Located in the east central part of the state, the Bienville National Forest was established in 1934. It was named after the French-Canadian colonist and soldier, Jean Baptiste Bienville, who founded Mobile in 1702, Natchez in 1716, and New Orleans in 1718. The Bienville National Forest, approximately 178,400 acres, is managed for the use and protection of its natural resources and for a continuing supply of timber, wildlife, recreation, and water. Wildlife and fish on the Forest are managed cooperatively by the Forest Service and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. 3 designated wildlife management areas - Bienville, Caney Creek, and Tallahala - have been established cooperatively on the Bienville National Forest.

Visitors to this Forest can enjoy a variety of outdoor recreational activities - camping, picnicking, swimming, hiking, fishing, hunting, visits to many historical sites, or just relaxing. The Bienville and Strong River Ranger Districts are known for their timber and wildlife resources, and the Shockaloe National Recreation Trail.

• You can go for a swim, find a fishing hole, visit a historic site; a few of the many outdoor recreational activities the forest offers.
• Hike the Shockaloe National Recreation Trail where you will find wild rivers and plenty of wildlife.