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Wildlife Management Area · MS

Tallahala Wildlife Management Area

Tallahala Wildlife Management Area is a diverse natural region in southeastern Mississippi offering rich habitats for wildlife and extensive opportunities for hunting, fishing, and hiking.

Wildlife Management Area31,3004+ Trails

Designation

Wildlife Management Area

Total Wilderness Area

31,300

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Tallahala Wildlife Management Area

Tallahala Wildlife Management Area is a diverse natural region in southeastern Mississippi offering rich habitats for wildlife and extensive opportunities for hunting, fishing, and hiking.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Tallahala Wildlife Management Area (WMA) spans approximately 31,300 acres in southeastern Mississippi, primarily within Perry and Greene counties. The area features upland hardwood and pine forests interspersed with pine plantations, bottomland hardwoods, and some wetland environments, creating an important habitat for a variety of wildlife species. Historically, the land was managed for timber production but now serves a multi-purpose role focused on wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation. Deer, turkey, squirrel, and small game are abundant here, making Tallahala WMA a popular destination for hunters. Anglers can find opportunities in local streams and ponds for species such as bass and bream. The WMA provides multiple trails and unpaved roads suited for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. Its relatively remote location offers a quiet setting for nature observation and photography. Visitors appreciate the area's seasonal diversity of flora and fauna, including migratory birds and native plant species. The site is managed by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, which maintains access points, wildlife food plots, and regulations to balance recreation with conservation. Tallahala WMA is also utilized for environmental education and outdoor skill development programs. While it contains no developed campgrounds, dispersed camping is allowed with proper permits, offering a backcountry experience. The mixture of upland and bottomland terrain provides a contrasting landscape within the coastal plain region of Mississippi, supporting ecological diversity and offering numerous wildlife viewing and outdoor activity options throughout the year.

Field Guide · Wildlife Management Area
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Tallahala Wildlife Management Area

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

De Soto National Forest★ 7.2⌖ 13 miHiking
De Soto National Forest

De Soto National Forest

Explore De Soto National Forest near Brooklyn, MS, offering diverse hiking trails like Black Creek and Tuxachanie. Enjoy camping and bird watching in this family-friendly, biodiversity-rich forest. Best visited in spring or fall to take advantage of mild weather.

Black Creek Wilderness★ 7.3⌖ 17 miCanoeing
Black Creek Wilderness

Black Creek Wilderness

Explore Black Creek Wilderness in Wiggins, MS. Featuring moderate difficulty, enjoy canoeing along the scenic blackwater streams. Popular for hiking and birdwatching, this area offers a quiet retreat within De Soto National Forest. Best visited in spring and fall.

Pascagoula River State Wildlife Management Area★ 8.4⌖ 28 miWildlife Watching
Pascagoula River State Wildlife Management Area

Pascagoula River State Wildlife Management Area

Explore the Pascagoula River State Wildlife Management Area in Mississippi. Ideal for wildlife watching and paddling, this tranquil spot offers serene swamp hikes and a glimpse of rare migratory birds. Best visited during spring and fall to enjoy mild weather.

Wildlife WatchingView Details→
Chickasawhay River★ 7.2⌖ 36 miKayaking
Chickasawhay River

Chickasawhay River

Explore the peaceful Chickasawhay River in Mississippi, perfect for kayaking and fishing. Experience serene landscapes with lush greenery. Best visited in Spring and Fall for ideal weather. Ideal for adventure seekers looking for a quiet retreat.

Tuxachanie Hiking Trail (West End Trailhead)★ 6.5⌖ 38 miHiking
Tuxachanie Hiking Trail (West End Trailhead)

Tuxachanie Hiking Trail (West End Trailhead)

Explore the 11-mile Tuxachanie Trail near Saucier, MS. The trail weaves through pine forests with wildlife viewing opportunities, making it a tranquil hiking destination. Best visited in spring and fall for cooler temperatures. Not accessible for wheelchairs.

