De Soto National Forest is a national forest in Mississippi. Comprised of two districts, the northern Chickasawhay ranger district and southern De Soto ranger district. Topography varies between the two. In the De Soto ranger district there is one of the last naturally occurring pine savannas in the US. The wet pine savannas support rare and endangered plant and animal species, such as the orchid Calopogon multiflorus, gopher frogs, and gopher tortoises. These habitats also have numerous carnivorous plants, particularly pitcher plants; Buttercup Flats has an international reputation in this regard. This National Forest also offers year-round opportunities for outdoor activities, including camping, canoeing, bird-watching, photography, hunting, fishing, and more. There are two nationally significant wilderness areas within DeSoto: Black Creek Wilderness and Leaf River Wilderness. Black Creek is a popular stream for canoeing, camping, and fishing, and is Mississippi's only designated National Wild and Scenic River.
Most trails are open year round with the exception of prescribed burn areas.
Please refer to the National Forest website for more info on closures.
No permits are needed.
