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7 Most Copperhead-Infested Areas in Mississippi

By Kathleen Joyce PetHelpful

Updated May 28, 2026 3:30 AM

arena photography — Image via Getty Images/Marcia Straub

Of the 55 snake species that call Mississippi home, only six of them are venomous-but the copperhead is by far one of the most commonly encountered. These snakes can be found across most of the state, with the exception of the immediate Gulf Coast and nearby barrier islands. Head just inland, and you're entering copperhead territory where you'll see both Eastern Copperheds and Southern Copperheads.

The good news is that copperheads are highly docile and and prefer to avoid people whenever possible. Copperheads rarely bite humans, but when they do it's usually when they are stepped on or accidentally handled. Therefore, when hiking in Mississippi, it's important to be aware of where you're walking, especially in wooded or grassy areas where these snakes may be hiding out.

While these slithering reptiles can technically be found anywhere in the state, there are a few spots that tend to have higher populations than others. Below are seven copperhead hotspots in Mississippi so that you can be prepared should you plan on visiting any of them.

What Areas in Mississippi Has the Most Rattlesnakes?

Mississippi has several regions where copperhead populations are more commonly reported. While sightings can occur across the state, certain habitats are known to support higher snake activity, especially in rural, wooded, and less-developed areas. These environments represent places where encounters are more likely, particularly during warmer months when snakes are most active.

Holly Springs National Forest

Holly Springs National Forest may look peaceful, but its pine-covered trails and thick forest floor make it prime copperhead territory in Mississippi. The venomous snakes blend easily into fallen pine needles, leaves, and brush, making them especially difficult for hikers to spot.

Originally reforested by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, the 155,000-acre forest has since become a thriving habitat for wildlife-including copperheads, which are commonly found in pine forests across the South.

While Holly Springs National Forest is a popular location for hikers, if you do go exploring there, wear appropriate protective clothing, and don't walk anywhere where you can't clearly see where you're stepping or swim where the water isn't clear.

Mississippi River

Are venomous snakes in the Mississippi River? They are! Copperheads favor river-adjacent habitats, and the damp, low-lying spots and thick forests near the banks of the Mississippi are perfect for them. Because of that, be especially careful when moving around rocky outcroppings, logs, leaf piles, or debris-covered forest floors, as these are some of their preferred hiding spots!

De Soto National Forest

What area of Mississippi has the most copperheads? De Soto National Forest is one of them. It stretches across more than 500,000 acres between Hattiesburg and Gulfport, and is one of southern Mississippi's largest wilderness areas-and a well-known habitat for venomous snakes.

The forest's dense woodlands, winding creeks, swampy lowlands, and humid Gulf Coast climate create ideal conditions for snakes to hunt, hide, and breed. Copperheads and cottonmouths are especially common near damp environments and heavily wooded trails.

Visitors exploring swamps, creek banks, or popular waterways like Black Creek should stay alert, particularly during warmer months when snakes are most active around water sources and shaded ground cover.

Homochitto National Forest

Homochitto National Forest has become one of Mississippi's best-known snake hotspots, with copperheads frequently spotted along its wooded trails, campsites, and remote hiking areas. The dense forest floor and warm, humid climate create a dream haven for venomous snakes to live.

But copperheads aren't the only concern here. The forest is also home to the timber rattlesnake-one of the South's most dangerous venomous snakes and a species known for its far more potent venom.

Tishomingo State Park

Venomous snakes like to roam in the Appalachian foothills in Mississippi. Image via Getty Images/sshepard

Tishomingo State Park, nestled in the Appalachian foothills of northeastern Mississippi, is known as one of the state's more active areas for copperhead sightings. The park's rocky terrain, wooded paths, and shaded crevices create the perfect location for these well-camouflaged serpents.

Despite being a known snake-prone destination, dangerous encounters remain rare for most visitors. Staying alert around rocks, trail edges, and fallen leaves is usually enough to safely enjoy one of Mississippi's most scenic outdoor escapes

Tombigbee National Forest

Copperheads love to hangout in the forests of Mississippi. Getty Images JWJarrett

If you love exploring woodland areas, be careful! While they may be beautiful, they can also be active snake areas. In fact, the Tombigbee National Forest, is one of them. The forest and its two lakes, Choctaw Lake and Davis Lake, provide the perfect living conditions for venomous snakes like copperheads, which have been sighted in the area.

Clark Creek Natural Area

Copperhead snakes can be spotted near waterfalls in Mississippi. Image via Getty Images/Trevor Rousselle

Tucked away at the southwestern corner of Mississippi, you'll find the Clark Creek Natural Area. Though the area encompasses only around 700 acres, it boasts an incredible landscape with 50 waterfalls, some measuring more than 30 feet in height!

Thanks to its dense forest coverage and relative isolation, the Clark Creek Natural Area is home to venomous snakes like copperheads and rattlesnakes. But visitors should not only be on the lookout for copperheads. So watch where you put your hands and feet when you're chasing waterfalls in this Mississippi location.

Why Copperheads Are Common in Mississippi

Mississippi's warm climate, dense vegetation, and abundance of wooded areas create the perfect environment for copperheads to thrive. The state's long summers and mild winters allow these venomous snakes to stay active for much of the year.

These snakes are especially drawn to places with leaf litter, fallen logs, rocky hiding spots, and nearby water sources, which are common across Mississippi's forests, rural properties, and even some suburban neighborhoods.

When Copperheads Are Most Active in Mississippi

Copperheads in Mississippi are most active during the warmer months, especially from late spring through early fall when temperatures rise and snakes become more mobile.

These venomous snakes are often spotted at dusk and after dark during the peak of summer, when they leave wooded areas, rock piles, and tall grass to hunt for food or cool off on roads and walking paths.

Experts say copperhead encounters also increase after heavy rain and during early morning or evening hours, when the snakes are more likely to be moving through yards, trails, and rural areas across the state.

Copperhead Safety Tips

Here are some expert-recommended safety tips to help you avoid potentially dangerous venomous snake encounters this summer:

When outdoors, never place your hands, feet, arms, or legs where you can't see them. Snakes like to burrow under rocks, logs, debris, and even underneath houses. Be especially careful when clearing debris or collecting firewood. With that in mind, keeping your yard free of debris can help discourage snakes from visiting!
Wear appropriate clothing when hiking. Closed-toed shoes (preferably hiking boots) and long pants and socks will help protect you from snakes, ticks, and other hazards when out on the trail.
Be especially careful around logs, as snakes often like to hunt for rodents along them. Whenever it's feasible, walking around a log is safer than stepping over it.
Learn how to recognize your local venomous snake species. If you encounter a snake that matches the appearance of a venomous one, back away from it as quickly as possible. Do not try to pick it up or disturb it, and if you find it on your property, contact animal control or a snake removal professional to humanely remove it for you.

What to Do If You're Bitten by a Copperhead

According to the Bluecross, if a copperhead bites you, it's best to seek care right away. They mention you should have someone else drive you, as these snake bites can make you become dizzy or pass out.

While you wait for medics, remove jewelry near the affected area, since you may experience swelling. If you have sopa and water, gently wash your bite as well. However, do not apply ice or a tourniquet, and do not try to suck out the venom.

Most copperhead bites happen when people accidentally step too close or try to handle the snake, making awareness and distance your best protection outdoors.

Sources

This story was originally published May 28, 2026 at 3:10 AM.