Tombigbee National Forest covers 67,000 acres of rolling hardwood and pine terrain in east-central Mississippi, one of the smallest national forests in the southeastern United States but one with distinctive historical character. The forest sits along the headwaters of the Tombigbee River watershed, in the gently rolling uplands between the Delta to the west and the Appalachian foothills of Alabama to the east. The landscape is second-growth hardwood and pine with the characteristic character of the Mississippi uplands: real relief, creek drainages, and mixed forest that supports excellent wildlife.
The forest is named for the Tombigbee River, which flows southward through Mississippi and Alabama before joining the Mobile River system at the Gulf. The Natchez Trace Parkway passes along the western edge of the forest, connecting this small national forest to one of the most historically significant travel corridors in American history. The Civil War left its mark here in the form of Confederate earthworks visible in the forest, one of the more tangible pieces of historical heritage in any Mississippi national forest.
Why Tombigbee Stands Out
Confederate earthworks. The forest contains remnants of 1864 Confederate fortifications constructed to defend northeastern Mississippi against Union cavalry operations. The earthworks are now grassed-over mounds and trenches in the forest, preserved by the USFS and accessible via a short trail with interpretive signs. This is one of the few national forests in the country where Civil War military earthworks are a specific interpretive feature.
Witch Dance area. Near the Natchez Trace, a section of the forest carries the name "Witch Dance," derived from a local legend that the area was a gathering place for witches whose dancing killed the grass underfoot. The bare patches in the original forest (possibly caused by disease or soil conditions) gave rise to the name. The Witch Dance Horse Trail is the primary multi-use trail in this section.
Davis Lake. The 95-acre reservoir is the recreation anchor of the forest, with a campground, swimming beach, boat launch, and trail around the perimeter. It is the most developed recreation facility in the forest and the most visited destination.
Best Trails
The Davis Lake Trail (4.5 miles, easy) loops around the reservoir with lake views and fishing access throughout. The Witch Dance Horse Trail (12 miles, moderate) is the primary multi-use trail near the Natchez Trace, open to horses, hikers, and bikes. The Tombigbee Earthworks Trail (3 miles, easy) leads to the Civil War fortification remnants with interpretive signs.
The Choctaw Lake Loop (5.5 miles, easy-moderate) circles Choctaw Lake in the western unit of the forest. The Tombigbee Upland Trail (6.5 miles, moderate) traverses the most varied ridge terrain in the forest. The Davis Lake Short Loop (2.0 miles, easy) covers the main beach and campground area near Davis Lake. The Natchez Trace Connector Trail (3.5 miles, easy-moderate) links the forest trail system to the Natchez Trace Parkway. The Black Prairie Walk (4.0 miles, easy) explores the forest's transition zone near the Black Prairie soil region.
Permits and Passes
No permit is required for day hiking or dispersed camping anywhere in Tombigbee National Forest. Davis Lake Campground sites require a fee and are reservable through Recreation.gov during summer (as of 2026). Choctaw Lake Campground is first-come, first-served year-round. The America the Beautiful pass covers day use fees at developed recreation areas. Veterans and active military have additional pass options covered in our veteran benefits guide.
The Natchez Trace Parkway is administered by the National Park Service and is a separate jurisdiction from the national forest. For information on national forests versus national parks, see our national forest vs. national park guide. Check conditions with the Tombigbee Ranger District and review our checking conditions guide before any visit.
Camping
Davis Lake Campground (25 sites) is the primary developed campground, situated on the lake shore with a swimming beach, boat launch, vault restrooms, and accessible fishing piers. It is the most popular destination in the forest from May through September. Reservations through Recreation.gov are available for summer weekends.
Choctaw Lake Campground (20 sites) is a quieter first-come, first-served option in the western unit near Choctaw Lake, better suited for visitors who prefer a less-developed campground experience. The campground is open year-round.
Dispersed camping is permitted anywhere on national forest land at least 100 feet from water, trails, and roads, with no permit required.
When to Visit
October through December: One of the better seasons. Fall color in the mixed hardwood canopy arrives in October, temperatures drop to comfortable hiking range (40s to 70s), and the forest opens up for visibility as the leaves fall. This overlaps with hunting season; blaze orange is strongly recommended on all forest trails during firearm deer season (typically November through January).
March and April: Spring wildflowers arrive in the forest understory and creek margins. Temperatures are mild and the mosquito pressure has not yet built. The Civil War earthworks trail is particularly pleasant in spring when the woodland light is good and the overstory has not fully leafed in.
May through September: Hot and humid in the Mississippi uplands. Davis Lake provides summer recreation including swimming, and the campgrounds fill on summer weekends. Early morning hiking is more comfortable. Insects, particularly ticks and mosquitoes, are most active in this period.
Winter (January through February): The quietest time in the forest, with bare hardwood providing long sightlines and minimal visitor pressure. Cold but rarely severe; snow is unusual in east-central Mississippi. Good for deer tracking, solitary forest walking, and observing winter wildlife.
Getting There
From Tupelo: Take US-45 south about 30 miles to the Houston area, then follow signs for the Tombigbee National Forest. About 45 miles and 50 minutes total.
From Columbus: Take US-82 west through Houston, then north on local roads toward the forest. About 40 miles and 45 minutes.
From Jackson: Take US-45 north approximately 90 miles through Kosciusko toward Houston. Allow about 1.5 hours.
Practical Tips
Hunting seasons from October through January bring deer and turkey hunters to the forest. Blaze orange is strongly recommended by the USFS and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks on all forest trails during any firearm season. Check current season dates before planning fall and winter visits.
Ticks and mosquitoes are active from March through October. Tick exposure is real in brushy and grassy terrain, particularly in the creek bottomland and forest fringe areas. Performing a full body check after any outing is worthwhile. Lyme disease transmission occurs in Mississippi; consult CDC resources for current guidance.
Road conditions: Some forest roads become soft or impassable after heavy rain. A standard passenger vehicle manages the primary trailhead access roads in dry conditions; high-clearance is helpful for more remote areas. Check with the Tombigbee Ranger District for current conditions.
The Leave No Trace seven principles apply throughout the forest. Check conditions before you go for current USFS status and any fire restrictions in effect.