De Soto National Forest

De Soto National Forest covers a total area of 518,587 acres that is located in Southeastern Mississippi. The protected forest land is accessible through several different routes including US 49 and US 98 as well as MS 67, MS 15, MS 57, MS 26, MS 29, MS 13, MS 63, and MS 42. Some of the metropolis and civic areas that surround this national forest include Hattiesburg, Laurel Gulfport, and Biloxi. 

The forest land was designated as a national forest on June 15, 1936, and is currently managed by the U.S. Forest Service. When visitors get to the park, they can expect to be awed by several fascinating features some of which include Black Creek. Black Creek is famous for being Mississippi's only nationally designated scenic river and is popular because of its wide sandbars and relaxed floating pace. 

The De Soto Forest also encompasses two wilderness areas, Leaf, and Black Creek. Ashe Forest Tree Nursery, which is the only tree nursery in the southern region is located in the forest. This tree nursery was established by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1936. 

Besides these features, the forest is also a popular spot for several recreational activities owing to the various amenities spread throughout the forest including dispersed camping, 25 campgrounds, cabins, picnic sites, trails (230 miles), fishing pier, group camp, and scenic drives.

The activities that you may enjoy here at the De Soto National Forest include hunting, fishing, camping, boating, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, horseback riding, and ORV riding. Visitors to De Soto National Forest are allowed to bring their dogs along for recreational activities, but the management of the park expects that basic forest rules are adhered to strictly. 

Some of the basic rules are as follows. First, dog owners are expected to carry a leash that is no more than six feet in length. The leash should be used on their dog at all times and especially when venturing into pet-friendly areas of the park. Additionally, dog owners are expected to keep their dogs well-behaved at all times. This includes ensuring that their dogs solid waste is cleaned immediately.