Mississippi State Maps

These maps show Mississippi State Counties, Cities, Federal Areas, Physiographic, and Ecoregion's.

Mississippi State County Sizes Map

Smallest County in Mississippi State

Alcorn County: 400 sq miles

Largest County in Mississippi State

Yazoo County: 928 sq miles

Mean and Median Area of Counties in Mississippi State

Mean Area: 645 sq miles

Median Area: 598 sq miles

Major Cities of Mississippi State and Their Locations

In Mississippi State, major cities often lie along river systems or historic transportation routes. Below are examples:

1. River Cities

Jackson: The capital city is located along the Pearl River and serves as a political and economic hub.

Vicksburg: Historically significant as a port city along the Mississippi River.

Natchez: One of the oldest cities in the state, situated along the Mississippi River, known for its antebellum homes and historical significance.

Gulfport: A major port city on the Gulf Coast, known for its shipping and tourism industries.

Biloxi: Another key coastal city along the Gulf of Mexico, famous for its casinos and seafood industry.

Tupelo: Located near the Tombigbee River, Tupelo is known as the birthplace of Elvis Presley and serves as a regional economic hub.

Corinth: A city near the Tennessee border, known for its Civil War history and its proximity to the Tennessee and Mississippi rivers.

Oxford: A cultural and academic center, home to the University of Mississippi, located near the Tallahatchie River.

2. Transportation Hubs

Hattiesburg: Located along historic rail routes, Hattiesburg is an economic and education center, home to the University of Southern Mississippi.

Meridian: Another city located along key transportation routes, serving as a vital railroad junction and historically important for the timber industry.

Topographic Tour of Mississippi

Mississippi State features diverse landscapes, from coastal plains to river valleys. Below are highlights:

1. Coastal Plains

The southern part of the state features low-lying coastal plains, with marshes, estuaries, and tidal flats. This area is critical for fishing and trade.

2. Mississippi Alluvial Plain

This fertile region lies along the western part of the state, where the Mississippi River has carved deep valleys and deposited rich soil over time.

3. Interior Hills

Central Mississippi is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and farmland. It includes areas like the Pine Belt and Black Belt, known for their distinct geography and ecosystems.

Physiographic Regions of Mississippi

Coastal Plain, East Gulf Coastal Plain

The Coastal Plain extends across southern Mississippi, including beaches, marshlands, and estuaries, supporting tourism, fishing, and agriculture.

Coastal Plain, Mississippi Alluvial Plain

This region is characterized by flat floodplains and rich soils along the Mississippi River. The area is important for agriculture, especially cotton farming.

Notable Federal Lands: Some of the Largest and Most Fascinating Destinations in Mississippi

1. Natchez Trace Parkway

The Natchez Trace Parkway is a scenic road stretching through the state, offering history and nature enthusiasts a chance to explore Mississippi's landscapes, from rolling hills to dense forests, and historical landmarks along the route.

2. Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge

Located along the Gulf Coast, this refuge protects the endangered Mississippi Sandhill Crane and its wet pine savannah habitat, providing critical conservation for this rare bird species.

3. De Soto National Forest

De Soto National Forest offers recreation, hiking, and camping opportunities in Mississippi's Pine Belt, featuring longleaf pine ecosystems and abundant wildlife. It's a popular destination for outdoor activities.

4. Black Creek Wilderness

Located within De Soto National Forest, Black Creek Wilderness is a federally designated wilderness area known for its unspoiled beauty, hiking, canoeing, and wildlife viewing along Black Creek, a National Wild and Scenic River.

5. Vicksburg National Military Park

This park preserves the site of the Civil War’s Siege of Vicksburg. Visitors can explore the battlefield, restored fortifications, and monuments, making it an essential destination for history enthusiasts.

6. Holly Springs National Forest

Located in the northern part of the state, Holly Springs National Forest offers scenic beauty, hiking, fishing, and hunting. Its rolling hills and hardwood forests are a favorite for outdoor recreation.

7. Bienville National Forest

This national forest provides opportunities for hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Its lush forests and numerous lakes and streams attract visitors year-round.

8. Gulf Islands National Seashore

Located along the Gulf Coast, Gulf Islands National Seashore offers beautiful beaches, historic forts, and rich marine life, providing visitors with opportunities for swimming, boating, and exploring coastal habitats.

9. Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge

Situated on the Mississippi-Alabama border, this refuge protects valuable coastal habitats, including marshes and wetlands, and is a crucial area for migratory birds and other wildlife.

10. Tombigbee National Forest

This forest, located in northeastern Mississippi, is known for its mixed hardwood and pine forests, offering recreational opportunities such as hiking, horseback riding, and hunting.

11. Homochitto National Forest

Located in southwestern Mississippi, Homochitto National Forest features extensive pine forests and is popular for camping, hiking, and birdwatching.

12. Panther Swamp National Wildlife Refuge

This refuge, located in the Mississippi Delta, is known for its wetland habitats, supporting waterfowl and a variety of wildlife species. It is a popular destination for birdwatching and hunting.

13. Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge

Located in the Mississippi Delta, Yazoo National Wildlife Refuge is the oldest national wildlife refuge in the state, offering wetland habitats for waterfowl and providing excellent opportunities for wildlife observation and hunting.

Ecoregions of Mississippi

Coastal Plains and Flatwoods, Lower Section

This region includes the flatwoods along the Gulf Coast, with wetland forests and wildlife-rich areas, crucial for biodiversity conservation.

Coastal Plains, Middle Section

This inland section of the coastal plains features a mix of forests, wetlands, and agriculture, with important timber and farming industries.

Louisiana Coast Prairies and Marshes Section

This area along the southern border with Louisiana includes marshlands and prairies that support fishing, shrimping, and bird habitats.

Mississippi Alluvial Basin Section

The fertile floodplains along the Mississippi River, known for agriculture, particularly cotton and soybean farming, are part of this region.