How much of the Black Creek Trail is inside the wilderness?

About 10 miles of the Black Creek National Recreation Trail pass through the wilderness. The broader trail follows the creek drainage for about 41 miles, so distinguish the wilderness segment from the full route when planning.

What is the terrain like?

Terrain is fairly gentle, with elevations from 100 to 270 feet. Black Creek divides a hardwood floodplain containing oxbow lakes, bald cypress, sweetgum, and red maple. Pine woods occupy nearby rolling hills and moderate ridges.

Are there facilities or drinking water?

No facilities are provided, and potable water is unavailable. The Black Creek Trail is the area's only development. Arrive prepared for a self-supported visit and pack out everything brought in.

Can bikes or vehicles enter the wilderness?

No vehicles are allowed. Forest Service restrictions specify foot travel only within the wilderness and on the trail. Plan a walking trip rather than a cycling or motorized route.

Why is Black Creek's water dark?

Decaying vegetation releases tannic acid that stains the water a deep caramel color. The creek is the wilderness's central feature, and a segment of the Black Creek Wild and Scenic River flows through it.

Black Creek Wilderness

The Black Creek Wilderness is located in the gulf coastal plains of southern Mississippi. Most of this Wilderness, the state's largest, lies in the broad valley of Black Creek, stained a deep caramel...

Plan a trip to Black Creek Wilderness

Region: MS, USA
Country: United States
Best for: hiking
Best season: Spring, Summer
Permits: Confirm any permit requirements and curren…
Managed by: USDA Forest Service, De Soto Ranger District, National Forests in Mississippi

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Photos of Black Creek Wilderness

Black Creek MS — Wild and Scenic Black Creek in the De Soto National Forest, Mississippi, USA.
Photo: NWSRS · Public domain

How to get there

Black Creek Wilderness lies immediately east of State Highway 29, about 18 miles south of New Augusta and 10 miles north of Wiggins, Mississippi. Use the Forest Service wilderness map to identify trail access before driving; the highway location is an approach description, not a named trailhead.

State Highway 29
Road approach along the wilderness’s western side. The protected area is immediately east of the highway; confirm a mapped trail entrance rather than assuming roadside parking or direct access is available.
Black Creek National Recreation Trail
Foot-access corridor through the wilderness, with about 10 miles inside its boundary. Consult the Forest Service map for entry locations; this names the access trail rather than a specific parking area.

Sources: fs.usda.gov · University of Montana / federal agency partners · Wilderness Connect / federal wilderness boundary inventory · Wikipedia. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.

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MS, USA · United States

Plan a trip to Black Creek Wilderness

Known for

Sea Kayaking
Beachcombing
Hiking
Backpacking
Wildlife Viewing
Canoeing
Fishing
Photography

State

Managing agency

Designated

1984

Map location

Sourced point inside the wilderness boundary — not a trailhead or campsite

A coastal-plain wilderness shaped by Black Creek

Black Creek Wilderness protects slightly more than 5,000 acres in southern Mississippi’s De Soto National Forest. Established in 1984, it occupies much of the broad valley around Black Creek, with the Wild and Scenic River flowing through its center. The water’s deep caramel color comes from tannins released by decaying vegetation. Along the creek, hardwood floodplain forest surrounds oxbow lakes and white sandbars; higher ground supports pine woods. Sweetgum, sweetbay, red maple, willow oak, bald cypress, loblolly pine, and spruce pine contribute to the varied forest. This is a low-elevation landscape rather than a steep hiking destination: elevations range from about 100 to 270 feet. Its defining features are the river valley, bottomland woods, and transition into gently rolling uplands.

Walking the Black Creek Trail

About 10 miles of the Black Creek National Recreation Trail pass through the wilderness. The full trail follows the creek’s drainage for about 41 miles, so a trip on the broader trail is not necessarily a trip entirely within the wilderness boundary. Within the protected area, the trail is the only development. Expect fairly gentle terrain, with piney woods over rolling hills and moderate ridges rather than sustained climbs. A shorter out-and-back lets walkers choose a turnaround suited to their time and supplies; a longer wilderness-section walk needs a map and confirmed entry and exit arrangements. Only foot travel is permitted on the trail, and vehicles are not allowed in the wilderness. Keep mileage expectations separate from elevation: modest relief does not make a long walk short.

Plan for an undeveloped visit

Black Creek Wilderness has no facilities and no potable water. Bring drinking water or the equipment and knowledge needed to treat collected water, and do not plan around developed services inside the boundary. The area is open year-round unless weather conditions require the trail to close; check current Forest Service alerts before setting out. There are no user fees. The broad floodplain and creekside setting make weather and water conditions important considerations when choosing a route or stopping place. White sandbars occur along banks that can stand 5 to 20 feet high, so assess the surroundings rather than assuming every riverbank offers easy access. Pack out everything brought in, follow Leave No Trace practices, and allow enough time to return without relying on facilities along the trail.

hiking

Where on earth

Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Black Creek Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.

Coordinates

Decimal degrees: 30.9774, -89.0313
Latitude (DMS): 30° 58′ 38.8″ N
Longitude (DMS): 89° 1′ 52.5″ W

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Coordinates are an access-point reference for Black Creek Wilderness, not a route. Carry a paper map and confirm trailhead or put-in access with the managing agency before you go.

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Topic summary

Key takeaways

Region: MS, USA
Country: United States
Good for: hiking
Coordinates: 30.977, -89.031

Intended uses

hiking

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Popular pursuits at Black Creek Wilderness

Sea Kayaking
Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.
Beachcombing
Tide-line walking between camps.
Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
Wildlife Viewing
Best light, best season, and where animals move.
Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.

