Join us as we travel 54 scenic miles through the heart of the Mississippi Delta along Mississippi Highway 1, from Rosedale to Lula. This stretch of highway forms a tranquil but meaningful part of the Great River Road, tracing a path parallel to the mighty Mississippi River. While the river itself mostly hides behind levees, the surrounding landscape delivers a rich tapestry of agricultural history, small Delta towns, and wide, open skies that stretch for miles.
Our journey begins in Rosedale, a small town that once served as a riverport hub. Starting at the intersection with Mississippi Highway 8, we head north on MS-1, immediately entering flat, fertile farmland — a hallmark of this region. This two-lane route rolls past cotton fields and catfish ponds, reflecting the area’s deep agricultural roots. Shortly after leaving Rosedale, we pass through Wright and Waxhaw, blink-and-you’ll-miss-them communities that maintain the charm of the Delta’s quiet pace of life.
Just ahead, we enter Gunnison, one of the larger communities along the route, though still modest in size. While here, it’s worth making a quick detour west to catch a glimpse of the levee that protects the town from the Mississippi River’s powerful floods. Continuing north, we pass through Francis before nearing Perthshire, where Mississippi Highway 32 intersects from the east. This area is rich with history, from its river trade roots to its role in the cotton economy of the early 20th century.
Further north near Deeson, we intersect with Mississippi Highway 444, a short spur that leads east from Round Lake. Though the lake itself is more of a wide spot in the water than a recreational hotspot, the surrounding wetlands and lowland woods hint at the natural floodplain of the Mississippi. This section of MS-1 begins to feel especially remote — no fast food, no chain stores — just the road, the fields, and the horizon.
As we press on, the small town of Sherard comes into view, where MS-1 meets Mississippi Highway 322. This area, like much of Coahoma County, is steeped in blues history and Delta culture. Sherard sits just west of Clarksdale, often referred to as the cradle of the blues. While MS-1 doesn’t pass directly through Clarksdale, travelers with extra time should consider detouring east on MS-322 or MS-6 to experience its vibrant music scene and historic blues landmarks.
The final stretch north toward Lula brings us closer to the river once more, with occasional views of the levee road and surrounding bayous. Lula is a quiet Delta town, but its location at the junction with U.S. Route 49 makes it a key crossroad for travelers heading to Tunica, Clarksdale, or even Memphis. The official route of MS-1 ends just outside of town, where the road intersects with US-49.
What makes this drive memorable isn’t flashy attractions or dramatic scenery — it’s the Delta’s authenticity. Every field tells a story, every town holds a piece of the past, and the slow pace of the road gives you time to absorb it all. Being part of the Great River Road National Scenic Byway, this route invites exploration not just of place, but of culture — from blues music and soul food to Civil Rights history and southern resilience.
If you’re into road trips that feel like time travel, Mississippi Highway 1 from Rosedale to Lula is worth the ride. Just make sure your gas tank is full — services are few and far between, and part of the charm is how far removed it feels from the bustle of modern highways.
🎵 Music: Track List
🗺️ Route Map
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