Black Creek Wilderness Access Road

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.