This Mississippi Waterfall Road Trip Leads to the State’s Most Beautiful Falls

Mississippi isn't particularly known for its waterfalls. The state's flat land, mild winters, and soft soil make rushing downstream waters pretty rare. But this is what makes the thrill of waterfall chasing that much better, especially when you embark on a Mississippi waterfall road trip. There are several different routes you could take, but this trip we've planned out is about eight hours long and includes the most amazing sights you'll see in the Magnolia State.

Ready to embark on a road trip to Mississippi's greatest cascades? The following route, which we conveniently plotted on Google Maps, stops at four stunning waterfalls and features other fantastic scenic overlooks, hiking trails, parks, and other natural scenery. Gas up your car, pack your snacks, and grab some friends—it's time to see some of the best waterfalls in Mississippi!

Stop #1: Dunn’s Falls, Enterprise

Dunn's Falls is a gorgeous, manmade waterfall in Enterprise, Mississippi. John Cooper Dunn created this waterfall in the 1850s by diverting the Chunky River to run a cotton and grist mill. Then by 1867, famed hat maker J.B. Stetson took over the waterfall to power his factory nearby. Now, the 65-foot waterfall is the state's tallest fall and is considered part of preserved historic land.

The surrounding park area is equally picturesque. There are picnic areas and barbecue grills, trails to hike and explore, and other viewpoints to see the falls from above and below. Dunn's Falls is also extremely easy to get to and has accessible features perfect for strollers and wheelchairs.

Families love visiting this waterfall park in spring and fall, when it's a little less hot outside. And since it's Mississippi's tallest waterfall, it can get pretty crowded, so plan accordingly. Bring cash, too—there might be a small entrance fee.

Stop #2: Owens Creek Falls, Hermanville

Owens Creek Falls in Hermanville, Mississippi, is a seasonal waterfall on the Natchez Trace Parkway. This stop is fairly hidden, so make sure to follow your GPS or AllTrails directions carefully. Despite it being a popular fishing and kayaking destination, its small trickling waterfall can only be seen after substantial rainfall.

The best way to reach Owens Creek is via the Rocky Springs section of the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail. The hike is about six miles and features all sorts of lush trees, grasses, and rock formations that lead to the water. But since the falls are rather small, consider spending the night car- or tent-camping at the Rocky Springs campsite.

While Owens Creek is free to explore, you might need to pay a small fee to spend the night at Rocky Springs. Seasoned hikers also recommend checking trail conditions before you head out, as mud and slippery rocks are common after rain.

Stop #3: Clark Creek Falls, Woodville

Next up on your Mississippi waterfall road trip is Clark Creek Nature Area, about an hour and a half south of Owen Creek. This spectacular park encompasses 700 acres and includes 50(!) waterfalls, ranging in size from 10 feet to more than 30 feet tall. While some minimal hiking is required to access the waterfall, the trails are fairly easy for beginners. The best time to visit is December through May, when the area gets plenty of rain.

Beyond the waterfalls, the greater Clark Creek Nature Area is fun to explore. A paved nature trail is ideal for birdwatching and identifying local wildlife and plant species. Make sure to bring hiking shoes to this Mississippi waterfall hike, along with water and cash: admission to this park is $2 per person. Parking is also limited, so plan to get here early!

At this point in the trip, you might crave another camping hideaway. The nearby Tunica Hills Campground offers RV hook-ups, cabin rentals, and primitive camping, making an overnight stay totally doable.

Stop #4: Rawson Gully Falls, Lauderdale County

Last but not least, your final stop on your Mississippi waterfall road trip is Rawson Gully Falls in Lauderdale County. This destination will loop you back around toward your trip's starting point. While this waterfall is fairly hidden and can only be viewed on the side of the road, it's still worth visiting for its stunning cascade. At 40 feet tall, Rawson Gully Falls is actually the second-tallest falls in the state.

While Rawson Gully Falls is not attached to a park or state forest, there are plenty of stops along the way where you can settle in for a picnic lunch or spend more time in nature. Head over to Bonita Lakes Park in Meridian, which is just about 20 minutes away from the falls, to soak in the final moments of your trip through the Magnolia State. It's one of the biggest parks in the Southeast!

What to Know Before Taking This Mississippi Waterfall Road Trip

Before embarking on your epic road trip to spot the state's best waterfalls, there are a few things to consider. First is timing: Most waterfalls in Mississippi are at their peak during rainy seasons, such as March through May and late summer. Keep this is mind if you'd prefer to see rushing cascades.

Since most of these waterfalls require hikes, make sure you wear sturdy hiking shoes and comfortable clothes. Bring lots of water and snacks with you, plus sunscreen and hats in case it gets hot. You might want to check the weather forecast before heading out, too, to make sure you don't run into major thunderstorms.

Lastly, while this road trip takes about eight hours to complete, you'll want to account for the time spent exploring and relaxing at each spot. We recommend stretching this to a multi-day road trip by staying the night at hotels, campsites, or vacation rentals nearby.

Ready to take this beautiful journey across that state? If so, start planning today! And if you're looking for even more inspiration, check out another Mississippi waterfall road trip we previously mapped out.