De Soto National Forest
A serene wilderness escape offering hiking, camping, and canoeing amidst vast pine forests. Perfect for nature lovers seeking peace and outdoor advent...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
De Soto National Forest
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene wilderness escape offering hiking, camping, and canoeing amidst vast pine forests. Perfect for nature lovers seeking peace and outdoor adventure.
"It’s simple, it’s natural, and it does exactly what a good forest should: peace, bugs, wildlife, trails, room to breathe."
Bug Spray is a Must! 🦟
Don't forget ample bug spray; mosquitoes and other insects can be prevalent, especially in warmer months.
Watch for Snakes 🐍
Be aware of your surroundings as snakes are present. Stick to marked trails and wear sturdy footwear.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.5 · 2,465 reviews
Type
National Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Whispering Pines Trails
Various trailheads throughout the forest
Miles of well-maintained paths through pine forests, perfect for hiking and dog-walking. Soft pine needle ground makes for easy trekking.
Black Creek Canoeing
Black Creek
Paddle through scenic waterways, enjoying the natural beauty and wildlife. Canoe rentals are available for a full day of adventure.
Secluded Campsites
Designated campgrounds
Experience the tranquility of camping amidst nature. Some sites are available through platforms like Hipcamp for a unique stay.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild: What to Know Before You Go
Timing Your De Soto Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bug Spray is a Must! 🦟
Don't forget ample bug spray; mosquitoes and other insects can be prevalent, especially in warmer months.
Watch for Snakes 🐍
Be aware of your surroundings as snakes are present. Stick to marked trails and wear sturdy footwear.
Visiting De Soto National Forest
Hey! We're visiting New Orleans from the UK in October and on one of the days we're gonna take a car out to do some hiking, and De Soto National Forest looks like the best and nearest forest to do this. I was wondering if there were any cool places/stuff to do in the forest to…
Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Trail signage can be limited. Download maps beforehand to navigate the forest effectively.
Pack Out What You Pack In ♻️
Help keep the forest pristine by taking all your trash with you. Leave no trace.
Any long hiking trials to backpack and camp in Mississippi?
I’m from Baton Rouge and I don’t want to drive anything over 3 hrs, are there any good camping spots to hike, and backpack?? I will be carrying an ultralight backpack and looking to camp for 2 nights
Tips
from all over the internet
Bug Spray is a Must! 🦟
Don't forget ample bug spray; mosquitoes and other insects can be prevalent, especially in warmer months.
Watch for Snakes 🐍
Be aware of your surroundings as snakes are present. Stick to marked trails and wear sturdy footwear.
Download Offline Maps 🗺️
Trail signage can be limited. Download maps beforehand to navigate the forest effectively.
Pack Out What You Pack In ♻️
Help keep the forest pristine by taking all your trash with you. Leave no trace.
Leash Your Pup (Mostly) 🐕
While some trails allow off-leash dogs after a few miles, it's best to keep them leashed for safety and to respect other visitors.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise De Soto National Forest for its natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and canoeing. The soft, pine-needle-covered trails are a particular highlight for many, offering an easy and enjoyable walking experience. However, some reviewers noted sparse trail signage and the presence of insects and snakes, emphasizing the need for preparedness.
"It’s simple, it’s natural, and it does exactly what a good forest should: peace, bugs, wildlife, trails, room to breathe and a break from the hustle and bustle of life."
Beautiful-Soul
"I had a lot of fun. I took my dogs with me and they enjoyed the trail a lot. Its fairly quiet out on the trails and very enjoyable. The terrain is a little rough in some spots, but I personally loved that. Good for most ages, but be careful of snakes, and make sure you bring bug spray."
Daisy
"We went down 1 trail but we plan to go explore more there. You can rent canoes and there is camping and many many trails to hike. The whole area is beautiful. The trails are well maintained. I wished that the trails had more signs on them to let you know how long each trail is. Etc. Overall we had a nice hike."
Michelle Bergeron
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
De Soto National Forest is accessible by car, located near Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Many visitors drive from nearby cities like New Orleans. Check specific trailhead access points on your GPS, as some roads can be unpaved.
Yes, De Soto National Forest has roads and trails that are popular with motorcycle enthusiasts for off-road exploration.
Absolutely! De Soto National Forest is a popular day trip destination from New Orleans, offering a natural escape within a reasonable driving distance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there is no entrance fee to access De Soto National Forest for day use. However, specific recreational areas or campgrounds might have associated fees. It's always a good idea to check the official Forest Service website for any updates.
De Soto National Forest is typically open year-round from dawn to dusk for general access. Specific facilities like campgrounds or visitor centers may have their own hours.
While some primitive camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis, it's recommended to check for reservation requirements, especially for developed campgrounds or if you're visiting during peak season. Some unique camping experiences can be found through platforms like Hipcamp.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The forest offers numerous trails, with many visitors enjoying the soft, pine-needle-covered paths that are easy on the feet. While specific trail names vary, look for areas known for their natural beauty and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Yes, Black Creek is a popular spot for canoeing and kayaking, offering a scenic way to explore the forest's waterways. Canoe rentals are often available.
De Soto National Forest is home to diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for birds, deer, and other native species. Remember to observe from a distance and never feed the animals.
While De Soto National Forest is known for its extensive pine forests and Black Creek, it doesn't feature large, prominent lakes easily accessible by car for swimming. The focus is more on river and trail activities.
The terrain is generally flat with soft, pine-needle-covered ground on many trails, making for easy walking. However, some spots can be a bit rough, and you should be prepared for uneven surfaces.
📸 📸 Photography
The forest offers abundant natural beauty, from towering pines to serene waterways. Look for scenic overlooks along trails, the tranquil Black Creek, and areas with interesting light filtering through the trees.
You can capture stunning landscape shots, close-ups of flora and fauna, and dynamic action shots if you're canoeing or riding motorcycles. The natural light filtering through the pines creates beautiful photographic opportunities. +1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit