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Hickory Flats Loop

Holly Springs National Forest, Mississippi · 3 min read

Distance
5 mi
Elevation Gain
380 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
March through May, September through November
Est. Time
2.5-3 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
5 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
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

  • Rolling loess hill terrain with more elevation change than the forest's lake trails
  • Hickory and white oak dominated forest with excellent fall color
  • Loop format through the western unit of the forest
  • Quiet trail receiving less traffic than the Chewalla Lake area
  • Good habitat for wild turkey and white-tailed deer
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Overview

Hickory Flats Loop traverses the rolling loess hill terrain in the western unit of Holly Springs National Forest, covering 5 miles of mixed oak-hickory ridge and creek-bottom terrain. The loop is the best hike in the forest for fall color, as the hickory and oak canopy turns brilliant gold and orange in October. Spring wildflowers in the creek drainage add a second season of distinction. The trail sees less traffic than the Chewalla Lake area trails, making it a good option for visitors seeking quiet.

No permit is required.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2: Ridge section. The trail climbs from the trailhead through the hickory and white oak ridge forest. The canopy is tall and the understory is relatively open by Mississippi standards, giving the ridge a pleasant, park-like character in summer. Hickory nuts litter the trail in fall.

Miles 2 to 3: Creek descent. The trail drops to a small creek drainage through steeper loess hillside terrain. The bottomland forest in this section is denser and more species-diverse, with beech and tulip poplar joining the oaks. A creek crossing marks the low point of the loop.

Miles 3 to 5: Return ridge. The trail climbs the opposite ridge and returns to the trailhead via a parallel ridge system, completing the loop.

When to Hike

October and November: The best season for fall color from the hickory and oak canopy. Hunting seasons overlap; wear blaze orange on weekends during firearm deer season.

March through May: Good spring wildflowers in the creek section.

Summer: Manageable with morning starts.

What to Bring

Carry 1.5 liters of water. Trekking poles are useful on the loess hillside descents. Insect repellent from April through September.

Trailhead Access

The trailhead is in the western unit of Holly Springs National Forest, reached via forest roads from US-72 west of Holly Springs.

Nearby

The Tewasatha Ridge Trail is the forest's other primary ridge hiking route. The Chewalla Lake Trail is the main lake loop. Review the Leave No Trace seven principles 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.

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.

Trailhead Parking

Hickory Flats trailhead off forest road in the western unit. Gravel pullout. No fee.

← Back to Holly Springs National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is this trail called Hickory Flats?
The name reflects the local topography: relatively flat ridge-top sections dominated by hickory trees, contrasting with the steeper loess slopes that connect the ridges to the creek bottoms. Hickory is a dominant species in northern Mississippi's upland forests, valued historically for its dense, hard wood and for its mast (hickory nuts) which are an important wildlife food source.
Is there water on the Hickory Flats Loop?
A small creek crossing in the lower section of the loop provides water, but the source is seasonal and may be dry in summer. All water should be filtered before drinking. Day hikers should carry sufficient water from the trailhead.
What wildlife can I expect on the Hickory Flats Loop?
Wild turkey are common in the area, particularly in the hickory and oak forest where mast provides important food. White-tailed deer are frequently seen. In fall, the abundance of hickory nuts and acorns concentrates wildlife. Pileated woodpeckers work the large snags on the loop's ridgeline sections.