Black Creek Wilderness

Black Creek Wilderness is a nature reserve within De Soto National Forest that encompasses thousands of acres shaped by its namesake river system. The waterway displays a distinctive brown color from natural tannins and creates extensive wetland zones along its banks.

The area received official protection in 1984, preserving coastal plain ecosystems that existed before large-scale forest clearing. This designation recognized the ecological value of a landscape that otherwise would have faced extensive transformation.

The protected land maintains habitats for regional species including the Pearl darter fish and Yellow-blotched map turtle in their natural environment.

Visitors find multiple hiking trails, camping areas, and water activity options spread across an extensive network. The facilities are arranged for different activities, with most access points reachable on foot.

The area combines upland longleaf pine forests with lowland hardwood bottomlands and oxbow lakes, creating a rich mix of habitats. This blend of different forest types makes it a rare example of the region's original woodland landscape.