Animals around Black Creek Wilderness

Browse all wildlife guides →

A coastal-plain wilderness shaped by Black Creek

Walking the Black Creek Trail

Plan for an undeveloped visit

Route options

Black Creek Trail out-and-backFairly gentle terrain; overall effort depends on the chosen turnaround.
Follow the trail into the wilderness and return the same way, selecting a turnaround based on daylight, water, and walking pace. Confirm the entry location on the Forest Service map before departure.
Black Creek Trail wilderness sectionAbout 10 miles within the wildernessFairly gentle terrain with rolling hills and moderate ridges; the mileage requires more endurance than a short outing.
Plan a longer walk along the portion of the Black Creek National Recreation Trail within the wilderness. It crosses the creek’s drainage and gently rolling forest terrain. Confirm entry and exit arrangements before attempting a point-to-point trip.

Sample itineraries

Black Creek Trail Day Walk · 1 day
Walk an out-and-back portion of the Black Creek National Recreation Trail through the wilderness. Focus on the hardwood floodplain and nearby pine-covered uplands. Choose a turnaround suited to conditions and daylight; about 10 miles of the trail lie within the wilderness.
Black Creek Overnight Walk · 2 days
Plan a self-supported overnight along the wilderness portion of the Black Creek Trail. Explore the creek drainage and uplands, then return on foot. Confirm camping guidance with the De Soto Ranger District, choose a site away from rising water, and carry all supplies; no facilities are provided.

Seasonal conditions

Spring

Year-round access, weather permitting

Check forecasts and trail status before entering the creek floodplain. Weather can require trail closures. Keep plans flexible when wet conditions affect low ground, and avoid camping where rising creek water could reach.

Summer

Year-round access, weather permitting

Plan water needs carefully: potable water is unavailable. Adjust walking time and distance to the forecast, and carry enough water or suitable treatment equipment for a self-supported trip.

Fall

Year-round access, weather permitting

Check current weather, fire danger, and hunting-season information before departure. Deer hunters use the area in season; wear visible clothing when hunting activity overlaps a visit.

Winter

Year-round access, weather permitting

Year-round opening does not guarantee passable trails. Check weather-related closures and pack layers suited to the forecast. With no facilities, carry shelter and supplies rather than relying on developed stops.

Season	Window	Conditions
Spring	Year-round access, weather permitting	Check forecasts and trail status before entering the creek floodplain. Weather can require trail closures. Keep plans flexible when wet conditions affect low ground, and avoid camping where rising creek water could reach.
Summer	Year-round access, weather permitting	Plan water needs carefully: potable water is unavailable. Adjust walking time and distance to the forecast, and carry enough water or suitable treatment equipment for a self-supported trip.
Fall	Year-round access, weather permitting	Check current weather, fire danger, and hunting-season information before departure. Deer hunters use the area in season; wear visible clothing when hunting activity overlaps a visit.
Winter	Year-round access, weather permitting	Year-round opening does not guarantee passable trails. Check weather-related closures and pack layers suited to the forecast. With no facilities, carry shelter and supplies rather than relying on developed stops.

Permits, fees & closures

Confirm any permit requirements and current restrictions with the De Soto Ranger District before visiting.

Fees: No user fees are required for Black Creek Wilderness.

Official source: National Forests in Mississippi | Black Creek Wilderness Area · Verified October 19, 2026

Hazards & regulations

Black Creek runs through a broad floodplain. Avoid low camping spots when water could rise, and check for weather-related trail closures.
Creek banks range from 5 to 20 feet high. Choose stable footing and avoid exposed or unstable edges.
Logs can obstruct the creek during low water. Do not assume the channel is clear.
No potable water or facilities are provided. Carry water or appropriate treatment equipment and supplies for delays.
Hunters use the area in season. Check current hunting information and wear visible clothing when activity overlaps your trip.

What to pack for Black Creek Wilderness

Water and food

Drinking water
Water treatment equipment
Food and extra snacks
Pack-out bags for all trash

Navigation and safety

Trail map showing the wilderness boundary and confirmed access
Compass or offline navigation
First-aid kit
Headlamp
Visible clothing during hunting activity

Weather and overnight gear

Rain protection
Layers matched to the forecast
Shelter for overnight trips
Sleeping system
Waterproof storage for essential gear

Build this list in the gear builder →

Black Creek Wilderness FAQ

Where is Black Creek Wilderness?: It lies in southern Mississippi's De Soto National Forest, east of and adjacent to State Highway 29, about 18 miles south of New Augusta and 10 miles north of Wiggins. Use the Forest Service map to identify access rather than treating a general map point as a trailhead.
How much of the Black Creek Trail is inside the wilderness?: About 10 miles of the Black Creek National Recreation Trail pass through the wilderness. The broader trail follows the creek drainage for about 41 miles, so distinguish the wilderness segment from the full route when planning.
What is the terrain like?: Terrain is fairly gentle, with elevations from 100 to 270 feet. Black Creek divides a hardwood floodplain containing oxbow lakes, bald cypress, sweetgum, and red maple. Pine woods occupy nearby rolling hills and moderate ridges.
Are there facilities or drinking water?: No facilities are provided, and potable water is unavailable. The Black Creek Trail is the area's only development. Arrive prepared for a self-supported visit and pack out everything brought in.
Can bikes or vehicles enter the wilderness?: No vehicles are allowed. Forest Service restrictions specify foot travel only within the wilderness and on the trail. Plan a walking trip rather than a cycling or motorized route.
Why is Black Creek's water dark?: Decaying vegetation releases tannic acid that stains the water a deep caramel color. The creek is the wilderness's central feature, and a segment of the Black Creek Wild and Scenic River flows through it.