Monroe County: Trails, Water and History

In Monroe County, waterscapes, trails, and regional history come together. The Monroe County Recreational Trail is designed for hiking and mountain biking; Aberdeen Lake is part of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. In Amory, an annual railroad festival held in April is a highlight of the events calendar, while Aberdeen offers historical and artistic themes. A trip here can therefore encompass more than a single focus: you can plan time in nature and outdoor activities as well as railroad, local, and Black history.

Water and Outdoor Activities

The Monroe County Recreational Trail is designed for hiking and mountain biking. If you like to stay active during your days, you can plan a hike or a mountain bike ride on this trail. These two activities give the trail a clear place in a trip that includes time outdoors.

Aberdeen Lake covers 4,121 acres in central Monroe County and is part of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. The waterway offers opportunities for boating in Monroe County. Historically, anglers came to the lake from across the state to catch bass and crappie. The lake thus reflects a historical fishing perspective, while the waterway is the focal point for boating activities in the county.

Lake Monroe covers 99 acres and lies between Aberdeen and Amory on Highway 45 in Monroe County. It is considerably smaller than Aberdeen Lake. Its location between the two towns distinguishes it as a landmark from Aberdeen Lake, which is part of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway.

Blue Bluff Recreation Area is located along the Aberdeen Lake section of the Tenn-Tom Waterway. It has a campground and a day-use area. These two areas offer different options for planning a trip: camping and day use.

History, Art, and Local Traditions

The Amory Railroad Festival takes place every April at Frisco Park and in the surrounding areas. Food offerings include dishes from local churches as well as carnival food. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, April is a recurring time to consider; check the specific event dates for the year of your trip.

The M&O Depot is considered the oldest known surviving railroad depot in Mississippi. The Elkin Theatre in Aberdeen also has a historic character: its style is Art Nouveau. Railroad history and theater architecture thus offer different cultural highlights in the region.

The Amory Regional Museum preserves, curates, and archives significant regional history and genealogical materials. It also offers innovative educational programs. Its focus therefore brings together regional history, genealogy, and educational offerings.

The Aberdeen Black History Trail is a self-guided driving tour with 15 stops significant to Black history in Aberdeen. Newberger Park was the region’s first historic recreational facility for African Americans. The two topics highlight different aspects of Black history: a tour with multiple stops and the history of a recreational site.

In Aberdeen, Evans Memorial Library has genealogical materials and historical research data. Those interested in family history will find a different subject here than on the Black History Trail: the library’s collections focus on genealogy and historical research.

Aberdeen’s Murals Art Trail features 17 murals by local and regional artists. The Elkin Theatre complements this artistic focus with its historic Art Nouveau architecture. Together, the murals, created by local and regional artists, contrast clearly with the theater’s historic character.

Aberdeen is also an official stop for cyclists on the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route. This is a different cycling option from the Monroe County Recreational Trail: the trail is designed for hiking and mountain biking, while Aberdeen is a stop on the named bicycle route.

Discover more destinations: Aberdeen, Amory, Grenada County, Pike, Prentiss, Hinds, Clay, Smith County.

Return to the main travel overview: Mississippi.