Perry County High Point Trip Report
unnamed on McLaurin quadrangle: 6-2N-11W (380+ ft)
31 degrees 1 minute N, 89 degrees 8.5 minutes W
Date: October 23, 2000
Author: Fred Dale
Note: This cohp is on a military base. Regardless of any perceived absence of prohibititions, signs,
sentries, in the past, it is not advisable to enter this area without permission.
Take US Hwy. 49 south from Hattiesburg, MS. Turn east at the signed road to the community of
McLaurin (it's on current Rand McNallys). Once in the community, cross the RR tracks, then parallel
them south a few blocks to Rifle Range Road; turn east. This road is paved, but becomes gravel.
Go about 3 3/4 mi. to a paved road intersection. You're now in Camp Shelby Base. Turn right onto the
paved road, and shortly thereafter (a few hundred feet) turn left (E) at the Range Control building.
Go less than 1/2 mi. to an unpaved intersection. Turn left, north, and proceed about 1 3/4 mi. to a dead-end,
with a trench and bar-gate. (No prohibitive signs.) From here, one can walk into the curious map feature
shown on the topo as a dog-leg shaped series of parallel tracks. This large area is a tank practice gunnery range.
Pay attention to signs, alerts, personnel, etc. indicating whether or not it is in use. Alternatively,
back track to a small graveled intersection you encountered on the drive in. Hang west (it'll curve back
north), and follow it as it curves NE, then E to a lookout tower at the west end of the large tank dog-leg.
From here (a good place to find out if the area is being used), you can drive on rough gravel roads along
the north edge of the range. You'll use the topo to confirm entering the HP contour line. Get out and
walk around. The three-lobed area has several possible absolute HPs, which we walked upon.
linked satellite photo