You’ll Fall in Love With the Tiny Waterfall Hiding Along This Breathtaking Mississippi Trail

One of the best things about Mississippi is that you have an endless supply of hiking trails to explore. Each one leads to something different—historical landmarks, scenic lakes, and even a few waterfalls. The labyrinth of hiking trails within the Clark Creek Natural Area in Woodville is where you’ll find some of the best waterfall hikes in Mississippi. With over 700 acres and about 50 waterfalls inside this nature preserve, you could easily spend the entire day exploring one of Mississippi's hidden gems.

You'll need to travel to the middle of nowhere to get to Clark Creek Natural Area. It's located in the southwestern part of Mississippi near the Louisiana border, and it's about 50 miles south of Natchez. If you're near Jackson, it's about a two-and-a-half-hour drive by car, so you can easily make it here in a day and back.

When you visit, be sure to bring cash with you. The fee is $2 per person, and you can drop it in the honor box between the parking lot and the trailhead. Rangers swing by to check throughout the day. For such a small fee and perhaps a tank of gas, I think this is a budget-friendly way to get out in nature with your family. Plus, the little ones five and under are free.

There are 700 acres to explore within the Clark Creek Natural Area. Naturally, the waterfalls at this nature preserve in Mississippi are the most popular. There are roughly 50 waterfalls here, some of them cascade up to 30 feet! Multiple trails lead to various scenic areas with little waterfalls along the way. Start with the Clark Creek Trail to Waterfall Trail. The three-mile trail is one of the easiest paths to see waterfalls, wildlife, forest, and the rocky terrain.

The trails inside the park are mostly primitive with varying degrees of difficulty. Fallen trees are almost unavoidable here, and finding yourself off the trail is easier than you think. So, you'll want to have an offline map handy in case you need it while wandering through the wilderness.

It’s also a good idea to bring some bug spray and a towel. The best part about hiking to a waterfall in Mississippi is getting to splash in the refreshing water! Bugs can be a bit of a bother along the hike, especially if you’re visiting after a rainfall. Ticks can also be a concern in the warmer months. Waterfall hikes are a catch-22. To see them in their full glory, visit after a rainfall.

Unfortunately, that means the trail will be muddy and buggy. Embrace the day and prepare to get dirty—there’s a refreshing waterfall waiting for you at the end. You can splash the day away once you reach the first waterfall. Feel free to head further up the trail to explore other waterfalls. Most people will stick to the first fall and head back to the car. This route is about three miles out and back.

Since you'll be here for an entire day, bring enough snacks for everyone to enjoy. There are lots of places to sit and eat while enjoying the scenery. Just remember to leave no trace! The park is open from 8 a.m to 5 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas, so you can plan multiple trips here throughout the year. Better yet, plan a waterfall road trip in Mississippi that also includes Clark Creek. Also, before you leave, be sure to visit the Clark Creek Natural Area for more information about the park.

If places like Clark Creek are your kind of nature outing, discover some more of our favorite waterfall hikes in Mississippi. Or check out the Visit Mississippi website for more ideas on outdoor activities in the state.