Skip to main content
ForestMatters, LLC

Pipe Lake Loop Trail

Homochitto National Forest, Mississippi · 3 min read

Distance
5 mi
Elevation Gain
220 ft
Difficulty
easy-moderate
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
October through April
Est. Time
2-3 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
3 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
None
Camping
Developed
Google MapsApple Maps

Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Pipe Lake, a 55-acre fishing lake in the heart of Homochitto National Forest
  • Consistent lake views on the western shore section
  • Mixed hardwood forest of oak, hickory, and sweet gum
  • Good birding for wood ducks and wading birds
  • Peaceful loop in a quiet, less-visited section of the forest
lakewildlife

Overview

Pipe Lake Loop Trail circles a 55-acre fishing lake in the heart of Homochitto National Forest, offering 5 miles of easy-moderate walking through mixed hardwood forest with consistent lake views. The lake is the primary recreation draw in this section of the forest, attracting anglers and campers from the southwestern Mississippi region. The trail gives hikers access to the full perimeter of the lake through a mix of open shore sections and shaded forest.

No permit is required. Dogs are welcome on leash.

The Route

Miles 0 to 2: Western shore. The trail follows the lake's western shoreline from the campground, with open water views through the pine and hardwood fringe. Wood ducks are commonly seen in the coves and shallower sections. The western shore has the best light for photography in the morning hours.

Miles 2 to 3.5: Forest interior. The trail swings into the forest away from the lake, crossing a small drainage and climbing a short ridge. The forest here is mixed sweetgum, oak, and loblolly pine, typical of the loess hill country.

Miles 3.5 to 5: Return to campground. The final section follows the eastern shore back to the campground, with the boat launch visible near the end.

When to Hike

October through April: Most comfortable. Low insect pressure and moderate temperatures.

Summer: Hot but the morning lake views are beautiful before the heat builds.

What to Bring

Carry 1 liter of water. Binoculars for lake birding. Insect repellent from April through September.

Trailhead Access

Pipe Lake Campground is reached via forest roads from Meadville and US-84. The campground entrance is signed.

Nearby

The Clear Springs Nature Trail is the forest's main interpretive loop. The Homochitto River Trail is the forest's signature hiking route. Review the Leave No Trace seven principles before your visit.

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

Pipe Lake Campground parking area. Gravel lot near the lake. No fee for day hiking.

← Back to Homochitto National Forest

More Trails in Homochitto National Forest

easyloop

Clear Springs Nature Trail

2.5 mi120 ft gain
Year-round

A 2.5-mile easy loop at Clear Springs Recreation Area in Homochitto National Forest, exploring the spring-fed swimming area and surrounding mixed hardwood forest with interpretive signs.

3 min read

easyloop

Clear Springs Swimming Hole Loop

1.5 mi60 ft gain
Year-round

A 1.5-mile easy loop at Clear Springs Recreation Area in Homochitto National Forest, the shortest and most accessible hike in the forest, perfect for families combining hiking and swimming.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Franklin County Creek Trail

6 mi280 ft gain
October through April

A 6-mile moderate out-and-back trail following a tributary creek through bottomland hardwood in the Franklin County unit of Homochitto National Forest.

3 min read

easy-moderateout-and-back

Homochitto Bluff Walk

3.5 mi250 ft gain
October through April

A 3.5-mile easy-moderate out-and-back to scenic bluff overlooks above the Homochitto River in Homochitto National Forest, with views over the wooded valley and the river bottomland below.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Homochitto River Trail

8.5 mi450 ft gain
October through April

An 8.5-mile moderate out-and-back trail along the Homochitto River in southwestern Mississippi, following the blackwater river through loess bluff terrain and bottomland cypress-hardwood forest.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Meadville Ridge Trail

4.5 mi280 ft gain
October through April

A 4.5-mile moderate out-and-back ridge trail in the central unit of Homochitto National Forest near Meadville, Mississippi, through mixed oak-pine forest with loess hill topography.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

West Homochitto Hunting Trail

7 mi380 ft gain
October through April

A 7-mile moderate out-and-back trail through the western unit of Homochitto National Forest, traversing mature hardwood and mixed pine forest used primarily for hunting and wildlife observation.

3 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

What fish species are in Pipe Lake?
Pipe Lake supports largemouth bass, crappie, and bluegill. Shore fishing is accessible from the trail and campground. A boat launch is available for small non-motorized watercraft and small motors. A valid Mississippi fishing license is required.
How long does the Pipe Lake Loop take?
Most hikers complete the 5-mile loop in 2 to 3 hours at a comfortable pace. The terrain is rolling with modest elevation gain. The lake views and bird activity naturally slow the pace in the western shore section.
Is Pipe Lake Campground reservable?
Pipe Lake Campground sites are first-come, first-served and cannot be reserved in advance. The campground typically fills on major holiday weekends and deer season weekends in November and December. Weekday stays are generally available without competition.