Water, trails and local history offer different perspectives on Smith County. Lakes give the landscape a clear sense of scale, rivers offer their own ways to enjoy the water, and historic sites tell the story of the region’s development. You can shape your stay around the subjects that interest you most.
Lakes and Rivers in Smith County
The 50-acre Marathon Lake is in the northeastern part of Smith County. The 81-acre Prentiss Walker Lake is in the county, four miles southwest of Mize along Highway 35. It is larger than Marathon Lake and is known for particularly large bluegill and redear sunfish. Fishing conditions can vary by season.
Beaver Lake is a 67-acre man-made lake. It dates to the period when ironwood was transported by rail. Today, fishing is possible there from small boats. In addition to its size, the lake has a historical connection to the region’s former transportation industry.
The rivers also differ in character. The Strong River flows through the northwestern part of Smith County, near Polkville, and is considered shallow and calm. In Smith County, the Leaf River can be traveled by canoe, kayak or small boat. Another state-designated access point to the Leaf River is the Bob Blakeney Bridge on River Road, north of Taylorsville. Check local conditions before visiting.
In Mize, Okohay Creek and Clear Creek flow through the town and its City Park. Swimming is possible at Tallahala Creek in summer; there is also a small waterfall. Together, these waterside destinations range from river trips to a seasonal swimming experience.
Hiking Trails and Time Outdoors
Trail lengths offer a concrete point of comparison: the Lake Loop Trail in the Marathon Recreation Area is about 1.5 miles long, while the loop trail in Shongelo Park is about half a mile long. There is also an observation platform overlooking the lake along the Shongelo trail. The two routes therefore differ in length, and the shorter loop is also described as having a viewpoint.
The Oakohay Hiking Trail passes through a stand of loblolly pines managed using uneven-aged forestry. So the forest’s structure is part of the experience, along with the trail itself. Visitors interested in forests and landscapes will find a different focus here than at the lakes and rivers.
The facilities at the two recreation areas can also be compared in concrete terms. Marathon Recreation Area has 34 campsites with water and electrical hookups, 14 picnic tables, two picnic shelters and a swimming area. Shongelo Park has four campsites, seven picnic areas, one picnic shelter and a swimming area as well. Individual facilities may change; before your visit, briefly check what matters for your plans.
The Tallahala Wildlife Management Area extends near Montrose across Smith, Scott, Newton and Jasper Counties. It encompasses several counties and offers another regional point of interest for nature around Smith County.
Places and History
The Smith County Courthouse in Raleigh was built in 1912 and designated a Mississippi Landmark on June 3, 1996. It is considered the most significant landmark building in Raleigh. Its construction date and designation give the courthouse a distinct place in the architectural and local history.
The Watkins Museum is located at 326 Eureka Street in Taylorsville. The building was formerly a general store and newspaper office and is associated with the Taylorsville Signal. It is the only surviving commercial building from the town’s early growth period. Its former uses connect local commercial history with the history of Taylorsville’s newspaper.
The name Shongelo also points to the area’s history: the village, founded in 1865, was named after Shongelo Creek. Together with the courthouse and the historic building in Taylorsville, this place-name connection shows another side of Smith County beyond its lakes, rivers and hiking trails.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Taylorsville, Lee, Union County, Grenada County, Adams County, Tunica, Webster County, Harrison.
For the main travel overview: Mississippi.
