The Desoto National Forest is characterized by gently rolling terrain covered by southern pine ridges and hardwood bottoms with clear, tea-colored streams meandering throughout. Year-round recreation opportunities abound for the hiker, bicyclist, camper, canoeist, ATV rider, horse enthusiast, hunter, and fisherman. Length of stay limits do apply within our camping areas. Visitors who seek solitude will be able to find within one of the state’s two wilderness areas– the Black Creek or Leaf — both located in the Desoto National Forest. The district is also home of the Mississippi’s only national Scenic River, Black Creek, famous for its wide, white sandbars and relaxed floating pace.
National Recreation Trails, the Black Creek and the Tuxachanie, offer over 60 miles for the hiker to explore the pinewoods. Other trails on the district included Bethel and Rattlesnake Bay ATV trails, Big Foot horse trail, Leaf hiking trail, and Bethel bicycle trail. The nature observer may delight in experiencing the varied ecosystems found on the De Soto, from dry, sandy longleaf pine/scrub oak ridges to frequently flooded tupelo/bald cypress swamps, and from the steep upland hardwood forests of Ragland Hills to the vast pitcher plant savanna at Buttercup Flats.
