Bienville National Forest Overview

Like the other five national forests in Mississippi, Bienville National Forest is a national treasure known primarily by locals. Given the forest's abundance of fish-filled lakes, pine woods, picnic areas, campgrounds, and many miles of foot, horse, pedal, and ATV trails, you could hardly blame them for wanting to keep it to themselves.

First established in 1934 and named after the early 18th-century French-Canadian colonist and soldier Jean Baptiste Bienville (founder of Mobile, Natchez, and New Orleans), the forest's 178,400 acres exemplify the Forest Service's "land of many uses" policy. Its woods, lakes, and streams are managed intensely for timber and wildlife, and they're enjoyed by hunters, fishermen, horseback riders, hikers, and cyclists.

Bienville National Forest is only 45 miles east of Jackson and is accessible from I-20, U.S. Route 80, and State Routes 18 and 35. One word of warning: Having been built of land acquired from four lumber companies, the forest is still an important timber resource, as well as home to three wildlife management areas that attract in-season hunters. Phone ahead to make sure that your adventures don't coincide with the hunting seasons.

Trot the Shockaloe Trail
The Shockaloe Horse Trail is registered as a National Recreation Trail and included in the National Register of Trails. Also open to mountain bikes but closed to ATVs, its 23 miles of well-marked but windy pathway traverse a variety of terrains and allow the nature lover to witness firsthand more than 50 years of forest management practices. Horseback riders and cyclists should be aware of the several marked jumps, all of which can be easily circumnavigated. A permit is required to camp along the trail.

Cast for Bluegill
A number of lakes and reservoirs in Bienville National Forest are accessible to both bank and small-boat anglers. Try Marathon Lake's 1.8-mile shoreline and 50-acre surface for some of the best bluegill and redear sunfish in the region. This is also a perfect lake for family camping vacations. The Greentree Reservoir is a no-fee, 63-acre puddle also full of bluegill (and off-limits to swimmers and campers). Other water holes include Tishkill Lake (no bank fishing, swimming, or camping) and Beaver Lake (no swimming or camping).

Camp amid Old Growth Pines
The Bienville Pines Scenic Area includes 180 acres of the largest known area of old-growth pine in Mississippi. Some of the loblolly and shortleaf behemoths exceed 200 years in age. Hikers and campers (no bikers or other off-roaders, please) can enjoy the majesty of a peaceful mature forest, complete with trails, interpretive stops, and rest areas. Other good campsites can be found in the Marathon and Shongelo Recreation Areas, although the pines there may not exactly measure up.

Move on to U.S. National Forest Campground Guide

Listen for Woodpeckers
The old growth pines accessed by the Bienville Pines Trail offer your best shot of seeing, or at least hearing, one of Mississippi's endangered feathered residents, the red-cockaded woodpecker. These hard-heads will only nest in large living pines. Wading birds can be spotted along the one-mile trail that circles Marathon Lake.

Catch the Prairie Bloom
The 150-acre Harrell Prairie Hill Botanical Area is a grassland oasis in the midst of the forest. It is also the largest surviving example of what is called Jackson Prairie. The unusual soil here gives rise to a plant community unlike the surrounding forest, including wildflowers that put on a floral display equal to any garden show's. The grassland is carefully controlled to protect the unique habitat and its residents. Prime time for viewing the blooming fields is late spring and summer.