Covington can be explored through a range of travel interests: the river landscape and paddling take center stage at Okatoma Creek, Mitchell Farms offers insights into agriculture and farm history, and Collins adds recreational activities. When planning your trip, you can start by choosing a focus—nature by the water, local history or a specific activity. The following places offer different ways to explore these interests.
River Landscapes and Water Experiences
Sandbars, waterfalls, rapids and steep banks shape the landscape along Okatoma Creek. Tall banks are shaded by stands of maple, birch and magnolia trees. Canoe and kayak rental companies offer free transportation upstream; afterward, you can drift back to your vehicle. Check the rental company’s current information before your trip.
In Collins, Grand Paradise Water Park is located at the intersection of Highway 49 and Highway 84. There, visitors can float along the Paradise Lazy River on inner tubes. This is different from canoeing on the Okatoma: the Lazy River is about floating on tubes, while on the Okatoma you follow the river downstream after being transported upstream.
Agriculture and Landscape
Mitchell Farms is located in the pine forests of southeastern Mississippi, near the Leaf River. Also nearby is the intersection of Old Jackson Military Road and Leaf River Church Road; the latter follows Three Chop Way. Visitors can learn about the farm’s history and the crops grown there at Mitchell Farms. This means the focus is not only on the landscape, but also on agricultural use and the history of the operation. If you are interested in local agriculture, this visit offers a distinct theme to explore.
Culture and Historical Connections
The Covington County Courthouse was built in 1907 and is a Classical Revival-style building. Carver Middle School offers a different historical perspective: it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on January 24, 2019, and is considered an important and educational part of Covington County’s local history. The two buildings therefore offer different points of interest—the courthouse for its construction date and architecture, and the school for its historic designation and local significance.
A biographical connection to music leads to Mount Olive: Billy Ray Reynolds was from there, was a guitarist, singer and songwriter, and made a name for himself as Waylon Jennings’s bandleader. His career broadens the cultural perspective beyond architectural and local history to include music history.
Recreational Activities in Collins
Collins offers more specific recreational destinations to choose from. Westside Park is west of Highway 49 and has playground equipment and basketball courts. North of Collins is the Okatoma Golf Club, an 18-hole golf course with Bermuda greens and Bermuda fairways. The options differ clearly by activity: park amenities on the one hand, and a golf course with specifically described features on the other.
Discover more destinations: Mt Olive, Pearl River County, Pike, Desoto, Madison, Claiborne, Tunica, Simpson County.
For the broader travel overview: Mississippi.
