Black Creek Swimming Holes, Mississippi

Winding through the heart of Mississippi's De Soto National Forest, Black Creek moves at its own unhurried pace — dark with tannins from surrounding pine and hardwood forests, cool enough on a summer afternoon to make you catch your breath, and clear enough to watch your feet sink into white sand below. This is Mississippi's only National Wild and Scenic River, and the string of unofficial swimming holes along its banks feels like a well-kept secret shared among locals, canoeists, and families who know where to look.

The Setting and Landscape

The landscape along Black Creek is defined by contrast. Tall longleaf pines cast long shadows over sandy banks that feel almost coastal. Ancient bluffs drop to the waterline in places, while in others the creek fans out into lazy sandbars perfect for spreading a towel and doing absolutely nothing. You'll hear the creek before you see it — a gentle push of water through cypress roots and fallen timber, punctuated by birdsong and the occasional splash of something wild. Wildlife sightings are common here: herons stalking the shallows, turtles sunning on logs, and the flash of a kingfisher overhead. The ecological diversity of the surrounding national forest gives this corridor a depth that rewards slow, attentive visitors.

Swimming and Recreation

No two spots along Black Creek swim the same. At Big Creek Landing, rope swings dangle from overhanging trees and bluffs offer a bit of elevation for those feeling bold. The sandy banks at the Ashe Nursery Road Bridge offer a gentler, more open experience — ideal for kids or anyone who'd rather wade in than leap. Moody's Landing has a picnic-friendly atmosphere where you can ease into the afternoon without rushing. Further along, the cold spring-fed waters near Beaver Dam Creek reach you only by canoe or a longer hike, rewarding the effort with seclusion and noticeably cooler temperatures. Quick sandbars at Hickory Creek invite impromptu stops for paddlers passing through. The creek's tannin-stained water is natural and characteristic of the region's blackwater streams — not a sign of pollution, but a product of organic matter filtered through miles of forest floor.

Plan Your Visit

These are unofficial swimming sites, so come prepared and self-sufficient. Facilities along the creek are not confirmed, so pack everything you'll need — water, food, sun protection, and a first aid kit. The best time to visit runs from late spring through early autumn, with summer offering the warmest water and the liveliest atmosphere. If you're planning to reach spots like Beaver Dam Creek, a canoe or kayak is your best option. Camping is available at sites within the national forest, making this an easy destination for a weekend trip. The swimming holes sit near both Hattiesburg and Brooklyn, Mississippi — Hattiesburg in particular offers a full range of lodging, dining, and supplies to stock up before heading into the forest. Canoeing on Black Creek pairs naturally with a swimming stop, and the combination makes for one of the most satisfying outdoor days the Pine Belt has to offer.

Directions to Black Creek Swimming Holes, Mississippi Big Creek Landing Big Creek Landing is located in the De Soto National Forest and serves as the starting point for the Black Creek Float Trip and the trailhead for the Black Creek Trail. There is a nearby swimming hole with a rope swing and bluffs. Driving Directions: From Hattiesburg, take Route 49 south for approximately 21 miles to Brooklyn. Just south of the bridge where Black Creek flows under Route 49, turn west onto Carnes Road. Drive 0.4 miles on Carnes Road and turn right onto Rockhill Brooklyn Road. Continue for 3.4 miles until you see a gravel road on the right with a sign for Big Creek Landing. Turn onto the gravel road, then take the first right (marked with another sign) and follow the road to the parking area. Final Approach: From the parking area, follow the Black Creek Trail (marked with white reflectors) for about 0.7 miles downstream. Look for a side trail on the right leading down to the swimming hole. Coordinates: 31.06576, -89.24469 Ashe Nursery Road Bridge This swimming hole is located near the Ashe Nursery Road Bridge, which crosses Black Creek. There is a sandbar and creek access on the south side of the bridge. Driving Directions: From Brooklyn, travel east on Main Avenue. When the road forks at a cemetery, bear right onto Ashe Nursery Road. Continue for approximately 0.5 miles until the road crosses Black Creek. Final Approach: Parking is available on both sides of the bridge, but the creek and sandbar are more accessible from the south side. Coordinates: 31.05286, -89.192505 Moody’s Landing Moody’s Landing is a camping and recreation area in the De Soto National Forest. It features two swimming holes: one upstream near the picnic area and another downstream with a sandbar and rope swing. Driving Directions: From Brooklyn, travel east on Main Avenue. When the road forks at a cemetery, bear left onto Brooklyn Janice Road. Continue for approximately 4.7 miles. Moody’s Landing will be on the right. Final Approach: To access the upstream swimming hole, park in the camping/picnic area and follow a path through the trees to the creek behind the picnic area. To access the downstream swimming hole, continue down the dirt road at the southeast corner of the picnic area until it ends in a parking area. The swimming hole is just beyond the parking area. Coordinates: 31.050857, -89.117146 Janice Landing Janice Landing is a camping and recreation area located at the bridge where Route 29 crosses Black Creek. The water near the boat ramp is deep enough for swimming, though there are no sandbars. Driving Directions: From the intersection of Janice Brooklyn Road and Route 29, travel south on Route 29 for approximately 2.7 miles. Janice Landing is located on the north side of the bridge. Final Approach: Parking is available near the boat ramp. Coordinates: 30.99424, -89.05088 Cypress Creek Landing Cypress Creek Landing is a camping and recreation area in the De Soto National Forest. The swimming hole here features a sandbar, rope swing, and a bluff for jumping. Facilities include showers, toilets, picnic tables, and campsites with fire pits. Driving Directions: From Janice (at the intersection of Route 29 and Route 301), travel south on Snyder Road for approximately 3.7 miles. Turn south onto Forest Road 305, then turn right onto Forest Road 305-B to reach the landing. Final Approach: Parking is available at the landing. A canoe launch is also available for downstream trips. Coordinates:

These are unofficial swimming sites, so come prepared and self-sufficient. Facilities along the creek are not confirmed, so pack everything you'll need — water, food, sun protection, and a first aid kit. The best time to visit runs from late spring through early autumn, with summer offering the warmest water and the liveliest atmosphere. If you're planning to reach spots like Beaver Dam Creek, a canoe or kayak is your best option. Camping is available at sites within the national forest, making this an easy destination for a weekend trip. The swimming holes sit near both Hattiesburg and Brooklyn, Mississippi — Hattiesburg in particular offers a full range of lodging, dining, and supplies to stock up before heading into the forest. Canoeing on Black Creek pairs naturally with a swimming stop, and the combination makes for one of the most satisfying outdoor days the Pine Belt has to offer.

All listed spots are unofficial, natural areas with no indicated fee. Facilities are generally limited or unknown; Cypress Creek Landing is noted to have basic amenities. Always verify current access and conditions with the De Soto National Forest ranger district before visiting, as road and creek conditions can change.

Black Creek's designation as a National Wild and Scenic River reflects its importance to Mississippi's natural heritage. The area is closely linked to the Pine Belt region's history and forestry industry.

The Black Creek Area is protected as part of the National Wild and Scenic River system. Visitors should follow Leave No Trace principles and avoid disturbing wildlife.