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Benton County Nature Trail

Holly Springs National Forest, Mississippi · 3 min read

Distance
2.5 mi
Elevation Gain
120 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
March through May, October through November
Est. Time
1-1.5 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
1 / 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

  • Northern-most unit of Holly Springs National Forest near the Tennessee border
  • Loess hill forest with spring wildflowers and good bird habitat
  • Short, accessible loop for families and casual visitors
  • Quiet and uncrowded northern unit away from the main recreation areas
  • Good spring warbler habitat during migration
wildlifewildflowers

Overview

Benton County Nature Trail explores the northernmost unit of Holly Springs National Forest, a non-contiguous forest block near Ashland, Mississippi, close to the Tennessee border. The 2.5-mile loop is the quietest hiking option in the forest system, with no developed facilities and low visitor traffic. The loess hill terrain here is similar to the main Marshall County unit, with rolling ridges of oak and hickory descending to small creek drainages with richer, more diverse forest.

No permit is required. Spring and fall are the most rewarding seasons for wildflowers and birds respectively.

The Route

The loop: The trail starts from the forest road pullout and climbs immediately into the loess hill forest. The first section traverses ridge-top oak-hickory before dropping to a small creek drainage. The creek section has the best wildflower habitat: trillium and bloodroot bloom in late March and April on the sheltered north-facing slopes.

The loop climbs back to the ridge and returns to the starting point, giving a representative sample of the unit's character.

When to Hike

Late March through May: Best for spring wildflowers and migration birds.

October and November: Good fall color and comfortable temperatures. Hunting seasons overlap; blaze orange recommended on weekends.

Year-round: The mild climate makes this walkable in most conditions.

What to Bring

Water bottle, insect repellent from April through September, binoculars for spring bird migration.

Trailhead Access

The trailhead is in Benton County near Ashland, reached via US-72 east from Holly Springs or from county roads in the Ashland area. The unit is about 30 miles northeast of the main Chewalla Lake recreation area.

Nearby

The Chewalla Lake Trail and main recreation facilities are in the Marshall County unit to the southwest. For visitors combining Holly Springs with nearby Tennessee national forests, our national forest vs. national park guide provides useful context. Review the Leave No Trace seven principles before visiting this quiet northern unit.

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.

East Texas national forests experience hot and humid conditions from May through September, with mosquito and tick activity year-round. Checking the Leave No Trace seven principles before any visit helps preserve the forest for the next visitor.

Trailhead Parking

Benton County forest unit trailhead off forest road near Ashland, MS. Gravel pullout. No fee.

← Back to Holly Springs National Forest

More Trails in Holly Springs National Forest

easy-moderateloop

Chewalla Lake Trail

6.2 mi280 ft gain
March through May, September through November

A 6.2-mile easy-moderate loop around Chewalla Lake in Holly Springs National Forest, with consistent lake views, birding opportunities, and access to one of northern Mississippi's finest recreation lakes.

3 min read

moderateloop

Hickory Flats Loop

5 mi380 ft gain
March through May, September through November

A 5-mile moderate loop through mixed oak-hickory ridge terrain in Holly Springs National Forest, crossing the rolling loess hills of northern Mississippi.

3 min read

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Holly Springs OHV Trail North

8 mi450 ft gain
October through April

An 8-mile moderate multi-use trail through northern Holly Springs National Forest, open to hikers, mountain bikers, and OHV riders across loess hill terrain.

3 min read

easyout-and-back

Marshall County Forest Walk

3 mi120 ft gain
Year-round

A 3-mile easy out-and-back introductory walk through the main unit of Holly Springs National Forest in Marshall County, Mississippi, through mixed hardwood and pine forest.

3 min read

easyloop

Puskus Lake Nature Trail

2 mi80 ft gain
March through May, September through November

A 2-mile easy loop around Puskus Lake in Holly Springs National Forest, exploring mixed hardwood forest with lake views and good wildlife in a quiet family-friendly setting.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Tewasatha Ridge Trail

5.5 mi500 ft gain
March through May, September through November

A 5.5-mile moderate out-and-back hiking trail along the Tewasatha Ridge in Holly Springs National Forest, crossing the most varied loess hill terrain in northern Mississippi's national forests.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Vance Creek Trail

4.5 mi200 ft gain
March through May, September through November

A 4.5-mile moderate out-and-back trail following Vance Creek through bottomland hardwood in Holly Springs National Forest, with spring wildflowers and good wildlife habitat.

3 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the Benton County unit of Holly Springs National Forest?
The Benton County unit is the northernmost non-contiguous unit of Holly Springs National Forest, located near the town of Ashland, Mississippi, in Benton County about 15 miles from the Tennessee border. It is a separate unit from the main Marshall County portion of the forest and is quieter and less developed.
Is this trail good for birdwatching?
The Benton County unit is good for spring warbler migration, particularly late April and early May when large waves of neotropical migrants pass through the Mississippi loess hills on their way north. The forest's proximity to the Mississippi River flyway means significant migration traffic. Wood thrush and red-eyed vireo breed in the unit in summer.
Is the Benton County trail accessible for families?
Yes. The 2.5-mile loop with modest elevation gain is well-suited for families with older children. The terrain is rolling but not difficult. The main consideration is the remote feel of this northern unit, which has no developed facilities at the trailhead.