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ForestMatters, LLC

Sunflower River Forest Walk

Delta National Forest, Mississippi · 3 min read

Distance
5 mi
Elevation Gain
10 ft
Difficulty
easy-moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
November through March
Est. Time
2.5-3 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
3 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Developed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Sunflower River bottomland with fishing and wildlife viewing access
  • River birch, water tupelo, and bald cypress line the river banks
  • Excellent spring and fall birding along the riparian corridor
  • Access to Sunflower Landing for canoe and kayak put-in
  • Quiet river corridor in the most ecologically productive section of the forest
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Overview

Sunflower River Forest Walk follows the Sunflower River corridor through the most ecologically productive section of Delta National Forest, covering 5 miles of bottomland tupelo, cypress, and oak forest with consistent river views and fishing access. The Sunflower River is a slow-moving blackwater stream draining the interior Delta, with deep fish-holding pools and excellent riparian bird habitat. The walk is informal, following the river levee and elevated bank, but the experience is rich.

November through March is the most comfortable season. No permit is required.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2.5: Sunflower Landing to river corridor. The walk starts at the Sunflower Landing boat ramp, which also serves as the canoe and kayak put-in for paddlers. The trail follows the elevated bank upstream through river birch, water tupelo, and bald cypress with the river visible below. The river is slow and dark, typical of Delta blackwater streams, with the bottom obscured by tannins.

Several fishing access points appear along the first section, with cleared bank areas. Turtles bask on submerged logs in the river throughout warm months.

Miles 2.5 to 5: Return. The turnaround is at a point where the elevated bank gives way to flooded bottomland. Return the way you came.

When to Walk

November through March: Best overall. The river is at moderate levels and wildlife is active.

April and May: Outstanding for spring migration birds along the riparian corridor.

June through October: Hot and humid. Insects are intense. Alligators are active in the river.

What to Bring

Binoculars for birding and wildlife. Water bottle (river water requires treatment). Insect repellent from March through October. Rubber boots for any sections after rain.

Trailhead Access

Sunflower Landing is reached via county roads from Rolling Fork. The boat launch also serves as the walk's trailhead.

Nearby

The Yazoo Backwater Levee Walk provides elevated views over a wider area of the bottomland. The Sweetgum Nature Trail is the forest's primary interpretive loop. Review the Leave No Trace seven principles and our checking conditions guide before visiting.

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

Sunflower Landing access off county road. Gravel pullout near boat landing. No fee.

← Back to Delta National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Sunflower River good for fishing?
Yes. The Sunflower River and its backwater areas support largemouth bass, crappie, catfish, and bream. The river is slow and dark (blackwater), with good structure from submerged logs and undercut banks that shelter fish. A Mississippi fishing license is required. Boat fishing from a kayak or canoe is more productive than shore fishing for most of the river.
Is this a formal maintained trail?
The route follows the river levee and elevated ground along the Sunflower River corridor, which is maintained as a management road rather than a formal hiking trail. The walking surface is packed earth and grass in most sections. The informality of the route means blazes are not consistently present; orient by the river corridor.
What birds are found along the Sunflower River in spring?
Spring migration (late March through May) brings large numbers of warblers, vireos, and tanagers through the riparian forest. Prothonotary warblers nest in the cypress cavities along the river. Yellow-crowned night herons nest in the vicinity. Anhinga and wood stork are occasionally sighted. The Sunflower River corridor is one of the better spring birding spots in Mississippi's national forests.