Pines Region, MS Land for Sale

The Pines region of Mississippi is located in the eastern central part of the state. Large cities in the region are Columbus, Pearl and Starkville. The region gets its names from the green pine woodlands all over east- central Mississippi. It features nature trails, state parks, the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway and the Natchez Trace Parkway also runs through it, including prehistoric Native American ceremonial mounds. It also features Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, featuring 254 species of birds as well as other wildlife. There are also some of Mississippi's most celebrated golf courses. In addition to natural beauty, there are also many historic sites, such as French Camp Academy's Historic District.

Rankin County is located in the southwestern corner of the Mississippi Pines region, and is the westernmost part of the state, bordered on the west by the Pearl River. It is the fourth most populous county in the state. The county is named after Christopher Rankin, a Mississippi Congressman who served in the 1800s. The largest city is Pearl, followed by Brandon, which is the county seat. Other cities in this county are Flowood, Pearl and Richland. A small portion of Jackson is also in this county. Rankin County is surrounded by national forests and also features Barnett Reservoir, a 33,000-acre man-made reservoir, and the Pearl River, the second largest river in Mississippi, so there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

Lowndes County is located in the northeastern part of the Mississippi Pines region. It was named in honor of U.S. Congressman William Hones Lowndes. It is one of the three counties in the Golden Triangle, a term created to encourage greater economic ties and development amount the three counties and their largest cities. Columbus is the only city in the county and the county seat. It is home of Mississippi University for Women and there is a large Air Force base extension there as well. Columbus also features Tennessee Williams Home and Welcome Center, home of the prize-winning playwright. The city features Columbus Riverwalk, a beautiful walking and biking trail that begins at Main Street and winds along the Tombigbee River. There are also several campgrounds and parks to enjoy.

Oktibbeha County is in the north central part of the Mississippi Pines region. It is also one of counties part of the Golden Triangle. The name comes from a Native American word meaning "bloody water," because of a battle fought on the banks. Starkville is the only city in the county, and is the county seat. It is home of Mississippi State University, the largest university in the state. Much of the county lies in the Black Belt region, originally named for the prairies and dark fertile soil of the area. Other portions are in the Flatwoods region, characterized by pine forests. Part of the Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge and Tombigbee National Forest are in Oktibbeha County.