Smith County lies east from Hattiesburg MS towards Meridian MS with a population of roughly 16 thouasand people inhabiting its various towns like Raleigh ; Taylorsville ; Sandersville , Millsaps , McCool , Whitfield etc.. Smith provides visitors many options when it comes to sightseeing : one can hang out at Chaney's Dairy Barn amusement park or visit Ellen Bay Pocket Wilderness area which offers great views while being surrounded by picturesque trees . For those looking for more educational trips they can pay homage to William Faulkner birthplace site or embark on self guided safaris through Marion Hatchery & Game Farm .