This Creekside Cabin Is the Perfect Home Base for Mississippi’s Best Hiking Trails

Where do you think the best hiking trails in Mississippi reside? Do you believe they are in the northeast corner, where you start to see the rolling hills of the foothills of the Appalachians? Or are you more of a coastal fan, preferring to stroll through the marshes and bayous further south? There is no wrong answer—all of these Mississippi hiking trails offer something different. 

My personal vote goes to the southwest corner, where you’ll find the Clark Creek Natural Area. The trails here lead you through some of the most unique landscapes in Mississippi. You’ll pass by waterfalls, scramble over rocks, and walk through a dense and magical forest. It’s one of my favorite areas in Mississippi, and this creekside cabin is the perfect place to use as a home base while you explore the area. Let’s check it out:

This cabin in Gloster checks off all the boxes: it’s secluded, it’s kid-friendly, pet-friendly, and it’s near the water. 

The two-bedroom, two-bath cabin has three beds and can comfortably accommodate up to five guests, so bring the whole squad. True to a remote cabin, there is no WiFi here. Don’t worry; you’ll be so busy exploring the area and enjoying the beach, you won’t even notice. 

Brushy Creek is just steps away from the front porch. The white sandy beach is a perfect spot to curl up with a good book and enjoy the sounds of the songbirds in the trees. Beach umbrellas and chairs are provided, so just bring your swimsuit!

The whole family will have a blast searching for fossils, arrowheads, and finding the perfect skippable rock (I am a pro at skipping rocks, by the way). The water is shallow enough for kids and pups to splash the day away! And we all know how brutal summer in Mississippi can be—this little creek is the perfect way to beat the heat. 

Speaking of aquatic adventures, the Clark Creek Natural Area is less than an hour away. Boasting more than 50 waterfalls within its 700 acres, this place feels like you’ve stepped into a completely different world. It costs $2 per person (kids five and younger are free).

There are a few different trails at the Clark Creek National Area, and many of them will lead you to waterfalls of varying heights. Feel free to cool off under one of the falls! 

While none of the trails are particularly difficult, there can be some moderately challenging areas, and rocky waterfalls are known to be slippery, so make sure you’re wearing some good shoes. 

This is one of the few areas where you can see chipmunks in Mississippi! They love dense areas with heavy ground cover, and Clark Creek has become one of their favorite spots. Larger (and less cute) wildlife in Clark Creek Natural Area include snakes, armadillos, wild boars, and even bobcats and black bears. Bobcats and bears are rare, but it's good to know before you go. 

After a day of chasing waterfalls, head back to the cabin and enjoy a bonfire on the beach! Looks like the perfect spot to do a little stargazing, right?

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