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.

If you prefer paddling to swimming, outfitters, like Chunky River Kayak and Canoe Rental, facilitate trips down the river, providing everything needed for a fun float.

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.

According to legend, Dunn rode his horse to the present-day site of Dunn’s Falls, stated it was the most beautiful place he’d seen in America, and bought the property. Not long after buying the property, Dunn built a dam to redirect an existing stream, creating the waterfall we know and love today.

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.