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 Smith County is rich in forest, wildlife, and water. Several large lakes in Smith County provide water recreation and sports. The Leaf River is a great ride by canoe, kyak or small boat. There are several state designated access points to the Leaf, one in Taylorsville at the river bridge on Hwy 28, east of town. The Bob Blakeney Bridge, just off River Road north of Taylorsville is another access point for the leaf. At right is a small falls on the Tallahala Creek in Smith County. There are some great spots, and with a little exploration, great beauty and recreation can be found.
Fishing, boating, skiing, and swimming are within easy reach at Ross Barnett Lake in Mize. Hawks, ospreys, herons, and egrets are common sights near the lake. Also in Mize is a creek called Oakohay, commonly called Cohay.
 Lake Ross Barnett is an 87 acre state lake located in Smith county, 4 miles Southwest of Mize, off Highway 35. Concessions, restrooms, boat dock, boat ramp, picnic tables, and camping with electricity and water hook-ups are on site. Boat rentals and pavilions are also available. Skiing is also  allowed on Friday and Sunday afternoons. Lake Ross Barnett is one of Mississippi's best known big bream lakes. Large blue-gill and sunfish make this lake a popular attraction to anglers. |
Bienville National Forest
Nearly 73,000 acres of Bienville National Forest are found in Smith County. The Forest offers the visitor a variety of opportunities during all seasons of the year. Interstate 20 routes through the forest and allows easy and convenient access for many travelers who might want to take a rest stop or tour the forest.
Almost the entire acreage is open to hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and other outdoor pursuits. Portions of the Caney Creek and Tallahalla Wildlife Management Areas are located within the Bienville National Forest and are managed cooperatively with the Mississippi Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks. Hunting for deer, turkey, squirrel and rabbit is very popular.
The Bienville National Forest manages two developed recreation areas in Smith County, Marathon and Shongelo.
 You will enjoy the beauty and seclusion of Marathon Lake, a 50 acre lake located in the northwest corner of the county. Marathon Recreation Area contains 34 camping units with water and electricity, 14 picnic tables, 2 picnic shelters, and a swimming area. For hiking there is also a Lake Loop Trail of about 1 1/2 miles. It got its name from Marathon Lumber Company which closed in 1929. Marathon Lake suffered storm damage during Hurricane Katrina and is reopening to the public in May.Call Bienville National Forest Office in Forest, MS for dates.
The lake is stocked with catfish, bass and crappie and is open to bream fishing. The campsites have hookups and many are handicapped accessible. A dump station is available.
 Shongelo is a small but beautiful recreation area located about 5 miles north of Raleigh. Shongelo contains 4 camp sites, 7 picnic sites, 1 picnic shelter, a swimming area, and a 1/2 mile loop hiking trail with an observation platform overlooking the lake.
The Oakohay Hiking Trail is found on Highway 481 and travels through a stand of trees demonstrating uneven-aged management of loblolly pine.
For more information about National Forests in Mississippi, look here.
Recreational Sports
Another great pastime available in Smith County is recreational sports. Aside from golf, fishing, skiing, boating, swimming, baseball and softball leagues and programs are available throughout the county. |
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Mississippi... rich in forest, water, and wildlife.
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| National forested lands provide year round recreational opportunities.
Enjoy:
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- hiking trails
- camping
- fishing
- hunting
- swimming
- day use areas
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Spend some time in our Mississippi National forest. Discover all the beauty that awaits you.
Remember to practice conservation and treat our environment with respect. Help keep our earth clean and healthy for our children and future generations. |
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Swimming area at Shongelo Lake |
