Having spent a fair amount of time in the woods of East Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi,
I'll opine that I always wear trousers out there. No shorts, either.

Brushing against undergrowth will deliver nasties directly to your wedding tackle, regimental or not.
And an unexpected spill can result in trail rash where band-aids are really uncomfortable.

Unless it's a private, short, co-ed hike, trousers are my vote.
West of Austin, however, kilts RULE.