Tuxachanie National Recreation Trail
A roughly twelve-mile forest trail passes longleaf pine, wetlands, old rail grades, creek crossings, and primitive camping in coastal Mississippi.
Artwork inspired by Mildred Nungester Wolfe
Tuxachanie follows portions of an old logging railroad through De Soto National Forest, crossing pine woods, wet flats, and small streams between Highway 49 and POW Lake. The grade is not technically steep, yet heat, standing water, roots, insects, and distance make the full route a substantial day or overnight outing.
Access and parking differ at the Highway 49 trailhead, Airey Lake, and POW Lake, and a point-to-point walk requires a shuttle. Rain can turn low sections into sustained wading or mud, while dry weather increases heat exposure. Check prescribed-fire and hunting notices, carry a paper map, and do not count on potable water along the path.
- Best first move
- Chosen trailhead map
- Do not miss
- Old logging grade
- Plan for
- 3 hours to overnight
Quick guide
- Route
- Match mileage to the parked car
- Conditions
- Plan for long wet sections
Make the visit count
- Match route and car
- Choose out-and-back, overnight, or shuttle plan before entering.
- Expect wet feet
- Use footwear and packing that tolerate long low sections after rain.
- Find railroad evidence
- Look for grade, cuts, ditches, and changed forest structure without removing artifacts.
- Carry safe water
- Do not rely on lakes or creeks without treatment and sufficient reserve.
Good to know
Flat does not mean easy: humidity, waterlogged tread, insects, and twelve-mile shuttle logistics can turn this into a demanding outing. Trailhead security and road conditions vary, so leave valuables behind and confirm the exact parking plan.
Notice these
- Chosen trailhead map
- Old logging grade
- Wet pine forest