One of the great things about Stone County, Mississippi, is that when fall turns to winter, some people might say our outdoor season is in its prime! That’s why it’s a great idea to plan now for that winter outdoor getaway.
In fact, when the heat takes a break and cooler air settles over the Pine Belt, some adventures become even more inviting. Trails feel a little easier. The woods get a little quieter. And an afternoon outside sounds a whole lot better when you aren’t racing back to the air conditioning.
In Stone County, winter is an invitation to lace up your hiking boots, grab your bike or simply find a quiet place beneath the pines.
So, layer up, fill your water bottle and head outside. The trails are waiting.
Take a Winter Walk on the Tuxachanie Trail
If you’re going to explore Stone County on foot, the Tuxachanie National Hiking Trail is a perfect place to start.
Stretching nearly 12 miles through the De Soto National Forest, the trail takes hikers through pine savannas, swamps and native plant habitats. Near the trailhead, a row of live oaks planted in 1935 welcomes hikers, while the first five miles follow the route of an abandoned railroad line built in the early 1900s. The easy terrain and sections of elevated wooden footbridges make the trail approachable for adults and children alike.
Pick a stretch, take your time and pay attention to what you usually miss when you’re moving too quickly. Winter has a way of stripping the woods down to the details: the sound of boots against the trail, sunlight coming through the pines and the reminder that it’s okay to walk a little farther than you’ve planned if it means you get to enjoy more of the great outdoors.
Trade Two Feet for Two Wheels
Prefer your trails with a little more speed?
Head to the Bethel Bike Trail, tucked inside De Soto National Forest. The area offers multiple mountain-bike trails of varying lengths and difficulty, with routes winding through pine forests and mixing relatively flat stretches with small climbs, descents and other natural features.
Winter’s cooler temperatures make it a natural time to spend a few hours pedaling through the forest without South Mississippi’s summer heat tagging along for the ride.
It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced mountain biker or just looking for a different way to explore, it’s an opportunity to see another side of Stone County.
Follow the Trail to P.O.W. Lake
For a quieter outdoor stop, make your way to the P.O.W. Lake Recreation Area.
The rustic recreation area sits beside a seven-acre lake at the southern end of the Tuxachanie National Recreation Hiking Trail. Visitors can hike, fish or camp, with opportunities to catch bass, bream, white perch, catfish and more!
Pack a simple lunch, find a spot near the water and stay awhile.
Not every winter adventure needs to involve conquering a trail or reaching a destination by a certain time. Sometimes the whole point is getting far enough into the woods that they become your whole world for the day.
Explore More of De Soto National Forest
One of the best things about outdoor adventures in Stone County is that there’s rarely just one way to experience them.
The De Soto National Forest provides opportunities for hiking, bicycling, horseback riding and so much more throughout the area.
Maybe your ideal winter afternoon involves following a trail for a few miles. Maybe you’d rather explore on two wheels. Or maybe you’d be perfectly happy taking a scenic drive through the forest, pulling over when somewhere catches your eye and seeing where the day takes you.
A Few Things to Bring Along
Winter weather in South Mississippi has a personality of its own, so a little preparation goes a long way.
Wear your favorite comfy shoes, bring water and dress in layers you can add or remove as the day changes. If you’re heading deeper into the forest, let someone know where you’re going, check current conditions before setting out and make sure you’ve got enough daylight for the route you’ve chosen.
And then comes the important stuff: snacks! Trust us, a trail snack you forgot about until a few miles in always has a way of becoming the best thing you’ve ever eaten.
Find Your Trail This Winter
You don’t have to wait for warm weather to get outside in Stone County.
Winter brings its own reasons to explore: cool air, quiet trails, peaceful lakes and miles of pine forests waiting just beyond the road. Hike part of the Tuxachanie, take your bike through Bethel, find your way to P.O.W. Lake or spend an afternoon seeing where the trails of the De Soto National Forest lead.
No matter what you do, if you’re outdoors in the wintertime in Stone County, we’d call that a day well spent.
Explore more places to get out in Stone County and start planning your next outdoor adventure!
#HiddenAdventuresAwait in Stone County.