Mississippi - Tuxachanie Trail (shorter section), De Soto National Forest

Written By Matt Brown

Specifications:

  • Trail Name & State: Mississippi - Tuxachanie Trail (shorter section), De Soto National Forest

  • Difficulty Level: Moderate

  • Distance: 6.0 miles out-and-back (shorter section)

  • Elevation Gain: 200 feet

  • Estimated Time: 3-4 hours

  • Best Season: October through April

  • Permit Required: No, free access to National Forest

1. Why This Trail

The Tuxachanie Trail provides access to one of Mississippi's most remarkable and rare ecosystems—pristine longleaf pine forest that once covered 90 million acres across the southeastern United States but now exists in only 3% of its original range. This 23-mile National Recreation Trail traverses some of the last remaining old-growth longleaf pine savanna in Mississippi, showcasing an ecosystem that supports more plant diversity per acre than almost any other forest type in North America. The shorter 6-mile section offers accessible entry into this vanishing wilderness while demonstrating that Mississippi offers legitimate outdoor recreation and pristine natural areas that challenge every stereotype about the Magnolia State. Walking through this ancient forest provides the rare opportunity to experience what early European explorers encountered when they first arrived in the Deep South.

2. Route Overview

Trailhead Location: Tuxachanie Trailhead (North), De Soto National Forest, Mississippi (GPS: 30.7883, -89.1831) Parking: Gravel parking area with basic facilities and trail information. Limited parking adequate for moderate trail usage.

Trail Breakdown

  • Miles 0-1.5: Gentle introduction through mixed pine forest with increasing longleaf pine dominance

  • Miles 1.5-3.0: Core longleaf pine savanna with spectacular old-growth specimens and diverse understory

Navigation Notes: Well-marked trail with white blazes throughout route. Generally flat terrain with sandy soils characteristic of longleaf pine ecosystem. Trail can be challenging to follow in some sections requiring attention to blazing.

3. Trail Wisdom

What to Expect

  • Terrain: Sandy forest floor with gentle rolling terrain through pristine longleaf pine ecosystem

  • Crowds: Very low usage due to remote location—excellent opportunity for solitude and wilderness experience

  • Ecosystem: Remarkable biodiversity with rare plants and animals adapted to longleaf pine savanna environment

  • Fire Ecology: Evidence of prescribed burns maintaining healthy ecosystem with open understory characteristic

Trail Conditions by Season

  • Spring (March-May): Excellent hiking weather with wildflower displays and emerging understory vegetation

  • Summer (June-August): Hot humid conditions with high mosquito activity—early morning hiking recommended

  • Fall (September-November): Ideal hiking conditions with comfortable temperatures and reduced insect activity

  • Winter (December-February): Mild Mississippi winter provides excellent hiking conditions with clear understory views

4. Gear Essentials

The Non-Negotiables

  • Hiking Boots: Good ankle support helpful for sandy terrain and occasional root obstacles

  • Insect Repellent: Essential protection against mosquitoes and ticks especially during warmer months

  • Water: 3+ liters per person—no reliable water sources on trail and Mississippi heat creates high dehydration risk

  • Navigation Aid: GPS recommended due to remote location and potential difficulty following trail in some sections

Pack Smart Additions

  • Binoculars: Exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities in diverse longleaf pine ecosystem

  • Field Guide: Plant and bird identification guides enhance understanding of rare ecosystem

  • Camera: Unique photography opportunities documenting endangered forest ecosystem

  • First Aid Kit: Remote location requires self-sufficiency for medical emergencies

What to Leave Behind

  • Heavy Pack: Day hike through flat terrain favors lightweight gear selection

  • Bright Clothing: Neutral colors better for wildlife observation in forest setting

  • Unnecessary Electronics: Pristine wilderness environment ideal for natural experience without distractions

5. The Sensory Experience

What You'll See

Longleaf Pine Giants: Spectacular old-growth longleaf pines with massive trunks and distinctive bark patterns Savanna Understory: Open forest floor with diverse grasses, wildflowers, and specialized plants adapted to fire ecology Wildlife Activity: Diverse bird species, possible deer sightings, and evidence of other forest animals Fire Adaptations: Trees showing fire scars and adaptations demonstrating natural fire cycle importance

What You'll Hear

Forest Sounds: Mississippi songbirds including brown-headed nuthatches, pine warblers, and red-cockaded woodpeckers Wind Effects: Distinctive sound of wind through longleaf pine needles creating unique acoustic environment Wilderness Quiet: Rare opportunity for true silence away from human activity and development

