De Soto National Forest

De Soto National Forest is a large forest in southern Mississippi with different types of land, including pine forests, wetlands, streams, and sandy areas spread across several counties. The landscape shifts between thick wooded sections and more open spaces as you move through the forest.

The forest was established in 1936 by the United States Forest Service and named after Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, who traveled through southeastern North America. This creation was part of a broader effort to protect forests across the country.

The forest contains archaeological sites that show how Native Americans and early European settlers lived in this region over centuries. Walking through these lands, you can sense the long human history woven into the landscape.

The forest has multiple entry points with camping areas, hiking trails, and recreation zones open throughout the year. Bring water and sun protection, and check local conditions before you go, since parts of the land become wetter or harder to reach depending on the season.

The forest protects one of the last remaining longleaf pine savanna ecosystems in North America, with open woodland spaces dotted with tall pines. This habitat supports plants and animals found rarely anywhere else.