Briefing and Departure
The pilot reported that during a briefing from the flight service station, he was informed that ceilings were low but visual flight rules (VFR) conditions were expected by 1000 CDT. He departed at 0850 CDT in weather conditions he estimated to be 1000 feet overcast with 8 miles visibility.
Encounter with Fog
According to the pilot, weather conditions initially improved, but he subsequently encountered an area of fog.
Precautionary Landing
As a result of the fog, the pilot made a precautionary landing on a gravel road.
Post-Landing Events
During the landing roll, the right wing tip hit a small pine tree, which pulled the aircraft to the right. The pilot reported that he overcorrected for the situation, and the aircraft hit tall grass and went into a ditch on the left.