Stone County, MS is home to some of the state’s best hiking trails and scenic forest areas to explore. If you love getting off the beaten path, exploring the great outdoors, and taking in all of the beauty of Mother Nature, a Stone County hiking adventure is the perfect getaway for you.

De Soto National Forest’s Tuxachanie Trail boasts 12 miles of gorgeous South Mississippi wildlife and scenery, including pine savannahs, swamps, and a variety of native flora including carnivorous pitcher plants. Visitors enter the trail to a beautiful, long row of live oaks planted in 1935. The first five miles of trail after on the west side follow an abandoned railroad line built in the early 1900s by Irish immigrants. The trail is fairly flat, making it easy walking for adults and children alike, and includes several sections of elevated wooden footbridges.

The wet savannas of the De Soto support a wide variety of rare and endangered plant and animal species, including gopher frogs, a variety of tortoises, and perhaps most impressive – the fascinating pitcher plant. Buttercup Flats is home to one of the largest concentrations of pitcher plants in the world, making it a must-see for nature enthusiasts of all ages.

Discover the hidden beauty of the piney woods in the Gulf Coastal Plain by hiking one of Mississippi’s longest and most challenging trails.  The Black Creek Hiking Trail continues for 39 miles along the Black Creek River. Hikers can access the trail from Black Creek Trailhead, Fairly Bridge Landing, and Big Creek Landing. The trail climbs over rolling hills and meanders down to the flat land of Black Creek flood plain. Over 100 Bridges and boardwalks have been constructed to provide crossing over small streams and ponds. Approximately 10 miles of the trail is located in the Black Creek Wilderness. No drinking water is available along the trail. Only foot travel is permitted on the trail.

If you love biking through the wilderness, the Bethel trails are for you! Tucked away in the gorgeous De Soto National Forest, there are three trails that are relatively flat and fast single tracks through pine forest with some wet spots, small climbs, a few log hoops, descents; and four mountain bike trails of various lengths and difficulty.

History buffs and Nature enthusiasts alike will enjoy a day spent exploring the Ramsay Springs area of Stone County. Said to have mystical curative properties, the Springs have attracted travelers from all over since the 1800s. Today, it’s the perfect spot to kayak, hike, and explore the beautiful South Mississippi landscape.