Going leaf peeping in MS? This is the ‘most romantic’ fall drive, survey says
Mississippi’s peak leaf season is set to start Nov. 10 for the top half of the state and work its way down, according to the Smoky Mountains 2025 Fall Foliage Prediction Map.
If you’re searching for a cozy fall drive to make with a loved one, look no further. A recent survey by car dealership Gunther Volkswagen of Coconut Creek asked couples across the country about their favorite fall drives in each state.
In Mississippi, Vicksburg National Military Park was voted as the most romantic spot to go for a fall drive, followed by Natchez Trace Parkway, according to the survey.
Here’s what makes these drives so great for fall and how to get there.
Vicksburg National Military Park
Vicksburg National Military Park features a 16-mile driving tour through the historic Civil War battleground. More than 1,400 monuments can be seen alongside the park’s forested landscape, which includes streams and river habitats, according to the National Park Service.
“As oaks and hickories shift into amber, orange, and gold, the warm colors soften the solemn backdrop of memorials and monuments,” according to Gunther Volkswagen’s survey.
Address: 3201 Clay Street, Vicksburg, MS 39183
Entrance cost: $10 per person, $20 for private vehicles, $15 for motorcycles
Natchez Trace Parkway
Natchez Trace Parkway is a 444-mile scenic road that stretches across three states, including Mississippi. According to the National Park Service, the road “roughly” follows a historic path traveled by American Indians, European settlers, slave traders, soldiers and more.
“The road now carries couples past burial mounds, old inns and quiet forests,” according to Gunther Volkswagen.
Address: 2680 Natchez Trace Parkway, Tupelo, MS 38804
Entrance cost: Free year-round
Other MS spots to see fall colors
These are some other top spots to enjoy leaf peeping in the state, according to Visit Mississippi:
- Tishomingo State Park
- Clark Creek Nature Area
- LeFleur’s Bluff State Park
- Holly Springs National Forest
How did car dealership come up with list?
Gunther Volkswagen of Coconut Creek’s survey of 3,005 couples was conducted in September and asked which fall foliage drives in the country are considered the most romantic. The survey sample reflects a mix of ages, genders and geography, according to the dealership.
Check out Gunther Volkswagen’s full list of most romantic fall drives in each state here.
This story was originally published October 2, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
