Leaf River County Wildlife Management Area Sand Hills Fire Tower Circuit
Active fire tower and sand hill longleaf forests
This route follows old timber company roads through the Leaf River Sand Hills, a unique ecosystem where ancient beach ridges create islands of longleaf pine in a sea of hardwood bottoms. The trail starts at the Old Beaumont Road crossing and climbs steadily through turkey oak scrub to reach the 80-foot fire tower at mile 12. The tower’s still active during fire season, and if you’re lucky, the lookout will wave from the cab 80 feet above your head. The descent follows Sand Ridge Road, a roller-coaster route that parallels Leaf River through some of the prettiest bottomland hardwood forest in south Mississippi.
Moderate difficulty with a few sandy climbs that’ll require momentum and good tires. Any stock 4WD can handle this in dry conditions, but avoid during wet weather when the clay sections turn into Mississippi skating rinks. Spring and fall offer the best driving conditions and wildflower displays. No permits required, but respect the active timber operations — log trucks own these roads Monday through Friday. Several primitive camping spots exist along Sand Ridge Road, and the swimming holes on Leaf River are worth the short hike down from the ridge.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Clay, Gravel, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic, Wildlife |
| Length (miles) | 24 mi / 38.6 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 420 ft |
| Best season | March-May, October-December |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD |
| Nearest town | Hattiesburg, Mississippi |
| Land manager | Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock 4WD truck or SUV handle this trail, or do I need a lift?
A stock 4WD is the listed minimum and will handle this trail fine under normal conditions. The clay sections get greasy when wet and can challenge stock all-terrain tires, so avoid it after heavy rain if you're running street tires.
When does the clay turn into a mud trap and make this trail impassable?
The clay surface becomes seriously slick and rutted after significant rainfall, especially November through February. Stick to the October-December and March-May windows and check recent rain totals before you go — a few days of dry weather makes a big difference.
Do I need a permit to run this trail or camp here?
No permit is required to drive the trail. Dispersed camping is allowed within the Leaf River County Wildlife Management Area under Mississippi DWFP rules — no fee, no reservation, but standard WMA hunting season regulations apply, so check the DWFP hunting calendar before your trip.
What's the hardest section and what actually makes it difficult?
The most demanding stretches are the sandy ridge sections where loose sand can pull you off-line, and the low clay cuts that drain poorly and hold moisture. Nothing here is mechanically brutal, but complacency on the soft sand descents with a loaded rig will get you stuck fast.
How far is the nearest gas station, and is there water available on the trail?
Hattiesburg is your last reliable fuel stop — roughly 30-40 miles depending on your entry point — so top off before heading in. There is no potable water on the trail; bring everything you need for the day or your camp stay.
Trail track
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