Tombigbee National Forest

Tombigbee National Forest spans 67,005 acres (27,100 hectares) across Mississippi with hardwood forests, pine groves, wetlands, and open fields. The protected area includes multiple trails, camping facilities, and fishing areas managed through ranger offices in Ackerman.

The United States Forest Service established this conservation area in 1959 as part of a nationwide effort to protect natural resources in the Southeast. This designation helped secure the forest and its ecosystems for long-term preservation.

The forest holds Owl Creek Mounds, five earthwork structures built between 1100 and 1200, which show how Native American communities shaped this land. Visitors walking through the woods today can see these mounds as physical reminders of the people who lived here centuries ago.

The forest is accessible by car with multiple entry points, and visitors should check with ranger offices in Ackerman for current conditions and activity availability. Spring and fall offer mild weather, while summer can be hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

The forest is divided into two separate sections, with the northern portion in Pontotoc County making up roughly 40 percent of the total protected area. This split arrangement allows visitors to explore different parts of the landscape depending on which section they access.

Location: Pontotoc County

Operator: United States Forest Service

GPS coordinates: 33.23170,-88.95596

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:02