With more than two dozen state parks and recreation areas, you’ll find plenty of places to explore Mississippi’s beautiful outdoors. Pretty much every one of our parks offers lots to see and do, but there’s one park that really stands out from the rest.

Tishomingo State Park is nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, in the northeast corner of the state, near the Mississippi/Alabama border.

Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks You’ll find this little gem along the Natchez Trace Parkway. When you enter at the gatehouse, you’ll pay a $4 entrance fee.

The park is filled with history.

ace2016/Tripadvisor There’s evidence of Native American settlements in this area that go back to 7000 BC, and more recently, the Chickasaw people inhabited this place. Tishomingo State Park got its name from Chief Tishomingo. You’ll see evidence of white settlers here, too. This pioneer cabin still stands in the park today, and it’s a popular spot to explore and photograph.

Loochapola Lodge was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.

Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks It’s a beautiful, historic building that you can rent out for parties and events.

The swinging bridge was built in 1939, and is the most recognized feature of the park.

ace2016/Tripadvisor

The bridge stretches over Bear Creek, and you’ll definitely have fun exploring this pretty piece of architecture.

Anthony C/Tripadvisor

Bear Creek runs through the park, providing scenic beauty and recreation.

Beverly L/Tripadvisor

With seven hiking trails to explore, you’ll want to spend an entire weekend here.

MN Photos/flickr The 1.5-mile-long Bear Creek Trail takes you right along the banks of the creek, and you’ll likely encounter wildlife including ducks, geese, squirrels and more.

Tishomingo State Park is also well-known for its distinctive rock formations.

Angel J/Tripadvisor Take the two-mile Outcroppings Trail to get a closer look. Rock climbing is a popular activity here; you’ll need a permit.

One of the best ways to see the park in on a canoe float trip down Bear Creek.

Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks The 2.5 hour trip takes you 6.25 miles down the river, and you’ll see some spectacular scenery along the way. The park provides everything you need, including life jackets. You’ll need advanced reservations; click here for more information.

Haynes Lake is the perfect place to drop a line.

James Ray/Google The lake is full of catfish, bream and bass. Maybe you’ll catch some dinner!

If you’re tired after a long hike, but the kids still have tons of energy, let ’em burn it off on one of the playgrounds.

Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks

Cool off and make some new friends in the swimming pool.

Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks It’s open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM, starting in May.

When the day is over, you probably won’t want to go home.

ace2016/Tripadvisor Stay the night at one of the 62 RV campsites or 17 primitive sites. You can also choose from six cabins and a cottage.

Do you agree that Tishomingo is Mississippi’s best state park?

Mississippi Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks

You’ll find this little gem along the Natchez Trace Parkway. When you enter at the gatehouse, you’ll pay a $4 entrance fee.

ace2016/Tripadvisor

There’s evidence of Native American settlements in this area that go back to 7000 BC, and more recently, the Chickasaw people inhabited this place. Tishomingo State Park got its name from Chief Tishomingo. You’ll see evidence of white settlers here, too. This pioneer cabin still stands in the park today, and it’s a popular spot to explore and photograph.

It’s a beautiful, historic building that you can rent out for parties and events.

Anthony C/Tripadvisor

Beverly L/Tripadvisor

MN Photos/flickr

The 1.5-mile-long Bear Creek Trail takes you right along the banks of the creek, and you’ll likely encounter wildlife including ducks, geese, squirrels and more.

Angel J/Tripadvisor

Take the two-mile Outcroppings Trail to get a closer look. Rock climbing is a popular activity here; you’ll need a permit.

The 2.5 hour trip takes you 6.25 miles down the river, and you’ll see some spectacular scenery along the way. The park provides everything you need, including life jackets. You’ll need advanced reservations; click here for more information.

James Ray/Google

The lake is full of catfish, bream and bass. Maybe you’ll catch some dinner!

It’s open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM, starting in May.

Stay the night at one of the 62 RV campsites or 17 primitive sites. You can also choose from six cabins and a cottage.

If you’re as excited for summer as we are, you’re definitely going to want to explore this outdoor water playground.

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