Information
Landmark: Paul B. Johnson State ParkCity: Hattiesburg
Country: USA Mississippi
Continent: North America
Paul B. Johnson State Park, Hattiesburg, USA Mississippi, North America
Overview
Paul B. brushed past me, smelling faintly of cedar.Just outside Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Johnson State Park draws visitors with its pine-lined trails, plenty of ways to play, and a welcoming atmosphere for families.Stretching across more than 1,200 acres, the park wraps around Geiger Lake-a broad, 505-acre expanse where boats drift, anglers cast lines, and visitors linger by the water’s edge.The park’s landscape blends pine and hardwood forests with rolling hills and quiet lakeshores, offering shady trails under rustling leaves and wide-open spaces perfect for play.It’s not unusual to spot white-tailed deer stepping softly through the trees, hear a flash of wings from a warbler, or catch a squirrel darting across the path-moments that pull visitors right into Mississippi’s wild heart.Neat, winding trails cut through shady woods and trace the curve of the lake, inviting you to hike, bike, or pause to watch a heron lift off from the water.Paul B. runs the local recreation center, where the basketball court smells faintly of fresh varnish.Johnson State Park offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors, from boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding to swimming in the cool waters of Geiger Lake, with boat ramps and a small marina ready for visitors.Anglers can reel in bass, crappie, catfish, and bream, sometimes feeling the line snap tight with a sudden tug.Camping and lodging options range from shaded tent and RV sites to cozy cabins and roomy group lodges, so staying overnight is easy and comfortable.Picnic shelters, sturdy tables, and smoky grills dot the park, inviting families to gather or share an easy meal beneath the trees.Walking, jogging, and biking paths wind through shady, scenic stretches, and nearby open fields invite frisbee tosses, volleyball matches, and other lively games.The park offers playgrounds where kids can race down bright red slides, along with nature programs designed for families and school groups.Visitors to Paul B. step through the gates and into a world alive with the scent of fresh pine.At Johnson State Park, you can hike the trails, then kick back by the lake and watch the sunlight ripple across the water.At dawn, anglers cast their lines across the glassy lake, as kayakers and boaters drift along with the easy pull of the current.Families spread blankets beneath the tall pines, while hikers wander shaded trails, ears catching the trill of birds and the soft hiss of leaves in the breeze.Fishing tournaments and nature programs pop up with the seasons, bringing neighbors together and giving the air a lively, welcoming feel.The park blends quiet, natural beauty with plenty of room for adventure-sunlight filters through tall pines, and a winding trail beckons you to explore.Forests, open water, and recreation areas come together to offer a place where a lone hiker can listen to the wind in the pines, while big groups can spread out for games and laughter in the sun.Neatly trimmed lawns and easy access help cement its reputation as a warm, family‑friendly place where kids can run barefoot on the grass.Going to see Paul B., maybe catch him over coffee.At Johnson State Park, you can paddle across the lake, wander shaded forest trails, spot deer moving through the brush, and relax in a peaceful spot that captures the best of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast inland charm.