Wolf River, Mississippi★ 5.8⌖ 47 miKayaking
Wolf River

Wolf River, Mississippi

Explore the serene Wolf River in southern Mississippi. Ideal for kayaking and wildlife watching, this tranquil spot offers a natural escape with diverse wildlife. Best visited in spring and fall, it's a quiet retreat for adventure seekers.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Extensive pine and hardwood forest ecosystems supporting thriving populations of white-tailed deer and wild turkey✦ Numerous streams and ponds providing fishing opportunities for largemouth bass and bream✦ Diverse trail network for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding through varied terrain✦ Seasonal birdwatching hotspot particularly during spring and fall migrations
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Tallahala Wildlife Management Area

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Tallahala Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Tallahala Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Tallahala Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Tallahala Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Tallahala Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Hunting

Available in Tallahala Wildlife Management Area
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Tallahala Wildlife Management Area
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Tallahala Wildlife Management Area.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access for day use; permits required for hunting and dispersed camping

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Tallahala Wildlife Management Area

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Wilderness & Developed Camping Regulations

Camping is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Tallahala Wildlife Management Area. Most frontcountry campgrounds require advance reservations on Recreation.gov during peak season, while backcountry camping requires a wilderness permit and certified bear-resistant food canisters.

Find Campgrounds on Recreation.gov
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Tallahala Wildlife Management Area

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Leakesville
⌖ 14.69 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Leakesville, Mississippi

A quiet gateway to the lush pine forests and winding bayous of Southeast Mississippi, offering authentic Southern outdoor pursuits with a focus on paddling, hiking, and wildlife watching.

Fall and SpringExplore Town
Lucedale
⌖ 18.72 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lucedale, Mississippi

A peaceful southern gateway with fresh-water rivers, dense pine forests, and quiet marshlands offering a refreshing outdoor escape off the beaten path.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Brooklyn
⌖ 23.84 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Brooklyn, Mississippi

A quiet, rural town with hidden gems for water and nature enthusiasts looking to explore Mississippi's outdoor beauty.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Wiggins
⌖ 27.47 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Wiggins, Mississippi

A charming small town offering a tranquil escape with access to outdoor adventures in the De Soto National Forest.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Petal
⌖ 31.15 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Petal, Mississippi

A friendly small town with access to forested trails and waterways, offering low-key outdoor adventures in a Southern Pines setting.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Hattiesburg
⌖ 32.18 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hattiesburg, Mississippi

A vibrant Southern town offering lush forests, winding rivers, and accessible trails that invite adventure seekers to embrace both water and land-based activities.

Spring and FallExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Tallahala Wildlife Management Area

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Sky Hi Sun & Stars Overnight — Ranch Rides, Bunkhouse Stay & Dark-Sky Stargazing near McLainMcLain, Mississippi · 2.30 mi away
Trails & Outdoor Adventures· Heritage Outfitting

Sky Hi Sun & Stars Overnight — Ranch Rides, Bunkhouse Stay & Dark-Sky Stargazing near McLain

Spend an evening and morning on a working prairie ranch: two guided rides, rustic bunkhouse lodging, bannock fireside, and access to an elevated stargazing platform beneath extremely dark skies. Small groups and hands-on horsemanship make this an authentic overnight escape near McLain, Mississippi.

Overnight (2–3 hours per guided ride; total active riding ~4 hours)

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Lily Faith Signature Sunset Cruise on the Mississippi Sound - Ocean Springs Evening SailOcean Springs, Mississippi · 49.53 mi away
On the Water· The Lily Faith

Lily Faith Signature Sunset Cruise on the Mississippi Sound - Ocean Springs Evening Sail

Watch the Mississippi Sound trade daylight for molten color aboard a private, small-group sailing from Ocean Springs Harbor. This 3.5-hour Lily Faith sunset cruise pairs a Gulf-inspired sea-cuterie with intimate coastal viewing—perfect for celebrations, low-key photography sessions, or relaxed evenings at sea.

3.5 hours

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Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.