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Hiking

Hiking is a wonderful way to see and experience the many wonders of our nation’s forests. Whether you are interested in day hikes or backpacking into the wilderness, the national forests have trails for you. Visit your forest’s ranger district office to obtain a trail map to help you plan your route based on your ability, available time and interest.  

Some trails are easy and fun for families with small children; other paths make great half-day hikes. Trails can lead to a backpacking adventure for a night or much longer. Wilderness trails are the most primitive and should be used by experienced hikers who enjoy strenuous activities.

 

Backpacking Areas by District:

De Soto Ranger District:

  • Big Foot Horse Trail and Camp
  • Black Creek Hiking Trail
  • Tuxachanie National Hiking Trail

Homochitto Ranger District

  • Richardson Creek Trail
  • Noxubee Hills Mountain Bike Trail

 

Day Hiking Areas by District:

Homochitto Ranger District

  • Clear Springs

Bienville Ranger District

  • Marathon Lake
  • Shockaloe Trail
  • Shongelo Lake

Chickasawhay Ranger District

  • Tall Pines
  • Turkey Fork

De Soto Ranger District

  • Airey Lake
  • Ashe Lake
  • Big Creek Landing
  • Black Creek Hiking Trail
  • Black Creek National Wild and Scenic River
  • Leaf Hiking Trail
  • P.O.W. Lake Recreation Area
  • Tuxachanie National Hiking Trail

Delta Ranger District

  • Delta Multiple-Use Trails

Holly Springs Ranger District

  • Chewalla Lake
  • Puskus Lake

Homochitto Ranger District

  • Clear Springs Recreation Area
  • Richardson Creek Trail

Tombigbee Ranger District

  • Choctaw Lake
  • Noxubee Hills Mountain Bike Trail
  • Witch Dance Horse Trail

Search for Hiking Opportunities

Showing: 1 - 10 of 14 results

Airey Lake

Site Closed
Hiking Picnicking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Temporary Closure at Airey Lake on the Desoto National Forest 1/29/2025 - View this page for updates and reopening infoPicnicking, fishing and hiking are among some favorite activities that can…

Ashe Lake

Site Open
Hiking Other Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking
Ashe Lake Recreation Area was originally built to provide water for Ashe Nursery.  The 8-acre lake is shallow with the deepest area about 15 feet. Visitors may enjoy fishing for bass, bream and…

Big Creek Landing

Site Open
Hiking Picnicking
Big Creek Landing, located on a high bank overlooking Black Creek Wild and Scenic River, serves as the northern terminus and beginning/end point for both the Black Creek float trip and the Black…

Black Creek National Wild and Scenic River

Site Open
Outdoor Science and Learning Hiking Picnicking Water Activities
Black Creek, with it's deep, black water and white sand bars and colorful vertical bluffs, meanders through the De Soto National Forest with trees and flowering shrubs hanging over the…

Chewalla Lake

Site Open
Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking Hiking
Chewalla Lake Recreation Area’s name is from the Choctaw word "Chiho-la," meaning "supreme being." Like Owl Creek, this was a special place for Native Americans, who once built a ceremonial mound…

Choctaw Lake

Site Open
Water Activities Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Picnicking Hiking Outdoor Science and Learning
Choctaw Lake Recreation Area offers a range of outdoor opportunities such as camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, hiking and bicycling. Facilities include 20 campsites with utility…

Clear Springs

Site Open
Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Biking Picnicking Hiking
Clear Springs Recreation Area is nestled amongst tall stands of pine and mixed hardwood trees. A 12-acre spring-fed lake provides fishing opportunities. Facilities include a campground, picnic area…

Clear Springs Recreation Area

Site Open
Picnicking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities Hiking Biking
Nestled among pine covered hills, you will find a cool, 12-acre spring-fed lake, which offers a variety of recreation opportunities for everyone. Camping, swimming, fishing and picnicking are…

Marathon Lake

Site Open
Picnicking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Water Activities Hiking
Marathon Lake is a 50-acre lake located in Smith County. It was named after Marathon Lumber Company which closed in 1929. The lake has been stocked with catfish, bass and crappie and is open to…

P.O.W. Lake Recreation Area

Site Open
Hiking Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
This recreation site lies beside a 7-acre lake at the southern end of the Tuxachanie National Recreation Hiking Trail. This rustic area provides primitive camping, fishing, and hiking. The lake…

Last updated March 7th, 2025