Black Creek earned its designation as a National Wild and Scenic River in 1984, protecting a sandy-bottomed, dark-tannin-stained stream that meanders through the De Soto National Forest in Forrest and Perry counties. The 41-mile Black Creek Trail parallels the creek through longleaf pine flatwoods, hardwood creek bottoms, and expanses of wire grass that support one of Mississippi's healthiest populations of red-cockaded woodpeckers. The creek itself is popular with canoeists and kayakers; hikers and paddlers share this landscape in parallel.

The most accessible day hike on the Black Creek Trail uses the Fairley Bridge Landing to Moody's Landing section — about 12 miles one-way through the heart of the longleaf ecosystem. The terrain is nearly flat; the challenge is navigating the sandy soil, which becomes soft and energy-sapping in wet conditions. The creek crossings (wading required in most conditions) add adventure and cool relief in summer. The forest floor in spring is carpeted with native pitcher plants, sundews, and wild blueberries — a botanical richness that rivals any pine savanna in the South.

The trail is free and open year-round. Dogs are allowed. Summers are extremely hot and humid; October through March offers the best hiking conditions. Water is available from Black Creek (filter required). No permit required for day hiking or backcountry camping in the national forest.