I recently had some free time on a Sunday and took a road trip. I traveled into Mississippi on Highway 72 when I remembered that Tishomingo State Park was not that far away. I have never been there so I decided that I would go check it out.
It is not that far from the Quad Cities. It is about an hour drive. Entering the Park, there is a small entry fee into the park. It was $4.00 for me. No biggee. If it helps keep the State parks going, it was well worth it. Driving through the Park, I did not realize how big it was. The attendant at the front entrance gives you a map of the park.
I did not realize there were cabins that could be rented or a swimming pool. Of course, there is a lake in the park. Driving around, I saw an old cabin on the side of the road. I stopped to take some pics. While taking the photos, I observed a trail leading into the woods. Curious, I decided to see where it went.
Right off the bat, I have never been hiking. Always wanted to, but just never have had the chance. Little did I know that this trail was a hiking trail. It took me about 45 minutes to get back to the road. I have to say that I did enjoy the hike. I will go back but I will be better prepared with better shoes and some hydration.
The Park offers a lot of things to do. From the Park’s website:
Things to Do:
The park’s unique setting fills every activity with adventure. Activities and recreational facilities available at Tishomingo State Park include: picnic area with tables and grills, picnic pavilions, lodge facility, disc golf courses, compass course, hiking trails, playgrounds, multi-use field, volleyball court, and a swimming pool. Rock climbing is available by permit. Canoe trips and fishing are available on Bear Creek. Haynes Lake, a 45 acre fresh water lake, is available for fishing.
- Park Gatehouse and Entrance
- Lodge and Picnic Facilities
- Play Areas: Playgrounds, Multi-use Ballfield, and Volleyball Court
- Swimming Pool
- Canoeing and Fishing
- Disc Golf and Compass Course
- Hiking Trails and Rock Climbing
As I stated, there are cabins that you can rent. I found the following on the Park’s Website:
Stay the Night:
There are several options when it comes to staying overnight. The park offers 62 RV campsites, primitive campsite area, 6 cabins, 1 cottage, and a group camp facility. The campground is wooded and follows the edge of Haynes Lake. Cabins are located in wooded an area on rocky bluffs above Bear Creek.
Reservations are encouraged. Reservations can be made by online reservations or calling the park at (662) 438-6914. Our online reservation system is hosted by Reserve America.
A little history of the Park from their website:
“Located in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Tishomingo State Park is steeped in history and scenic beauty. Archaeological excavations confirm the presence of Paleo Indians in the area now encompassed by the park as early as 7000 B.C.! The park takes its name from the leader of the Chickasaw nation, Chief Tishomingo. The famous Natchez Trace Parkway, the premier highway of the early 1800s and a modern scenic parkway, runs directly through the park. Today’s visitors to Tishomingo State Park discover the same timeless natural beauty that enchanted the Indians centuries ago. Tishomingo offers a unique landscape of massive rock formations and fern-filled crevices found nowhere else in Mississippi. Massive boulders blanketed in moss dot the hillsides, and colorful wildflowers border trails once walked by Native Americans.”
One of the most interesting things I saw in the park was the Cable Bridge that goes out over the woods. It was an interesting structure that you must see to totally understand the beauty of the surrounding park.
So, if you are in need of a little down time or need to take the family somewhere, think about Tishomingo State park. It’s not that far away, cheap to get into and there is plenty to keep you entertained. I know that I am planning another trip there for a hiking day. See you there.
Tishomingo State Park
105 CR 90 – P.O. Box 880
Tishomingo, MS 38873
P: (662) 438-6914
Bobby Inman is retired from Law Enforcement after 21 years of Service. He is a Consultant for Southern Heritage Gun & Pawn in Tuscumbia. He has articles published in Law & Order Magazine, Police Marksman Magazine, Guns & Weapons for Law Enforcement Magazine as well as several published ebooks on Amazon, Kobo Writing, as well as Nook (Barnes & Noble). He is owner of Poopiedog, an Animal Rescue Dachshund, who is his constant companion. He is a Senior Investigative Reporter for the Quad Cities Daily. Bobby is the Photographer for Continental Championship Wrestling
