Hiking the Black Creek Trail, 11/05/2017

Returning to the De Soto National Forest (382,000 acres in southwest Mississippi) for the second time, this time we hiked a few miles on the Black Creek Trail. 

Forty miles long, the Black Creek Trail begins at Big Creek Landing and basically follows the Black Creek River to Moody's Landing; through the Black Creek Wilderness (5,000+ acres); to Fairley Bridge Landing. We picked up the trail on rte 29 near the edge of the wilderness area and headed east. Like the Tuxachanie Trail, white blazes show you the way. 

The mixed forest has pine ridges, hardwood bottoms, cypress swamps, and streams. 

Near the beginning of this part of the Black Creek Trail is the General Jackson Interpretive Trail, a .2 spur trail. This is where General Andrew Jackson's troops crossed Black Creek by ferry along the Old Federal Road from Mobile to New Orleans during the War of 1812. 

Beware of the many fire ant hills we saw along the trail. Don't step on one! Those bites hurt!

We never found out what was in this hole, but our sweet doggie, Sadie, sure had fun digging and sticking her head in it! John had to drag her away...

Even though it is still 70 degrees, some of the leaves are turning to autumn colors. Along the trail we came upon these lovely, sassy, young ladies. They were enjoying the beautiful afternoon in the woods as much as we were. It was fun chatting with them for a time. 

When I had read about the Black Creek Trail, I thought it ran along the banks of the Black Creek. It does in many parts of the trail, but not this area. So, when we left the parking area, we drove north on rte 29 and took a left on Brooklyn Road to Moody's Landing.

There is a large shaded picnic area and parking spaces right off the road. We followed the dirt road (gates were open) to park closer to Black Creek. There is a small opening through the forest to the creek. Kayaks and canoes can be rented from local outfitters who will provide transportation to this point (and others) on the creek. 

At last, the lovely Black Creek with sandy banks. 

Twenty-one miles of the river has been designated the Black Creek National Wild and Scenic River. Primitive camping is permitted along the river and Moody Landing is one of the access points along the creek. We spent some time exploring this area. 

Be sure to pack plenty of water, bug spray, and sun screen when hiking in the De Soto National Forest. We used the maps we had picked up at the forest's ranger station in Wiggins, MS, as we strongly suggest that all hikers take care to be safe and well-prepared.