De Soto National Forest – Image Gallery

De Soto National Forest

Details

De Soto National Forest

The De Soto National Forest is located in southern Mississippi and covers over 500,000 acres of land. It is divided into two separate sections: the Black Creek Wilderness and the Leaf Wilderness. The forest is managed by the U.S. Forest Service and offers a variety of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy.

Features of De Soto National Forest:

• Black Creek: A popular spot for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, Black Creek runs through the forest and provides a scenic backdrop for outdoor activities.
• Hiking Trails: The forest is home to over 60 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes through the wilderness.
• Camping: There are several campgrounds and picnic areas throughout the forest, allowing visitors to spend the night and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
• Wildlife Viewing: De Soto National Forest is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, turkey, and a wide range of bird species. Birdwatchers will especially enjoy the diverse bird populations found in the forest.

Ecological Significance:

The De Soto National Forest plays a crucial role in preserving the biodiversity of southern Mississippi. The forest provides habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species, many of which are rare or endangered. The forest also helps to protect water quality in the region by filtering pollutants and reducing erosion.

In addition, the forest serves as a natural carbon sink, absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and helping to mitigate climate change. The diverse ecosystems found within the forest contribute to its ecological significance and make it an important area for conservation efforts.

Overall, the De Soto National Forest is a valuable resource for both wildlife and people, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation and serving as a vital component of the region's ecosystem.

De Soto National Forest

Points of Interest

De Soto National Forest

De Soto National Forest is a beautiful and diverse natural area located in southern Mississippi. Here are some of the most popular points of interest in the forest:

• Black Creek Trail: This 40-mile hiking trail winds through lush forests, past picturesque creeks, and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It is a favorite among hikers and nature enthusiasts.
• Big Biloxi Campground: This campground offers a peaceful and scenic setting for camping and picnicking. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating in the nearby Big Biloxi River.
• Red Creek Off-Highway Vehicle Area: This area is a popular destination for off-road enthusiasts, offering miles of trails for ATV and dirt bike riding. The rugged terrain and scenic views make it a thrilling adventure for visitors.
• Black Creek Canoe Rental: Visitors can rent canoes and kayaks to explore the tranquil waters of Black Creek. Paddling down the creek offers a unique perspective of the forest and allows for up-close encounters with wildlife.
• Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge: Located within the De Soto National Forest, this refuge is home to the endangered Mississippi Sandhill Crane. Visitors can observe these majestic birds in their natural habitat and learn about conservation efforts to protect them.

Overall, De Soto National Forest offers a wide range of recreational activities and natural attractions for visitors to enjoy. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures or peaceful relaxation, this forest has something for everyone.

De Soto National Forest – Images

Description: Sign designating location of Buttercup Flats on De Soto National Forest in Mississippi

Image by Woodlot – CC BY-SA 4.0 – Wikimedia

Description: A view of De Soto National Forest near Brooklyn.

Image by Joe Furr (myself) – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: en:De Soto National Forest Ranger District Office, en:Mississippi Highway 26, Wiggins, en:Stone County, Mississippi, USA.

Image by Woodlot – CC BY-SA 3.0 – Wikimedia

Description: en:De Soto National Forest Ranger District Office, en:Mississippi Highway 26, Wiggins, en:Stone County, Mississippi, USA.

Image by Woodlot – CC BY-SA 3.0 – Wikimedia

Description: Longleaf, slash, and loblolly pines in DeSoto National Forest, Stone County, Mississippi, USA

Image by Woodlot – CC BY-SA 3.0 – Wikimedia

Description: "Forest Service Map." Includes location map, index to topographic sheets, index to recreation sites, and recreation information. Available also through the Library of Congress Web site as a raster image.

Image by United States. Forest Service. Southern Region; Geometronics Service Center (U.S.) – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: "Forest Service Map." Includes location map, index to topographic sheets, index to recreation sites, and recreation information. Available also through the Library of Congress Web site as a raster image.

Image by United States. Forest Service. Southern Region; Geometronics Service Center (U.S.) – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: Scale ca. 1:126,720. "Polyconic projection." "St. Stephens meridian." "Forest Service map-class A." Includes location map. Available also through the Library of Congress Web site as a raster image. AACR2

Image by United States. Forest Service. Southern Region – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: Scale ca. 1:126,720. "Polyconic projection." "St. Stephens meridian." "Forest Service map-class A." Includes location map. Available also through the Library of Congress Web site as a raster image. AACR2

Image by United States. Forest Service. Southern Region – Public domain – Wikimedia

Description: Scale ca. 1:126,720. Relief shown by spot heights. "Polyconic projection." "St. Stevens meridian." "Forest Service map-class A." Includes location map and "Source diagram." Available also through the Library of Congress Web site as a raster image. AACR2

Image by United States. Forest Service. Southern Region – Public domain – Wikimedia