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Tombigbee Upland Trail

Tombigbee National Forest, Mississippi · 3 min read

Distance
6.5 mi
Elevation Gain
420 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
October through April
Est. Time
3.5-4.5 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
5 / 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

  • Most topographically varied hiking route in Tombigbee National Forest
  • Upland hardwood ridges with the best fall color in the forest
  • Good habitat for wild turkey, deer, and ruffed grouse
  • Rolling ridge terrain with multiple creek-bottom crossings
  • Quiet backcountry character in the eastern unit
wildlifewildflowersriver

Overview

Tombigbee Upland Trail covers the most varied terrain in Tombigbee National Forest, crossing multiple ridges of the Mississippi uplands through mature hardwood and pine on a 6.5-mile out-and-back that gives the most representative experience of the forest's natural character. The trail is the forest's best choice for fall foliage, spring wildflowers, and wildlife observation.

No permit is required. October through April is the most comfortable season.

The Route

Miles 0 to 3: Ridge system. The trail climbs from the access road through upland hardwood, gaining the main ridge system within the first mile. The ridge-top character alternates between dry oak-hickory and mixed pine, with the best fall color coming from the red maples and sourwood in the moist transition zones. Creek bottoms between the ridges provide the spring wildflower habitat.

Miles 3 to 6.5: Return. The turnaround is at a ridge crest with seasonal views across the upland forest. Return the way you came.

When to Hike

October and November: Best fall color. Hunting seasons mean blaze orange is recommended.

March through May: Spring wildflowers in the creek sections.

December through February: Open canopy and mild temperatures.

What to Bring

Carry 1.5 liters of water. Creek water requires filtering. Trekking poles for the ridge descents. Insect repellent from March through October.

Trailhead Access

The trailhead is in the eastern unit of Tombigbee National Forest, east of Houston via forest roads.

Nearby

The Tombigbee Earthworks Trail is the forest's historical hike in the same eastern unit. The Davis Lake Trail is the forest's main lake loop. Review the Leave No Trace seven principles before visiting. Consult our checking conditions guide for USFS status updates.

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.

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

Tombigbee Upland Trail access off forest road east of Houston. Gravel pullout. No fee.

← Back to Tombigbee National Forest

More Trails in Tombigbee National Forest

easyout-and-back

Black Prairie Walk

4 mi160 ft gain
October through April

A 4-mile easy out-and-back in eastern Tombigbee National Forest exploring the forest's transition zone near the Black Prairie soil region of east-central Mississippi.

3 min read

easy-moderateloop

Choctaw Lake Loop

5.5 mi240 ft gain
October through April

A 5.5-mile easy-moderate loop around Choctaw Lake in the western unit of Tombigbee National Forest near the Natchez Trace Parkway, with lake views and mixed pine-hardwood forest.

3 min read

easyloop

Davis Lake Short Loop

2 mi50 ft gain
Year-round

A 2-mile easy loop covering the campground and swimming beach area at Davis Lake in Tombigbee National Forest, the most accessible hike in the forest.

3 min read

easyloop

Davis Lake Trail

4.5 mi150 ft gain
Year-round

A 4.5-mile easy loop around Davis Lake in Tombigbee National Forest, with lake views, fishing access, and a swimming beach in the primary recreation area of this east-central Mississippi forest.

3 min read

easy-moderateout-and-back

Natchez Trace Connector Trail

3.5 mi160 ft gain
October through April

A 3.5-mile easy-moderate out-and-back connector trail linking Tombigbee National Forest's trail system to the Natchez Trace Parkway, passing through mixed hardwood forest in the western unit.

3 min read

easyout-and-back

Tombigbee Earthworks Trail

3 mi120 ft gain
October through April

A 3-mile easy out-and-back trail in Tombigbee National Forest leading to Confederate earthworks from 1864, with interpretive signs explaining the Civil War military history in east-central Mississippi.

3 min read

moderateloop

Witch Dance Horse Trail

12 mi600 ft gain
October through April

A 12-mile moderate multi-use loop near the Natchez Trace Parkway in Tombigbee National Forest, open to equestrians, hikers, and mountain bikers through mixed hardwood and pine forest.

3 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Tombigbee Upland Trail good for fall foliage?
Yes. The upland hardwood ridges in this section of the forest have good fall color from white oak, red maple, and sourwood in October. The color peaks roughly 1 to 2 weeks behind the Appalachian Mountains to the northeast, typically in the second and third weeks of October.
What is the terrain like on this trail?
The trail traverses rolling upland ridge terrain with multiple short ascents and descents as it crosses the ridge-and-valley topography of the Mississippi uplands. The maximum elevation is modest (around 400 feet), but the accumulated climbing across 6.5 miles makes it a proper moderate hike. Creek bottoms between ridges have the most diverse forest.
Is dispersed camping permitted?
Yes. Dispersed camping is permitted throughout Tombigbee National Forest. No permit is required. Camp at least 100 feet from water sources and trails. The upland ridge sections are good for camping in dry conditions.