Posted in Mississippi Waterfalls May 07, 2023 by Daniella DiRienzo

This Tiered Waterfall And Swimming Hole In Mississippi Must Be On Your Summer Bucket List

There are quite a few swimming holes in Mississippi that can be worth checking out when the temperatures begin to climb. Waterfalls in Mississippi, however, are a bit less common. But a waterfall Mississippi swimming hole?! That’s practically unheard of…but it does exist and it belongs on your summer bucket list! Take a look at one of the best places to swim in Mississippi, Dunn’s Falls.

If splashing around under a waterfall sounds like your idea of a good time, you’re going to love Dunn’s Falls in Enterprise!

At a whopping 65 feet, it’s the tallest waterfall in Mississippi, and it couldn’t be easier to access - it’s the centerpiece of Dunn’s Falls Park.

The tiered and towering waterfall tumbles over a rocky bluff into the Chunky River below.

Known for its slow-moving current and crystal-clear waters, the Chunky River is a popular spot for fishing, canoeing, and, you guessed it, swimming.

Worried about how your swimming abilities will fare against the waterfall’s size? Don’t be! The waterfall’s flow couldn’t be gentler.

Plus, the cascade is located along a shallow stretch of the Chunky River, making it a great choice for swimmers of all abilities.

It’s not just the waterfall’s height, beauty, or recreational appeal that makes it special, though.

There’s also its historic significance. Man-made, it was created in the mid-1800s by John Dunn, an Irish immigrant.

The waterfall wasn’t purely aesthetic, though. Dunn built it – along with a water wheel – to power the three-story cotton mill he constructed on the property in 1860.

The water wheel is still standing (and still spinning!). Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the mill. After years of neglect, it fell into a state of disrepair and slipped down the bluff into the Chunky River.

There is good news, though. An 1857 grist mill, which was moved from Georgia to Dunn’s Falls Park in 1987, stands in the place of the original mill.

Today, you can actually step inside the historic mill, which is filled with antique tools and other artifacts.

You can get a good look at the water wheel, too. When you arrive, you approach the waterfall from above.

Accessing the base of Dunn’s Falls and Chunky River requires trekking down a set of stairs, which is something to keep in mind when traveling with kids or the elderly.

The park’s got quite a few other perks, too, including a winding nature trail and primitive campsites.

See what it’s like to experience this beautiful and historical place:

Want to know more? The Pat Harrison Waterway District, which manages Dunn’s Falls Park, can be reached at (601) 655-8550. You can also visit the Dunn’s Falls Park website.

Dunn’s Falls isn’t the only waterfall in Mississippi you can splash around in. Clark Creek Natural Area is brimming with waterfalls. Even better, it boasts one of the best hiking trails with waterfalls in Mississippi.

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Address: Dunn's Falls Park, 6890 Dunns Falls Rd A, Enterprise, MS 39330, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Mississippi’s Places of Natural Beauty

May 12, 2023

William Suphan

What are some hidden waterfalls in Mississippi?

Hidden waterfalls in Mississippi include:

Cooper Falls. These 50-foot-tall waterfalls are considered the most beautiful in the state and they’re on the shores of Pickwick Lake.
Merit Falls. These ruching waterfalls are found in Merit Waterpark on Rials Creek and are a great place for the whole family to play in the water.
Clark Creek Falls. There are about 50 waterfalls in this 700-acre area and it’s a blast to hop around from one to the other.
Seminary Falls. These were once called the falls on Okatoma and while they’re not very tall, they make up for it with their beauty.

Learn more about hidden waterfalls in Mississippi.

What are the most incredible natural attractions in Mississippi?

The most incredible natural attractions in Mississippi include:

Red Bluff. This is locally known as “Mississippi’s Little Grand Canyon” and, like its namesake, it was caused by erosion from a river over millions of years.
Tishomingo State Park. There is so much to do in this park, like mountain climbing, riding the rapids, and learning about Native American history.
Deer Island. You’ll have to take a boat to get here, but the natural beauty of this place is well worth the effort.
Strawberry Plains Audubon Center. There are thousands of acres of wildflowers, wildlife, hummingbird gardens, and walking trails here.

Find out more about the most incredible natural attractions in Mississippi.

What are some bucket list natural wonders in Mississippi?

Bucket list natural wonders in Mississippi include:

Petrified Forest. These petrified trees transformed over 35 million years from wood to stone and are truly a wonder of nature.
Sky Lake Wildlife Management Area. Some of the most ancient bald cypress trees grow here and you can walk among them on elevated boardwalks.
Natchez Trace Parkway. The Cypress Swamp is nestled within this vast landscape and is one of many wonders in this park.
Gulf Islands National Seashore. This is one of the most stunning places in the South. Bayous, beaches, nature trails, and so much more await.

Discover more about bucket list natural wonders in Mississippi.