Black Creek Wilderness Access Road
Gateway to Mississippi's only wilderness area
The Black Creek Wilderness Access Road cuts a lonely path through 5,000 acres of virgin longleaf pine and cypress swamps in De Soto National Forest. This unmarked forest service road winds 8 miles from Highway 49 near Wiggins to the trailhead for Black Creek National Wild and Scenic River, crossing Cypress Creek twice on wooden bridges that have seen better days. The route passes through what locals call the ‘Big Woods’ – old-growth forest that survived Mississippi’s timber boom because the ground was too wet to log efficiently.
Moderate difficulty requires high-clearance 4WD during wet seasons when the clay sections turn to gumbo and standing water reaches axle-deep in low spots. Best tackled April through October when the road firms up, though summer brings oppressive humidity and clouds of mosquitoes. No permits needed, but bring insect repellent and extra water – this is genuine backcountry with zero cell service and primitive camping along the creek. Worth it for the solitude and some of Mississippi’s last untouched wilderness.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry |
| Surface | Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 8 mi / 12.9 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 180 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Wiggins, Mississippi |
| Land manager | US Forest Service - De Soto National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail?
Yes, but it needs to be a high-clearance 4WD — don't attempt this in a stock car-based SUV or 2WD truck. The sand and clay mix gets soft, and the water crossings require real ground clearance.
Is the trail accessible in winter?
Technically passable in winter, but the clay sections turn greasy after rain and the trail can become a bog. Best season is April through October when the ground is more predictable and conditions are stable.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp here?
No permit is required for vehicle access or dispersed camping on the De Soto National Forest side. If you're entering the Black Creek Wilderness itself on foot, no permit is needed either — standard Leave No Trace rules apply.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The water crossings are the crux — depths vary seasonally and there's no bridge. After heavy rain, crossings that were ankle-deep can climb to axle level fast. The loose sand two-track is manageable but will swallow you if you lose momentum.
Is there cell service on the trail, and how far is the nearest gas?
Zero cell service once you leave the trailhead area — plan accordingly and carry a sat communicator if you're going solo. Wiggins is your last stop for gas and supplies, roughly 15-20 miles out, so fill up before you head in.
Trail track
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