Welcome to the Bienville National Forest. Located in the heart of Mississippi, the forest includes 178,000 acres of public land managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. Management allows both the use and protection of natural resources so that timber, wildlife, recreational opportunities and water are available for American's today and in future generations.

The Bienville National Forest was established in 1934. It was named after the French-Canadian soldier and colonist, Jean Baptiste Bienville, who founded Mobile in 1702, Natchez in 1716 and New Orleans in 1718. Most land acquisitions are destined to become the Bienville National Forest were directly purchased from four large lumber companies: Adams- Edgar Lumber Company, Bienville Lumber Company, Eastman Gardner Lumber Company and Marathon Lumber Company.

Scott County's 86,000 acres of National Forest land is open to public hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping. The Shockaloe HorseTrail, part of the Bienville National Forest, provides horseback riding, hiking, hitching areas, water, pavillions, camping, picnic tables and grills. The 23-mile trail is a favorite of horse lovers throughout the country.