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NatureHiking

The Gorgeous 2.5-Mile Hike In Mississippi’s Tombigbee National Forest That Will Lead You Past A Lake

Lakeside Trail in Tombigbee National Forest offers a scenic hike with footbridges over Choctaw Lake, providing year-round natural beauty.

Published Sep 7, 2021

Written by 

Daniella DiRienzo

Nestled within Tombigbee National Forest, you’ll find one of Mississippi’s most idyllic hikes – the Lakeside Trail. Not only does the trail encircle a pristine lake, but it features footbridges that allow you to actually walk over the lake.

A nature lover’s delight, the Choctaw Lake Recreation Area in Tombigbee National Forest boasts lots of opportunities for outdoor fun.

Sign for Choctaw Wildlife Management Area in Tombigbee National Forest, surrounded by lush green trees.
Merle Baker/Google

Visitors can enjoy camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, fishing, biking, and…hiking, of course!

A serene lake surrounded by trees, reflecting the clear sky and shoreline in calm waters.
Cody Cohutta/AllTrails

There are several trails in the recreation area. One of the most popular is the Lakeside Trail. Short and sweet, the 2.5-mile trail circles Choctaw Lake pretty close to its shore.

A serene lake surrounded by trees and grassy banks, with a path winding along the water's edge.
Olivia Vilmstone/Google

Bounded by the forest on one side and the lake on the other, the trail boasts great views throughout.

A serene lake surrounded by lush green trees, reflecting the clear blue sky and calm water.
Jeff Ames/AllTrails

Wooden footbridges span the upper end of the lake, allowing hikers to essentially walk on water.

A wooden boardwalk stretches through a lush, green landscape under a bright sun. Reflections shimmer on the water.
Cody Cohutta/AllTrails

The footbridges provide a great vantage point for taking in aquatic plants as well as birds, frogs, and turtles. (There are snakes, too, so be careful!)

Two dogs walk along a wooden path by a calm lake, surrounded by colorful autumn trees.
Natalie Byram/AllTrails

Seasonal sights, such as fall foliage and spring wildflowers, make the Lakeside Trail a great trek year-round.

A grassy area with purple flowers and pine trees along a path by a lake on a cloudy day.
Olivia Vilmstone/Google

Remember, Lakeside Trail is just one of the trails in Choctaw Lake Recreation Area.

A wooden bridge with metal railings stretches over a calm body of water, surrounded by trees and a cloudy sky.
Larry Jarett/AllTrails

Even better, many of the trails connect to one another, allowing for one long, continuous hike.

Wooden sign for "Headwaters Trail" in a lush, green forest with trees and underbrush.
John Giesemann/AllTrails

For more information on Choctaw Lake Recreation Area and its trails, visit the U.S. Forest Service website.

So, did you know about this forest trail in Mississippi? Ever trekked along the Lakeside Trail? If so, what’d you think? Tell us!

This is just one of the great hikes in Mississippi. Click here to read about a hike that leads to an abandoned POW camp.

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