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ForestMatters, LLC

Chewalla Lake Trail

Holly Springs National Forest, Mississippi · 3 min read

Distance
6.2 mi
Elevation Gain
280 ft
Difficulty
easy-moderate
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
March through May, September through November
Est. Time
2.5-3.5 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
3 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Flush Restroom
Parking
Free
Cell Service
Limited
Water
At Trailhead
Camping
Developed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Chewalla Lake, a 260-acre reservoir with consistent lake views from the trail
  • Mixed hardwood forest of oak, hickory, and dogwood along the shore
  • Swimming beach adjacent to the campground
  • Good birding for ospreys, herons, and woodland songbirds
  • The most popular hike in Holly Springs National Forest
lakewildlifewildflowersswimming

Overview

Chewalla Lake Trail loops 6.2 miles around the shores of Chewalla Lake in Holly Springs National Forest, circling the 260-acre reservoir through mixed hardwood forest with consistent lake views. The campground at the trailhead makes this both a day-hike destination and a natural complement to an overnight camping stay. The lake itself is the centerpiece: clear enough for swimming, productive enough for fishing, and large enough to attract ospreys, herons, and in winter, waterfowl.

No permit is required for day hiking. Dogs are welcome on leash.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2.5: Western shore. The trail departs from the campground day-use parking and immediately follows the western lakeside, with open water views throughout. The campground's swimming beach is visible from the first section. Dogwood and redbud bloom along this section in early spring, and the combined effect of the lake reflections and the flowering understory makes April one of the best months to hike.

Miles 2.5 to 4.5: Forest interior. The trail swings away from the lake into the loess hill forest, climbing short ridges through white oak and hickory forest before returning to the water. Deer are commonly sighted in this interior section.

Miles 4.5 to 6.2: Eastern shore return. The eastern shore section follows the lake closely back to the campground, with the dam visible near the end of the loop. Osprey fish the lake surface regularly in warm months, hunting from perches in the dead snags near the water's edge.

When to Hike

March through May: The best season for wildflowers and birds. Dogwood blooms in late March, followed by trillium and native azalea in early April.

September through November: Fall color and comfortable hiking temperatures. October is outstanding.

Summer: Hot but manageable in the morning. The swimming beach makes a combined hike-and-swim day popular with families from the Memphis area.

Winter: Mild and quiet. Waterfowl visit the lake from November through February.

What to Bring

Water from the campground trailhead. Sunscreen for the open lake sections. Binoculars for the lake birding. Insect repellent from April through September.

Trailhead Access

Chewalla Lake Campground is reached via MS-4 east from Holly Springs. From the campground entrance, the trail departs from the day-use parking near the boat launch.

Nearby

The Puskus Lake Nature Trail is a shorter loop at the forest's other major lake. The Tewasatha Ridge Trail offers the best ridge hiking in the forest. Review the Leave No Trace seven principles before your visit.

Trailhead Parking

Chewalla Lake Campground day-use area. Paved parking. Restrooms on-site. No fee for day hiking.

← Back to Holly Springs National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chewalla Lake Trail good year-round?
Yes. The trail is accessible in all seasons, with each offering a different experience. Spring brings wildflowers and migration birds. Summer is excellent for combining hiking with the adjacent swimming beach. Fall color peaks in October. Winter is mild enough for comfortable walking most days.
Can I fish from the Chewalla Lake Trail?
Fishing access is available from multiple points along the lake shoreline trail. Largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill are the primary targets. A valid Mississippi fishing license is required. The boat launch near the campground is open to small motorized boats and kayaks.
How difficult is the Chewalla Lake Trail?
The trail is easy-moderate. The 6.2-mile distance with 280 feet of elevation gain is manageable for most hikers with basic fitness. The terrain has several short climbs over the low loess hills between the lake and the surrounding forest interior, but nothing sustained or difficult. Most hikers complete the loop in 2.5 to 3.5 hours.