What You'll Smell

Pine Forest: Characteristic longleaf pine resin and needle scents creating distinctive forest aromatics Sandy Soil: Clean, earthy scents from well-drained sandy forest floor Wildflowers: Seasonal fragrances from diverse understory flowering plants adapted to savanna conditions

Wildlife Behavior by Season

Spring: Migratory birds arriving including numerous warbler species, amphibian activity increasing with warmer weather Summer: Early morning and evening wildlife activity avoiding midday heat, peak insect diversity Fall: Bird migration through Mississippi flyways, deer activity increasing, squirrels gathering pine nuts Winter: Hardy resident species most easily observed, possible winter bird concentrations, reduced insect activity

Photographer's Notes

  • Old-Growth Documentation: Capture massive longleaf pine specimens showing scale and ancient forest character

  • Ecosystem Diversity: Document rare understory plants and fire-adapted forest features

  • Wildlife Photography: Patient observation rewarded with opportunities for rare species documentation

  • Conservation Story: Photographs help tell story of endangered ecosystem and conservation importance

6. The Overnight Extension

Why Stay Longer

De Soto National Forest and surrounding Mississippi Gulf Coast offer additional outdoor recreation and cultural attractions.

Camping Options: Primitive camping available with permits in National Forest. Private campgrounds available in surrounding communities. Additional Activities: Complete Tuxachanie Trail for longer wilderness experience, Mississippi Gulf Coast beaches, historic sites. Extended Routes: Access to other National Forest trails, Black Creek Trail, and additional Mississippi wilderness areas.

7. Real Talk

The Challenging Bits

  • Remote Location: Limited cell service and distant from emergency services requires self-sufficiency

  • Navigation Challenges: Trail can be difficult to follow in sections requiring careful attention to blazing

  • Insect Activity: High mosquito and tick populations during warmer months require effective protection

  • Heat and Humidity: Mississippi climate can be challenging even during cooler months

Pro Tips from the Trail

  • Bring Navigation Backup: GPS device or detailed map essential for remote wilderness hiking

  • Effective Insect Protection: DEET-based repellent essential for comfortable hiking experience

  • Early Start Recommended: Cooler temperatures and active wildlife periods during morning hours

  • Respect Ecosystem: Rare longleaf pine forest requires careful stewardship and minimal impact

8. Getting There & Getting Home

Nearest Towns: Wiggins (20 minutes) offers basic services. Hattiesburg (45 minutes) provides full services including restaurants, lodging, and outdoor gear. Trailhead Access: From Hattiesburg, take US-49 South to MS-26 East to Forest Service roads leading to trailhead. Post-Hike Options: Hattiesburg offers Southern cuisine and university town amenities. Mississippi Gulf Coast provides additional recreation and dining options.

9. Leave No Trace Specifics

De Soto National Forest protects endangered longleaf pine ecosystem requiring exceptional visitor stewardship.

  • Stay on Designated Trails: Rare ecosystem easily damaged by off-trail travel—stick to established trail corridor

  • Respect Fire Ecology: Do not disturb fire-scarred trees or interfere with natural fire cycle evidence

  • Pack Out Everything: Remote wilderness requires carrying out all waste to protect pristine environment

  • Protect Rare Plants: Longleaf pine savanna supports endangered species—avoid disturbing any vegetation

10. The Bottom Line

Who This Trail Is For: Wilderness enthusiasts seeking authentic Deep South forest experience. Naturalists interested in rare longleaf pine ecosystem and biodiversity. Photographers documenting endangered forest types. Anyone wanting to experience Mississippi's hidden wilderness away from development.

Who Should Skip It: Those seeking developed recreational facilities and easy access. People uncomfortable with remote wilderness hiking and navigation challenges. Hikers wanting dramatic topographical features or mountain scenery. Anyone unprepared for Mississippi heat, humidity, and insect activity.

One Last Thing: Tuxachanie Trail showcases Mississippi's most precious and endangered natural heritage—providing the rare opportunity to walk through ancient longleaf pine forest that represents what the Deep South looked like before European settlement while experiencing wilderness that few people know exists in Mississippi.

Quick Reference Card

Distance: 6.0 miles out-and-back Elevation Gain: 200 feet Time: 3-4 hours Difficulty: Moderate Best Months: October-April Permits: None required Dogs Allowed: Yes, on leash Water Available: No - bring everything

Affiliate Gear Recommendations

Essential Gear for This Trail

Upgrade Options

We may earn a small commission from affiliate links at no extra cost to you. This helps keep the trail guides free.

Trail conditions and De Soto National Forest regulations may change. Check Forest Service website for current information and fire restrictions.

Matt Brown
Previous

Minnesota - Gitchi-Gami Trail, Gooseberry Falls State Park
Next

Missouri - Spring Trail, Ha Ha Tonka State Park