Pine Tar Corner

Pine Tar Corner offers a mild yet highly engaging four-wheel-drive adventure through the tranquil southwest corner of Bienville National Forest, standing out for its rich forest scenery and abundant primitive camping options. Spanning roughly 7.5 miles, this scenic route links USFS Road 516, Smith County Road 521, and USFS Road 521-A while navigating elevations that range from 397 to 593 feet above sea level. This makes it an ideal route for standard four-wheel-drive vehicles, high-clearance rigs, and SxSs looking to experience the quiet beauty of Mississippi's public lands. Over the course of the drive, travelers will encounter a gentle 384 feet of cumulative elevation gain amidst dense stands of pine and hardwood trees, with several convenient spots along each road to pull off and establish a campsite. Though generally rated a technical 3, the trail's character shifts on the final stretch along USFS Road 521-A, which receives minimal maintenance and can feature several shallow mud holes even during dry periods. Wet weather dramatically alters the driving conditions, transforming the unpaved dirt surfaces into highly slick, greasy clay that demands careful throttle control and capable tires. Additionally, the route features a creek crossing that can rapidly swell and become deep after heavy rainstorms. Offroaders should plan their trip according to the season, as heavy rainfall can make the creek impassable and the dirt roads significantly more challenging.