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ForestMatters, LLC

Yazoo Backwater Levee Walk

Delta National Forest, Mississippi · 3 min read

Distance
6 mi
Elevation Gain
30 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
Limited
Water
None
Camping
None
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Elevated views from the levee over the cypress swamp and backwater sloughs below
  • Best panoramic perspective on the bottomland forest available in Delta National Forest
  • Outstanding winter waterfowl viewing from mid-October through February
  • Yazoo River corridor visible in the distance
  • Open sky walking for sunset and sunrise photography
wildliferiver

Overview

Yazoo Backwater Levee Walk follows a flood control levee along the edge of Delta National Forest, providing elevated views over the cypress swamps and bottomland hardwood that define this one-of-a-kind national forest. The levee top puts you a few feet above the surrounding forest, which is enough in this nearly flat landscape to change the perspective significantly: instead of walking through the bottomland, you are looking out over it, with cypress crowns at eye level and the sloughs and oxbow lakes visible through the forest canopy.

The 6-mile out-and-back is easy in terrain but exposes you to full sun in all seasons. November through March is the best window for comfortable temperatures and peak waterfowl viewing.

The Route

Miles 0 to 3: Levee crest. The route follows the levee crest from the access point heading northwest. Views over the bottomland forest are consistent throughout. In November and December, the leafless hardwood canopy opens the view considerably, with glimpses of standing water, cypress knees, and sloughs below the levee. Duck flights over the flooded timber in early morning are one of the most memorable wildlife spectacles in Mississippi.

Miles 3 to 6: Return. The same route back. The return walk faces a different direction and catches different light angles, which changes the character of the views.

When to Walk

November through February: Peak season. Winter waterfowl in the bottomland, bald eagle sightings, and comfortable temperatures.

March and October: Good transitional months with active wading birds and comfortable temperatures.

April through September: Hot and exposed. The levee offers no shade.

What to Bring

Binoculars are the most useful item on this walk. Sun protection (hat, sunscreen) is important year-round on the exposed levee. Carry at least 1.5 liters of water; there are no water sources.

Trailhead Access

The levee access point is reached via county roads from Rolling Fork or Yazoo City. The USFS Sunflower District office in Rolling Fork can provide the specific access directions.

Nearby

The Sunflower Road Walk gives a complementary view from within the forest. The Sweetgum Nature Trail explains the ecology of what you see from the levee. Review 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

Levee access point off county road near Delta National Forest boundary. Gravel shoulder. No fee.

← Back to Delta National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a backwater levee?
Backwater levees are earthen embankments built to prevent the Mississippi River's floodwaters from backing up into the interior Delta. The Yazoo Backwater Project includes levees that run along the eastern edge of the Mississippi River floodplain, creating a boundary between the bottomland forest and agricultural fields. Walking the levee provides elevated views over the protected bottomland on one side and the agricultural Delta on the other.
Is the levee walk exposed to sun and weather?
Yes. The levee top is completely exposed, with no shade. This makes it excellent for panoramic views but uncomfortable in summer heat. November through March when the levee is not in direct midday sun is the most pleasant walking window. Bring sun protection for any season.
Is this a formal trail?
The levee walk is an informal route on Army Corps of Engineers and adjacent public land, not a formally maintained hiking trail. The surface is mowed or naturally grassed, and walking is generally straightforward. No blazes or trailhead signs exist; orient by the levee itself.