Tombigbee National Forest Choctaw Lake Circuit
CCC-era lake and longleaf pine through Choctaw country
This 25-mile circuit winds through the Tombigbee Hills, following old timber roads and fire breaks between stands of longleaf pine that the Forest Service has been restoring since the 1990s. The route passes Choctaw Lake’s earthen dam, built by the CCC in 1936, then drops into Sipsey Fork bottoms where stone foundations mark homesteads abandoned when the government bought the land. Creek crossings at Buttahatchee and Coalfire can run swift after storms, with rocky bottoms that’ll test your line choice.
Moderate difficulty with a few technical sections where washouts have carved deep ruts. Stock high-clearance recommended, though 4WD helps in the creek beds and sandy climbs through pine plantations. No permits, open year-round, but avoid during deer season (November-January). Several primitive camping spots along Choctaw Lake’s north shore. You’ll get a taste of Mississippi hill country most folks drive right past on Highway 45, plus some genuine solitude in timber that’s coming back to what the Choctaw knew.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 25 mi / 40.2 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 520 ft |
| Best season | March-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 2WD |
| Nearest town | Ackerman, MS |
| Land manager | USDA Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Spotty |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner run this trail without modifications?
Yes. Minimum requirement is high-clearance 2WD, so a stock Tacoma, 4Runner, or similar high-clearance truck handles this fine. You don't need a lift or lockers — the moderate difficulty here comes from soft dirt and creek crossings, not technical rock.
When does the trail get inaccessible or sketchy?
December through February is when you'll hit the most mud issues — Mississippi winters are wet, and the clay-heavy dirt surface turns greasy fast. The trail is officially best March through November, and late spring after things dry out is the sweet spot for longleaf pine scenery.
Do I need a permit to run this trail or camp here?
No permit required for driving the route or dispersed camping within Tombigbee National Forest. Standard national forest rules apply — pack it in, pack it out, 14-day stay limit on dispersed sites. There's no fee to access this trail.
What's the hardest section and what makes it difficult?
The creek crossings are where this trail earns its moderate rating — after rain, water levels rise quickly and the clay approaches get slick. Nothing requires a snorkel, but a crossing that's ankle-deep on a dry day can be bumper-deep 24 hours after heavy rain. Check recent weather before you go.
How far is the nearest gas station, and is there water available on trail?
Ackerman, MS is your last reliable fuel stop — top off there before heading in. There's no potable water on the route, so carry what you need for the full 1-2 days. Cell service is spotty throughout, so don't count on pulling up a map or calling for help once you're in the pines.
Trail track
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