Skip to main content
ForestMatters, LLC

Shockaloe Trail

Bienville National Forest, Mississippi · 3 min read

Distance
23 mi
Elevation Gain
800 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
October through April
Est. Time
7-10 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
6 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Developed
Google MapsApple Maps

Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Primary equestrian and hiking trail system in central Mississippi
  • Rolling pine-hardwood ridges typical of the central Mississippi piney woods
  • Multiple creek crossings through hardwood bottomlands
  • 23 miles of routes with loop options
  • Horse camp at trailhead with hitching posts and water
riverwildlife

Overview

The Shockaloe Trail is the primary equestrian and hiking route in Bienville National Forest, covering 23 miles of rolling pine-hardwood terrain in central Mississippi. The trail system was developed primarily for horse use, and the wide sandy track is well-suited for equestrians. Hikers share the trail throughout. Multiple loop options within the system allow day hikes of 8 to 12 miles or overnight backpacking trips on the full outer loop.

The terrain is the most rolling in any Mississippi national forest, with real ups and downs over the ridge-and-valley topography of the central Piney Woods. Elevation gain of 800 feet across the full route is modest but consistent. October through April is the most comfortable season.

The Route

Inner loop (approximately 8 miles): The inner section covers the most scenic portion of the Shockaloe system, with ridge-top pine forest, creek bottomland crossings, and the best wildlife habitat. This is the recommended starting point for first-time visitors to the trail.

Outer loop (full 23 miles): The outer loop extends the route into the more remote sections of the eastern forest. Two days with a camp near the midpoint is the standard backpacking approach.

Creek crossings: Several Shockaloe Creek crossings are required on the full route. In wet seasons, crossings may be ankle to knee deep. Summer crossings are typically passable dry-shod.

When to Hike

October through April is ideal. Hunting seasons in fall mean wearing blaze orange on the upland sections during firearm deer season is strongly recommended.

May through September: Hot and humid. Early morning starts are essential.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 liters of water for a full-day outing. Trekking poles are useful on the creek bank scrambles. Insect repellent from March through October is important.

Trailhead Access

The main trailhead is at Shockaloe Horse Camp, reached via forest roads east of Forest, MS. The Bienville Ranger District office can provide a detailed map of the trail system.

Nearby

The Shockaloe Short Loop covers the best inner section of the system. The Lake Mike Conner Loop offers lake-focused hiking nearby. Review the Leave No Trace seven principles before any overnight trip in this forest.

Before any outing in East Texas national forest terrain, review the checking conditions guide for current information on trail conditions, fire restrictions, and wildlife alerts from official USFS sources.

The America the Beautiful pass covers day-use fees at developed recreation areas throughout the national forest system. Veterans and active military have additional access options covered in the veteran benefits guide.

Trailhead Parking

Shockaloe Horse Camp trailhead off forest roads east of Forest, MS. Horse camp facilities on-site. No fee.

← Back to Bienville National Forest

More Trails in Bienville National Forest

easyloop

Bienville Pines Scenic Area Trail

3 mi120 ft gain
Year-round

A 3-mile easy loop through the Bienville Pines Scenic Area in Bienville National Forest, exploring one of Mississippi's finest stands of mature longleaf and loblolly pine.

3 min read

easy-moderateout-and-back

Bienville Forest Road Ridge Walk

5.5 mi280 ft gain
October through April

A 5.5-mile easy-moderate out-and-back ridge walk along a forest road and connector trail in Bienville National Forest, with views over the Chunky Creek watershed and mixed pine-hardwood forest.

3 min read

easyloop

Harrell Prairie Nature Trail

1 mi30 ft gain
March through May, September through November

A 1-mile easy interpretive loop through Harrell Prairie Heritage Area in Bienville National Forest, exploring one of Mississippi's rare natural prairie remnants with native grasses and wildflowers.

3 min read

easy-moderateloop

Lake Mike Conner Loop

5 mi200 ft gain
October through April

A 5-mile easy-moderate loop around Lake Mike Conner in Bienville National Forest, Mississippi, with lake views, fishing access, and mixed pine-hardwood forest.

3 min read

easyloop

Marathon Lake Loop

4 mi120 ft gain
October through April

A 4-mile easy loop around Marathon Lake in Bienville National Forest, offering fishing access, lakeside birding, and a gentle walk through central Mississippi pine-hardwood forest.

3 min read

moderateloop

Shockaloe Short Loop

8 mi400 ft gain
October through April

An 8-mile moderate day-hike loop through the most scenic section of the Shockaloe Trail in Bienville National Forest, crossing rolling pine-hardwood ridges and Shockaloe Creek bottomland.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Upper Chunky Creek Trail

6.5 mi200 ft gain
October through April

A 6.5-mile out-and-back trail following Upper Chunky Creek through bottomland hardwood in Bienville National Forest, Mississippi, with swimming holes and good wildlife habitat.

3 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

Who primarily uses the Shockaloe Trail?
The Shockaloe Trail was developed primarily for equestrian use and remains the main horse trail in Bienville National Forest. Hikers and mountain bikers also use the trail, though the wide sandy track is designed around horse traffic. Hikers should be alert for mounted riders, especially on weekends during fall hunting season.
Can I hike a shorter loop on the Shockaloe Trail system?
Yes. The Shockaloe system has inner and outer loop options. The inner loop of approximately 8 miles is the most common day-hike option. The full 23-mile outer loop is a 2-day backpacking or overnight equestrian trip. Multiple connector trails allow customizing the route length.
Are there water sources on the Shockaloe Trail?
Several creek crossings provide water along the route, but all water must be filtered or treated. Day hikers on the shorter inner loop should carry sufficient water from the trailhead rather than relying on creek sources.