton: Pine Belt Solitude Away from the Crowds
Richton is a small town with around 1,000 residents, nestled within Mississippi’s Pine Belt region. I enjoy exploring the DeSoto National Forest nearby, where endless pine trees provide opportunities for hiking, camping, and birdwatching.
The town itself is quiet and friendly, with local festivals like the Richton Pancake Day adding to its charm. Timber and forestry are significant industries here, reflecting the town’s connection to its natural surroundings.
Richton’s seclusion is due to its location amid vast forests and its distance from major highways, offering a serene environment that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Where is Richton?
Located in Perry County, Richton is positioned about 30 miles southeast of Hattiesburg. Its isolation is enhanced by the surrounding DeSoto National Forest, which acts as a natural barrier from the bustle of larger towns.
I usually reach Richton via Highway 42, enjoying the peaceful drive through woodlands. The town’s remote setting amidst the pines makes it a perfect getaway for those craving solitude.
7. Lucedale: Embrace Simplicity in a Charming Small Town
With a population of approximately 3,000, Lucedale offers a welcoming atmosphere that’s characteristic of Southern hospitality. I like visiting its quaint downtown area, featuring antique shops and local eateries that give a glimpse into the town’s history.
Nearby parks like Palestine Gardens provide unique attractions, and the Pascagoula River offers fishing and boating opportunities.
Agriculture and forestry are the mainstays of Lucedale’s economy, keeping it grounded in traditional industries. The town’s seclusion is a result of its remote location and the surrounding acres of farmland and forests.
Where is Lucedale?
Located in George County, Lucedale is about 60 miles northeast of Biloxi and the Gulf Coast. Its position away from interstate highways contributes to its quiet nature.
I find that reaching Lucedale via Highway 98 offers a scenic route through rural Mississippi. The town’s distance from major urban centers allows it to maintain a peaceful, unhurried way of life.
6. Seminary: Peaceful Living Along the Okatoma Creek
Seminary is a charming town of around 300 residents, offering a serene lifestyle along the banks of the Okatoma Creek. I love kayaking and canoeing on the creek, which is one of Mississippi’s most popular waterways for paddling enthusiasts.
The town boasts the Okatoma Outdoor Post, where you can rent equipment and plan excursions.
Agriculture and small businesses support the local economy, preserving its rural character. Seminary’s seclusion comes from its small population and the lush, undeveloped land that surrounds it, providing a tranquil setting for relaxation.
Where is Seminary?
Situated in Covington County, Seminary is about 15 miles north of Hattiesburg. Its location along the Okatoma Creek and away from major roadways enhances its secluded feel.
I usually access Seminary via Highway 49 and then take local roads that wind through picturesque countryside. The town’s hidden position along the creek makes it a peaceful haven away from crowded tourist spots.
5. Perkinston: Secluded Bliss in Mississippi’s Hills
Perkinston is a small community with a population of around 1,000, nestled in Mississippi’s gentle hills. I appreciate the area’s natural beauty, especially the nearby Red Creek, which is perfect for canoeing and picnicking.
Home to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, the town has a youthful vibe blended with its tranquil setting.
Forestry and education are key industries here, contributing to its close-knit community atmosphere. Perkinston’s seclusion is due to its hillside location and the surrounding forests, offering a peaceful environment away from urban sprawl.
Where is Perkinston?
Located in Stone County, Perkinston is about 35 miles north of Gulfport. Its position away from major cities and highways enhances its secluded nature. I often take Highway 49 to reach Perkinston, enjoying the scenic drive through rolling hills and pine forests.
The town’s remote location in the hills provides a serene retreat perfect for those seeking solitude.
4. Benndale: Untouched Beauty in George County’s Countryside
Benndale is an unincorporated community with a small population that embodies the essence of rural Mississippi. I enjoy the simplicity of life here, where the landscapes are dominated by vast forests and open fields. Outdoor activities like hunting and fishing are popular, thanks to the abundant wildlife and nearby rivers.
The area is primarily supported by agriculture and forestry, maintaining its undeveloped charm. Benndale’s seclusion comes from its sparse population and the expansive natural surroundings that keep it off the beaten path.
Where is Benndale?
Situated in George County, Benndale is located along Highway 57, about 25 miles northwest of Lucedale. Its remote location, far from urban centers and major highways, enhances its peaceful atmosphere.
I find that the drive to Benndale offers beautiful views of Mississippi’s countryside, making the journey part of the experience. The community’s hidden position amidst forests and farmland ensures a quiet escape for visitors.
3. Leakesville: Riverside Serenity Along the Chickasawhay
Leakesville, home to about 900 residents, sits gracefully along the Chickasawhay River. I enjoy the town’s riverfront parks, where you can fish, kayak, or simply relax by the water. The Greene County Museum offers a glimpse into local history, adding cultural depth to the visit.
Forestry and small-scale farming are central to Leakesville’s economy, supporting its small-town vibe. The town’s seclusion is heightened by the surrounding woodlands and its distance from larger highways, making it a peaceful riverside retreat.
Where is Leakesville?
Located in Greene County, Leakesville is approximately 60 miles north of Pascagoula. Its position along State Highway 63, away from interstate traffic, contributes to its quiet atmosphere.
I usually reach Leakesville by driving through scenic rural areas, enhancing the sense of getting away from it all. The town’s riverfront setting and surrounding forests make it an ideal spot for those seeking tranquility.
2. Soso: A Quiet Escape Amidst Rolling Farmlands
Soso is a small town with around 400 residents, nestled amidst rolling farmlands and country roads. I find the serene landscapes perfect for leisurely drives and enjoying the simplicity of rural life. The town hosts local events like the annual Soso Farm Fest, celebrating the community’s agricultural roots.
Farming is the primary industry here, which keeps the community closely connected to the land. Soso’s seclusion comes from its off-the-beaten-path location and the expansive fields that stretch in every direction, offering a peaceful atmosphere far from city noise.
Where is Soso?
Situated in Jones County, Soso is located about 10 miles northwest of Laurel. Its remote setting is accentuated by the lack of major highways and the surrounding farmlands.
I usually get to Soso via local roads that wind through beautiful countryside, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination. The town’s hidden location amidst rural landscapes ensures a quiet retreat for visitors and residents alike.
1. Ovett: Mississippi’s Hidden Pine Forest Retreat
Ovett is an unincorporated community with a modest population that offers a true retreat into nature. I love how it’s surrounded by towering pine forests, providing endless opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and simply enjoying the tranquility of the woods.
The nearby DeSoto National Forest adds to the outdoor activities available, including camping and horseback riding.
The local economy is primarily based on forestry and agriculture, keeping the community grounded in traditional ways. Ovett’s seclusion is due to its remote location amid dense forests, offering a peaceful haven away from the bustle of modern life.
Where is Ovett?
Located in Jones County, Ovett is about 20 miles southeast of Laurel. Its position deep within the pine forests and away from major roads enhances its secluded feel.
I typically reach Ovett by taking Highway 15 and then navigating smaller country roads that lead into the heart of the forest. The community’s hidden location makes it a perfect spot for those seeking an immersive natural escape.
