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ForestMatters, LLC

Black Creek Wilderness Loop

De Soto National Forest, Mississippi · 3 min read

Distance
9 mi
Elevation Gain
250 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
October through April
Est. Time
4-6 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
5 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

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

At a Glance

  • Only day-hike loop inside the Black Creek Wilderness
  • Old-growth bald cypress and water tupelo along Black Creek
  • Mississippi's only federally designated wilderness area within a national forest
  • Blackwater creek with sandy banks and amber-tinted water
  • Wildlife including river otters, wood ducks, and wading birds
riverwildlifeold growthswimming

Overview

The Black Creek Wilderness Loop is the best single-day hiking option in De Soto National Forest, threading 9 miles through the heart of Mississippi's only federally designated wilderness. The route crosses Black Creek (the main event), passes through old-growth cypress bottomland with trees that may be several hundred years old, and returns along the upland edge of the wilderness through recovering longleaf pine. Total elevation gain of around 250 feet reflects the flat coastal plain terrain.

The loop is best suited for hikers comfortable with a creek crossing that may reach knee to thigh depth and wet bottomland conditions. October through April is the recommended window for comfortable temperatures and manageable insect levels.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2.0: Fairley Bridge to creek crossing. The trail departs Fairley Bridge Landing and immediately enters the wilderness boundary. The first two miles follow the high bank of Black Creek, with views down to the dark amber water and sandy bars below. The old-growth cypress trees are visible from this section, their massive buttressed trunks rising from the floodplain on the opposite bank.

The creek crossing: At approximately the 2-mile mark, the trail descends to Black Creek and crosses on a ford. This is the defining moment of the hike. In typical conditions, the crossing is knee to thigh deep on a sandy bottom with moderate current. In high water (after heavy rain), the crossing may be deeper and the current faster. Check conditions before visiting.

Miles 2 to 6: The wilderness interior. The inner section of the loop is the most remote, passing through old-growth cypress swamp, bottomland oak forest, and upland pine sections. Wildlife activity is high: look for wood ducks, great blue herons, river otters, and white-tailed deer. The forest here has an ancient, primeval quality.

Miles 6 to 9: Upland return. The final section climbs slightly onto the higher ground at the wilderness edge, passing through recovering longleaf pine before returning to Fairley Bridge Landing.

When to Hike

November through March is the best window. Comfortable temperatures, low insect pressure, and moderate creek levels. The bare hardwood canopy opens the forest considerably compared to summer.

April and October: Also good. Spring brings emerging wildflowers in the bottomland sections. October brings fall color from the sweetgum and tupelo.

May through September: Hot and humid with intense mosquitoes near the creek. Not recommended for casual hiking, though adventurous visitors do make the trip.

What to Bring

A water filter is important for creek water access. Many hikers carry 2 liters from the trailhead and refill at Black Creek as needed. Waterproof footwear or willingness to wade is essential. Insect repellent (DEET) is important from March through October.

Trailhead Access

Fairley Bridge Landing is reached via forest roads from US-49. The landing has a gravel lot and creek access but no restrooms. Cell service is absent. Download offline maps before visiting.

Nearby

The Black Creek Trail passes through the wilderness on its 41-mile route. The Tuxachanie Trail is the other long-distance hiking route in the forest. Review Leave No Trace principles before entering this designated wilderness.

Trailhead Parking

Fairley Bridge Landing trailhead on Black Creek. Gravel lot with creek access. No fee.

← Back to De Soto National Forest

More Trails in De Soto National Forest

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A 3.5-mile easy loop around Airey Lake in De Soto National Forest, offering flatwater birding, fishing access, and a gentle walk through coastal plain pine and hardwood forest.

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Black Creek Trail

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Red Creek Trail

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Turkey Fork Recreation Area Loop

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Tuxachanie Trail

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October through April

A 23-mile point-to-point backcountry hiking trail through the western unit of De Soto National Forest in Mississippi, crossing longleaf pine uplands and bottomland hardwood creek drainages.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Black Creek Wilderness and why was it designated?
The Black Creek Wilderness was designated by Congress in 1984 as part of the same legislation that granted Wild and Scenic River status to Black Creek. The 5,055-acre wilderness protects the most intact section of the creek corridor, including old-growth cypress bottomland that was never logged. It is the only federally designated wilderness in Mississippi and one of the few in the Deep South.
How difficult are the creek crossings in the Black Creek Wilderness?
The loop crosses Black Creek once and several smaller tributaries. Black Creek is the main challenge: the crossing is knee to thigh deep in normal conditions and can be deeper after heavy rain. The crossing is part of the wilderness experience, not a hazard to avoid. Waterproof boots or willingness to wade is part of visiting this area.
Can I camp inside the Black Creek Wilderness?
Yes. Dispersed camping is permitted inside the wilderness. No permit is required. Camp at least 100 feet from water and trails, on elevated ground to avoid flooding. The Black Creek corridor can flood with little warning during upstream rainfall, so avoid low-lying campsites.