Best Hikes in the National Forests in Mississippi (MS)

National Forests in Mississippi Overview

There are six National Forests in Mississippi located throughout the beautiful state and each has its own unique surrounding community full of history and heritage. From the pine forests of the Gulf Coastal Plain to the upland hardwoods in the northern part of the state, the National Forests in Mississippi covers 1.2 million acres of diverse natural resources and valued public lands spread across the state. It includes six National Forests: the Bienville, the Delta, the Holly Springs, the Homochitto, the Tombigbee, and the De Soto, which has the Chickasawhay Ranger District and the De Soto Ranger District. Although not the hikers paradise, the best hikes in the National Forests in Mississippi are described below.

StateMississippi
Nearest Metro AreaJackson, MS
Area Size1,188,698 acres
EstablishedJune 15, 1936
Hiking Trails235 miles

Trailhead Traveler’s Recommended Best Hikes in the National Forests in Mississippi

(*** = Best Hikes in the National Forests in Mississippi)

Civil War Hill Trail (Bienville) – 2.3 mile loop
MS13 North - Bienville National Forest
Bienville National Forest, Photo by formulanone

Located within the Roosevelt State Park area of the Bienville National Forest. The Civil War Hill Trail offers some nice rolling hills through white oak woods; there may be some downed trees along the route.

Richardson Creek Trail*** (Homochitto) – 9.8 mile loop
Homochitto National Forest
Homochitto National Forest, Photo by Antrell Williams

Richardson Creek Trail is a 10-mile trail that winds through the beautiful Clear Springs Recreation Area. The trail is very well marked and a nice hilly wooded hike in MS.

Tuxachanie Trail*** (De Soto) – 11.9 miles one-way
Tuxachanie Trail
Tuxachanie Trail, Photo by Marty B

The Tuxachanie Trail is 11.9 miles in length with the first five miles following a turn of the 20th century narrow gauge railroad. Remains of the railroad trestles and part of the logging camp near the trailhead can still be seen. Hikers can access the trail from Airey Lake and P.O.W. Lake.

Featured Image: De Soto National Forest, Photo by Woodlot

Don’t forget to stock up on the essentials before you plan your next hiking or camping trip! We have recommendations on:
TENTS
HIKING BOOTS
AND MORE!