Interstate 22: Memphis to Tupelo – Mississippi

Join us as we cruise America’s Highways for about 76 miles along Interstate 22, tracing a vital corridor that connects the outskirts of Memphis to the vibrant city of Tupelo, Mississippi. Our journey kicks off at the western terminus of I-22, where it branches off from Interstate 269 in Byhalia — a short hop southeast of Memphis proper. This stretch is an early morning drive, so expect a bit of sun glare at first, but hang tight — the views and the road smooth out soon enough.

Heading southeast, we quickly roll past small communities like Victoria and Red Banks, offering glimpses of rural Mississippi’s laid-back charm. These are towns where time seems to slow down: a few country stores, neat farm plots, and the occasional church steeple dotting the landscape. Just ahead, Holly Springs breaks up the pace with its convenient junction at MS-7 and MS-4, serving as a gateway for travelers wanting a detour into town for fuel, a quick bite, or to explore the historic district known for antebellum architecture and seasonal events.

Pressing on, Interstate 22 invites us into one of the route’s most scenic segments — the Holly Springs National Forest. This portion is a peaceful ribbon of highway winding through tall pines and hardwoods, a welcome green break from farmland and small towns. We coast by interchanges for Potts Camp and Hickory Flat, which offer access to cozy campgrounds, forest trails, and hidden fishing spots if you’re in no rush to stick to the interstate.

Emerging from the National Forest near Myrtle, the route keeps its easy pace rolling through New Albany — a bustling waypoint where you’ll see exits for MS-30 and MS-15. New Albany is worth a pit stop if you’re a fan of small-town downtowns, with local diners and a few antique shops to poke through. From here, our drive southeast takes us past Blue Springs and Sherman, communities that anchor light industrial hubs and rural homesteads alike.

Approaching Tupelo, the landscape blends suburban sprawl with the classic Mississippi countryside. We pass the graceful crossing of the Natchez Trace Parkway, a historic route in its own right, before hitting the major interchange with U.S. Highway 45 on Tupelo’s north side. We wrap up our eastbound roll at exit 87, peeling off onto Veterans Memorial Boulevard — a fitting end for a solid run that bridges big city outskirts to small-town Mississippi.