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ForestMatters, LLC

Red Creek Trail

De Soto National Forest, Mississippi · 3 min read

Distance
7 mi
Elevation Gain
180 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
October through April
Est. Time
3-4 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

  • Red Creek bottomland hardwood forest with good wildlife habitat
  • Less-visited alternative to the Black Creek corridor
  • Good birding in the riparian zone along Red Creek
  • Quiet and remote character in the forest's southern unit
  • Creek access for fishing (Mississippi license required)
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Overview

Red Creek Trail follows its namesake waterway through the southern section of De Soto National Forest, offering 7 miles of bottomland hardwood hiking with good wildlife habitat and creek access. The trail receives less visitor traffic than the more famous Black Creek corridor, making it a good option for visitors who prefer quiet over amenities. The bottomland forest character is similar to other De Soto creek walks, with tupelo gum, overcup oak, water hickory, and river birch lining the banks.

Elevation change is minimal across the flat coastal plain terrain. October through April is the most comfortable season. No permit is required.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2.0: Trailhead to lower creek. The trail descends from the access road to the Red Creek floodplain quickly. The forest transition from upland pine to bottomland hardwood is clear within the first half mile. The creek is visible from the trail for most of the lower section, with gravel and sand bars accessible for fishing or rest stops.

Miles 2.0 to 3.5: Creek corridor. The middle section follows Red Creek most closely, with the best wildlife habitat. Several oxbow features where the creek has changed course over time create standing water areas that attract waterfowl and wading birds. Spring warblers move through these sections during migration.

Miles 3.5 to 7.0: Return. The turnaround point is at a natural rest spot near a creek bend. Return the way you came.

When to Hike

October through April is the most comfortable window. November through February is the low-insect period. Spring migration (late March through May) is excellent for birds.

May through September: Hot and humid with intense insects near the creek. Not recommended for casual visitors.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1.5 liters of water with a filter for creek refills. Insect repellent is important from March through October. Waterproof boots are useful in wet seasons when the bottomland tread is saturated.

Trailhead Access

The trailhead is on Red Creek Road in the southern section of the forest, reached via county roads off US-49. Cell service is absent; download offline maps before visiting.

Nearby

The Black Creek Trail is the forest's primary long-distance route. The Tuxachanie Trail covers the western unit of the forest. Review the Leave No Trace seven principles and consult 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.

Trailhead Parking

Red Creek Road access point. Small gravel pull-off. No fee.

← Back to De Soto National Forest

More Trails in De Soto National Forest

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Tuxachanie Trail

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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

How does Red Creek Trail differ from the Black Creek Trail?
Red Creek Trail follows a different drainage system in the southern section of De Soto, with similar bottomland hardwood character but less developed trail infrastructure and lower visitor traffic. Black Creek is larger, more celebrated, and has the Wild and Scenic River designation. Red Creek offers a quieter alternative for visitors who prefer uncrowded trails.
Is Red Creek Trail good for birdwatching?
Yes. The bottomland hardwood corridor along Red Creek is good habitat for wood ducks, red-shouldered hawks, pileated woodpeckers, and warblers during spring migration. The creek banks support herons and egrets. Early morning visits during spring migration (late March through May) offer the best birding.
Can I fish in Red Creek?
Yes. Red Creek supports largemouth bass, bream, and catfish. Fishing is accessible from several points along the trail. A valid Mississippi fishing license is required. The trail provides some of the best shore-fishing access in this part of the forest.