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Tuxachanie Trail

De Soto National Forest, Mississippi · 3 min read

Distance
23 mi
Elevation Gain
700 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Point-To-Point
Best Season
October through April
Est. Time
8-12 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
6 / 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

  • 23-mile backcountry route through De Soto's western unit
  • Longleaf pine savannas with open grass understory
  • Multiple creek crossings through bottomland hardwood corridors
  • Less-visited alternative to the Black Creek corridor
  • Good wildlife habitat for wild turkey, deer, and woodpeckers
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Overview

The Tuxachanie Trail runs 23 miles through the western unit of De Soto National Forest, offering a quieter alternative to the forest's more celebrated Black Creek corridor. The route crosses longleaf pine uplands, bottomland hardwood creek drainages, and mixed forest representative of the Gulf coastal plain. Most backpackers complete the route in 2 days with a camp near the midpoint; section hikers can use road crossings to plan shorter day hikes.

Elevation gain is minimal across the flat coastal plain terrain. October through April is the most comfortable window for the route.

The Route

Eastern section (Miles 0 to 11): The trail departs the eastern trailhead near the Desoto Campground and heads west through longleaf pine uplands with the open, grassy understory that characterizes restored pine savannas. Several small creek crossings mark the transition zones between upland and bottomland. This section passes through areas with visible prescribed burn management.

Western section (Miles 11 to 23): The western half of the trail moves into more consistent bottomland hardwood, with larger drainages and more creek crossings. The forest character is denser and more closed-canopy than the pine sections. This section is the better one for wildlife sightings, particularly wood ducks and wading birds in the creek corridors.

When to Hike

October through April is the comfortable window. Low insect activity and moderate temperatures make the route pleasant. Hunting seasons from October through January mean wearing blaze orange in the upland sections is strongly recommended.

May through September: Hot and humid. Not recommended for overnight trips. Short day hikes with early starts are possible.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 2 liters of water with a filter for creek refills. Insect repellent is important from March through October. Waterproof boots or gaiters are useful for the wet season creek crossings.

Trailhead Access

The eastern trailhead is near the Desoto Campground, reached from US-49. The western trailhead is near Hillsboro off US-98. Shuttle planning is needed for a one-way through-hike.

Nearby

The Black Creek Trail is the forest's main long-distance route to the east. The Airey Lake Trail is a short day hike accessible from the eastern end of the forest. Review the Leave No Trace seven principles before any backcountry trip in De Soto.

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

Eastern trailhead near Desoto Campground off US-49. Western trailhead near Hillsboro. Multiple access points for section hikes. No fee.

← Back to De Soto National Forest

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Turkey Fork Recreation Area Loop

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Frequently Asked Questions

How does the Tuxachanie Trail compare to the Black Creek Trail?
The Tuxachanie Trail is the western counterpart to the Black Creek Trail, covering similar longleaf pine and bottomland hardwood terrain but without the Wild and Scenic River designation or wilderness boundary. It is less visited than the Black Creek corridor, making it a good option for hikers seeking quiet. The 23-mile length makes it manageable as a 2-day backpacking trip.
Are there water sources on the Tuxachanie Trail?
Several creek crossings along the route provide water, but all water must be filtered or treated before drinking. Water levels are highest from fall through spring. In summer, some streams may run low. Carry at least 2 liters from the trailhead and rely on creek sources with a filter for longer trips.
Is the Tuxachanie Trail marked?
The Tuxachanie Trail is marked with blue blazes on trees. Signage at trailheads and road crossings helps with navigation. Carry a printed USFS map or a downloaded offline map (AllTrails, Gaia GPS) as cell service is absent throughout the route and some blazing may be weathered in less-traveled sections.