Overview
The Black Creek Trail is the signature experience of De Soto National Forest, following Mississippi's only federally designated Wild and Scenic River for 41 miles from the northern trailhead near Moody's Landing to the southern terminus near Brooklyn. The trail penetrates the 5,055-acre Black Creek Wilderness, passes through old-growth cypress bottomland that escaped the logging era, and traverses longleaf pine uplands undergoing active restoration. Most hikers take this as a 3 to 4 day backpacking route; multiple access points make shorter section hikes straightforward.
The terrain is flat to gently rolling, which makes the mileage more approachable than a comparable mountain route. Elevation gain across the full 41 miles is only around 900 feet, spread in small increments. The challenge is the terrain's character: wet crossings, bottomland mud in wet seasons, and heat and insects in warm months. October through April is the most comfortable window.
The Route
Miles 0 to 12: Northern section (Moody's Landing to Fairley Bridge). The northern end of the trail starts at Moody's Landing and drops quickly into the Black Creek corridor. The creek here is at its widest and most placid, with high clay banks eroded by periodic flooding revealing cross-sections of the coastal plain geology. The forest is a mix of bottomland hardwood (water oak, overcup oak, tupelo gum) and loblolly pine on the drier terraces. The Wilderness boundary begins around mile 8.
Miles 12 to 27: Black Creek Wilderness. The core wilderness section is the most remote and the most rewarding. Old-growth bald cypress and water tupelo line the creek banks, some with base diameters exceeding 4 feet. The water is dark amber from tannins and the banks are white sand in the shallow sections, giving Black Creek a surprisingly beautiful aesthetic for a lowland creek. Primitive camping is available on elevated sandy banks throughout this section.
Miles 27 to 41: Southern section (Janice Landing to Brooklyn). The final section exits the wilderness and passes through a mix of recovering longleaf pine and bottomland forest. The creek narrows somewhat and the pace picks up. The Janice Landing access point at roughly mile 27 is a popular turnaround for section hikers.
When to Hike
October through April is the recommended window. Mosquitoes are manageable, temperatures are in the 50s to 70s, and water levels are typically moderate. November through January overlaps with hunting seasons; wear blaze orange in the upland sections during firearm deer season.
May through September: Extremely hot and humid. Mosquitoes and biting flies in the creek corridor are intense. Not recommended for overnight trips without significant heat and insect management preparation.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 2 liters of water with a filter for creek refills on this route. The flat terrain is not demanding on gear, but waterproof boots or gaiters are useful in wet sections. Insect repellent (DEET at 30% or higher) is important from March through October.
A reliable shelter is important for overnight trips. Rain is possible year-round in Mississippi, and the bottomland sections can flood with little warning during heavy upstream rainfall.
Trailhead Access
The northern trailhead is at Moody's Landing, reached via forest roads off US-49 north of Hattiesburg. The southern terminus is near Brooklyn, MS off US-49. Shuttle planning or a second vehicle is necessary for a one-way through-hike. Download offline maps before visiting as cell service is absent throughout the corridor.
Nearby
The Black Creek Wilderness Loop gives a shorter day-hike taste of the wilderness section. The Turkey Fork Loop near the campground is the most accessible short hike in the forest. Review Leave No Trace principles and our checking conditions guide before any multi-day trip in this remote corridor.