De Soto National Forest

Mississippi's largest national forest, De Soto National Forest spans over half a million acres of southern Mississippi Piney Woods, protecting extensive longleaf pine savannas, pitcher plant bogs, and blackwater creek ecosystems. Black Creek, designated as a National Wild and Scenic River, offers 41 miles of pristine canoeing and kayaking through a scenic corridor of towering pines and white sandbars, while the parallel 41-mile Black Creek Trail is widely regarded as the state's premier backpacking route.\n\nThe forest's longleaf pine ecosystem, maintained by one of the most active prescribed fire programs in the national forest system, supports thriving populations of the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, gopher tortoise, and Mississippi sandhill crane. The Leaf River Wilderness and Black Creek Wilderness together protect over 10,000 acres of undisturbed forest and stream habitats. De Soto offers extensive recreation including hunting for white-tailed deer and wild turkeys, fishing in numerous streams and ponds, mountain biking on the Tuxachanie Trail, and off-highway vehicle riding on a dedicated trail system, making it the most heavily used national forest in Mississippi.