6 Underrated National Forest Hikes in Mississippi That Rival National Parks

Big bucket list National Parks, such as Zion, Yosemite, and the Great Smoky Mountains, are where hikers dream of grand adventures into wide-open spaces. Still, the great state of Mississippi is home to six wondrous national forest hikes that offer their own special recipe for outdoor magic. Everything from scenic rivers to wetlands, these landscapes provide trails that inspire the same level of awe as their national park counterparts.  Best of all? You’ll often have them almost to yourself.

1. Black Creek Trail – De Soto National Forest

Rivals: Virgin River Narrows, Zion National Park

The Black Creek Trail is a wilderness epic spanning over 40 miles. Located right along the banks of the Mississippi, the trail showcases sugar-white sandbars and clear swimming holes plucked straight out of a Mark Twain novel. Backpackers can often break the trail up into multiple days, enjoying slow afternoons of camping on the riverbanks and the peace of an evening of stargazing before you slumber. This mix of towering pines and river corridors evokes the wild beauty found in Zion Park, minus the crowds. 

Why go: For a long-distance hike that combines water, wilderness, and solitude.

2. Tuxachanie Trail – De Soto National Forest

Rivals: Wetland trails of Everglades National Park

Winding through savannas of longleaf pine, wildflower-filled bogs, and cypress swamps, lies nearly 12 miles, one way, of the Tuxachanie Trail.  Elevated boardwalks that keep hikers’ feet dry sprout life with pitcher plants, sundews, and orchids. Its biodiversity and wetland landscapes make it Mississippi’s answer to the boardwalk trails of Everglades National Park.

Why go: For a hike that feels like walking through a living natural history museum.

3. Brushy Creek Loop – Homochitto National Forest

Rivals: Backcountry routes in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The Brushy Creek Loop leads adventurers on an 11-mile out-and-back journey deep into a forest with shaded hollows, rolling ridges, and a secluded waterfall.  Upon reaching the waterfall, hikers who have made it this far can enjoy an atmosphere that one-ups the backcountry routes of the Great Smoky Mountains, ensuring a peaceful wilderness escape.  

Why go: For Appalachian-style terrain without leaving the Deep South.

4. Clear Springs Lake Loop – Homochitto National Forest

Rivals: Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Located around a crystal clear spring-fed lake, the Clear Springs Lake Loop offers a variety of hikes from 1 to 11 miles.  From gently circling the serene lake to following small streams and climbing ridges, you have a diverse range of experiences in one compact area. Blending ridgeline views, wooded forests, and an aquatic beauty that rivals the popular rolling hikes of the Ozarks, outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the bonus of a campground at the start of the trailhead for multiple-day excursions.    

Why go: For a choose-your-own-adventure trail system where you can hike all day or just for an hour.

5. Puskus Lake Recreational Area Trail – Holly Springs National Forest

Rivals: Pondside loops in Shenandoah National Park

Packed with charm at just under two miles, the Puskus Lake Recreational Area Trail may be short in distance, but it makes up for it with postcard-like elements.  The loop runs around a peaceful lake hidden deep in the Holly Springs National Forest, mirroring the reflections of tall pines in the water.  Reminiscent of Shenandoah’s smaller backcountry, this is an intimate setting that works perfectly for a pocket-sized hiking experience.   

Why go: For a quick escape into quiet beauty and solitude.

6. Choctaw Lake Trails – Tombigbee National Forest

Rivals: Floodplain walks in Congaree National Park

Wooden bridges and levees carry hikers over the Choctaw Lake Trails as they meander through cypress wetlands and shady forests along the lake's edge. Creating a southern landscape reminiscent of the boardwalks at Congaree National Park, this is one of the best places in all of Mississippi for birdwatching.

Why go: For a slow, immersive forest walk that feels far wilder than its mileage suggests.

Why The Magnolia State?

Mississippi may not be the first place that comes to mind for epic hikes, but its trails hide gems you won’t find anywhere else. The next time you’re craving a hike with national-park-level beauty, don’t overlook the state’s national forests. Share this with a close friend, lace up your boots, and explore six incredible hikes, or opt for a nearby Airbnb if glamping is more your style. These trails are quietly waiting to surprise you.