Holly Springs National Forest Chewalla Lake Backcountry Circuit
Hill country hideaways and bootlegger history
Before the feds turned it into a national forest, these hills crawled with moonshiners who knew every pig trail and creek crossing between here and Tennessee. This 24-mile backcountry circuit follows old logging roads and bootlegger routes through hardwood hollows, past Chewalla Lake’s secluded north shore, and up to the remnants of Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps camps where you can still find stone foundations in the undergrowth.
Easy to moderate with occasional muddy sections after rain and a few steep climbs that favor momentum over finesse. Any stock SUV with decent clearance handles it fine in dry conditions, but wet weather turns the clay sections into axle-deep gumbo. Spring wildflowers are spectacular, summer gets buggy, fall colors peak in late October. No permits needed and plenty of dispersed camping spots along the lake. Bring bug spray and fishing gear — the bass fishing is legendary and the swimming holes stay cool even in July. It’s Mississippi backcountry at its finest.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 24 mi / 38.6 km |
| Duration | 1 day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 620 ft |
| Best season | March-May, October-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock SUV |
| Nearest town | Holly Springs, Mississippi |
| Land manager | US Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock SUV handle this trail, or do I need a lift?
A stock SUV is fine here. The dirt roads are mellow and the elevation change is minimal — no rock crawling, no serious obstacles. Even a stock Tacoma or 4Runner will have zero issues.
When should I avoid this trail?
Summer is brutal in Mississippi — heat, humidity, and bugs make it miserable. Winter can turn the dirt sections slick after rain. Stick to March through May or October through November for tolerable conditions and decent foliage.
Do I need a permit to run this trail or camp out here?
No permit required for driving or dispersed camping in Holly Springs National Forest. Standard National Forest rules apply — pack it in, pack it out, 14-day stay limit on dispersed sites.
What are the water crossings actually like?
Expect low-water crossings through creek drainages — nothing technical, but depth varies after rain. In wet conditions, check before you commit; a stock SUV can get stuck if a crossing has gone soft on the banks.
How far is the nearest gas station, and is there cell service on the trail?
Holly Springs is your last reliable fuel stop before heading in — fill up there. Cell service is spotty throughout the circuit, so download offline maps before you leave town.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.