De Soto National Forest — Attraction in Mississippi

De Soto National Forest is a hidden gem in Mississippi that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. The forest is home to a variety of trails, including the Tuxachanie Trail, which is a 12-mile hike that ends at an old WWII POW camp. The trail is relatively flat and easy, making it accessible for hikers of all levels1.

One of the highlights of De Soto National Forest is Airey Lake, a serene spot in Stone County with multiple freshwater wells and restrooms. The area is well-maintained, with trails kept free of debris and plenty of primitive campsites available2.

For those looking to cool off, Black Creek offers a great option for swimming and canoeing. Renting a canoe in Brooklyn and taking a float trip on Black Creek is a fantastic way to experience the forest from a different perspective1.

Overall, De Soto National Forest is a must-visit for anyone looking to escape into nature and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you're hiking, camping, or canoeing, this forest has something for everyone. The well-maintained trails, beautiful scenery, and peaceful atmosphere make it a perfect destination for a...

Great trail to log a few miles. 13.1 from one end to the other. If you're the first one out in the morning, you will def want a stick or trekking poles to take down spider webs before walking into them. Bug spray is a must and if it has been raining a bit then you may get your feet wet trying to cross a few areas where the water interacts with the path. When the path is dry, there are still a few spots where crossing can be difficult if you have any trouble with balance. Overall a great place to get away from all the noise and enjoy nature. You'll typically encounter a few people with dogs within the first mile or two (entering from 49). If you hike the entire path, a tick removal tool is handy to carry as you'll usually pick up one or two. There are mile markers throughout the trail that are pretty well in-line with GPS (maybe off by a couple tenths depending on how many miles you go...

De Soto National Forest, named for 16th-century explorer Hernando de Soto, is 518,587 acres (810 sq mi; 2,099 km2) of pine forests in southern Mississippi. It is one of the most important protected areas for the biological diversity of the Gulf Coast ecoregion of North America. It is a nationally important site for protection of longleaf pine savannas, pine flatwoods, and longleaf pine forests. More than 90 percent of this ecosystem type has been lost in the United States. The wet pine savannas support rare and endangered plant and animal species, such as the orchid Calopogon multiflorus, gopher frogs, and gopher tortoises. These habitats also have large numbers of carnivorous plants, particularly pitcher plants; Buttercup Flats has an international reputation in...