Just 90 minutes from Oak Hall, the Petrified Forest in Mississippi offers a rare chance to step into a prehistoric world. This quiet, shaded trail in Flora winds through an ancient landscape where massive logs turned to stone over millions of years. It’s the only place of its kind in the state—and it makes for a fascinating half-day adventure.
The loop trail through the forest is just under a mile, making it an easy walk for most visitors. Along the way, you’ll see huge pieces of petrified wood lying where nature left them, each one a reminder of the primeval forest that once thrived here. The self-guided path is lined with signs that explain how the trees fossilized and what makes this site so geologically unique.
Whether you stop by the Petrified Forest in Mississippi on your way to Vicksburg or make it a day trip on your getaway, with our historic bed and breakfast in Vicksburg as your home base, you’ll have the best place to relax during your downtime. Our charming small town on the bluffs of the Yazoo River is a hidden gem in the Deep South. If you enjoy military history, rooftop dining, lively casinos, and local boutiques, a visit to Vicksburg needs to be on your list. Start planning your next stay-cation, and book our boutique hotel today!
Petrified Forest in Mississippi & More Great Hiking Trails
The loop trail at the Petrified Forest in Mississippi is under a mile long, making it an easy walk for most visitors. Along the way, you’ll encounter large pieces of petrified wood resting where nature left them, each serving as a reminder of the ancient forest that once thrived here. The self-guided path is lined with informative signs giving guests an insightful look into the geology.
On the property, there is a small museum that provides additional context. Inside, you’ll find everything from petrified logs and crystals to ancient animal bones. Families often spend time here before stopping by the gift shop for souvenirs or snacks. There’s even a gem mining activity for kids. This combination of science, education, and outdoor fun makes the forest an easy addition to a day trip.
One of the highlights of the Petrified Forest in Mississippi is a cross-section of a tree estimated to be over 36 million years old. Visitors can see the preserved rings, study the mineral patterns, and learn more about the slow transformation that turned wood into quartz-like stone. The museum also features fossilized whale bones, prehistoric shark teeth, and a variety of minerals from around the country. Learn more here.
More Great Walks Near Our Vicksburg Bed and Breakfast
Aside from the Petrified Forest in Mississippi, if you’re looking to stretch your legs even closer to Vicksburg, strolling in the downtown area is a great way to see the historical sites and follow the markers on the Mississippi Blues Trail. Here are some other places near Vicksburg to check out on foot:
- Don’t miss the walking trails at Vicksburg National Military Park. The 16-mile road through the park is popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists. You can do a short section or explore longer routes past cannons, monuments, and interpretive signs that tell the story of the Civil War Siege of Vicksburg.
- Just over an hour from our bed and breakfast, the Homochitto National Forest offers peaceful trails, scenic drives, and quiet spots for hiking, fishing, and birdwatching. It’s a great place to explore Mississippi’s natural beauty and enjoy a relaxing day outdoors.
- The Tensas River National Wildlife Refuge is a haven for wildlife viewing, especially for spotting black bears, deer, and migratory birds in a protected bottomland hardwood forest. Just over an hour from Oak Hall, it’s a quiet destination for hiking, photography, and connecting with nature.
- The Delta National Forest offers some of the best hiking with quiet trails through hardwood forests, swamps, and seasonal wetlands. Located about an hour from Oak Hall, it’s a peaceful escape for nature lovers and outdoor explorers. Not unlike the Petrified Forest in Mississippi, you’ll see some gorgeous scenery here!
The Best Place to Relax at our Bed and Breakfast in Vicksburg
If you’re planning a visit to the Petrified Forest in Mississippi or craving a quiet retreat surrounded by history and charm, Oak Hall in Vicksburg, MS, makes the ideal home base. This stately, historic mansion—originally the Fannie Willis Johnson home—features striking architectural details like a Mission-style gabled portico, decorative stonework, broad eaves, and colorful stained glass that catches the light in beautiful ways. Inside, timeless character meets modern comfort in thoughtfully curated spaces.
With just six spacious guest suites, each more than 300 square feet, the experience feels private and peaceful. Guests often enjoy quiet moments in their rooms, while others gather in the inviting shared areas or sip coffee on the wide front porch. Every suite includes a California king mattress dressed in premium linens, a stylish en suite bathroom, and elegant touches that reflect the home’s past and modern flair.
During your stay, you’ll enjoy complimentary Wi-Fi, smart TVs, private parking, and access to a butler’s pantry stocked with light breakfast options each morning. Most of all, you’ll be welcomed with genuine Southern hospitality. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, our bed and breakfast in Vicksburg offers a warm and memorable experience every time. Book your getaway today; we look forward to welcoming you.
