Clark Creek Natural Area
Swimming hole in Woodville, Mississippi · Waterfall
Clark Creek Natural Area near Woodville, Mississippi is famous for more than 50 waterfalls and shallow gravel-bed creek pools in rugged loess bluffs. A $2 state park entrance fee applies. Expect strenuous hiking with steep stairways and slippery rocks.
Typical season: Spring and fall for cooler hiking
About Clark Creek Natural Area
Clark Creek Natural Area is a ~700-acre Mississippi state natural area near Woodville (southwest Mississippi) with **50+ waterfalls** plunging 10, 30+ feet into creek-carved ravines. one of the strongest “secret swimming hole” day hikes in Mississippi. Expect steep wooden stairs, slick clay after rain, and creek crossings on improved and primitive loops. You can cool off in waterfall plunge pools, but this is a rugged hike first. not a manicured beach. Day-use is about **$2 per person** (kids 5 and under free) paid at the honor-system trailhead; restrooms and a water fountain are at the start only. Start from 366 Fort Adams Pond Road, Woodville. Pair with other Pine Belt / southwest Mississippi stops like Clear Springs or browse the full Mississippi swimming holes hub.
Key facts
Structured details for trip planning — verify access and fees with the land manager before you visit.
- Address
- 366 Fort Adams Pond Rd, Woodville, MS 39669
- Water type
- Creek/Falls
- Water body
- Clark Creek
- Fee
- $2 per person (ages 5 and under free); honor-system payment at trailhead
- Nearest town
- Woodville
- State
- Mississippi
- Coordinates
- 31.07310, -91.51225
- Best season
- Spring and fall for cooler hiking; summer for creek dips if you start early.
- Access difficulty
- Moderate to strenuous — stairs, steep ravines, slick clay after rain.
- Parking
- Designated area
- Restrooms
- Limited — see facilities notes
- Lifeguard
- None — assume unguarded
- Camping
- No camping on site; lodging in Woodville / McComb area.
- Activities
- Hiking, waterfall viewing, creek swimming, photography
- Facilities
- Trailhead restroom and water fountain; honor-system fee station; no camping.
- Listing last updated
- July 15, 2026
The experience
- Best time to visitSpring and fall for cooler hiking; summer for creek dips if you start early.
- AccessModerate to strenuous. stairs, steep ravines, slick clay after rain.
- FacilitiesTrailhead restroom and water fountain; honor-system fee station; no camping.
- Camping nearbyNo camping on site; lodging in Woodville / McComb area.
Highlights & features
- 50 breathtaking waterfalls
- Year-round cool spring-fed water
- 5 miles of hiking trails
- Rich biodiversity and rare flora
- Stunning photography opportunities
- 50 waterfalls with heights up to 30 feet
- Rare Southern Magnolia and Gulf Coast Yucca plants
- Natural spring-fed creek with crystal-clear water
How to get there
Trailhead: 366 Fort Adams Pond Road, Woodville, MS 39669.
1. From Woodville, follow local signs / mapping to Fort Adams Pond Road and the Clark Creek Natural Area parking area.
2. From McComb / US-98 corridor, drive west toward Woodville (about 30–40 minutes depending on route), then continue to Fort Adams Pond Road.
3. From Baton Rouge, plan roughly 1–1.5 hours north into Wilkinson County, MS.
4. Pay the $2/person day-use fee at the honor box / pay station and display any required tag; bring cash in small bills.
5. Start on the improved trail for stairs and early waterfalls; add the primitive loop only if you have daylight, water, and sturdy shoes.
Cell service can be weak in the ravines. download an offline map. Confirm open days on MDWFP if the park lists weekday closures.
Plan your visit
Clark Creek Natural Area works well as a day trip from Mccomb or Woodville. Stock up in town, then head to the water with food, water, and sun protection. Pair the swim with a stop at Clear Springs (about 40 mi away) or browse more Mississippi creek spots in our directory. For the full list in Mississippi, see our state directory.
Access & fees
This is an unofficial natural area with limited formal facilities. An entrance fee status is unknown; check local resources for current information before visiting. Parking is available but can fill quickly on weekends and holidays. The trails are not officially maintained, so conditions can vary.
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in the waterfalls at Clark Creek Natural Area?
You can wade and cool off in the shallow plunge pools and along the gravel creek beds below the waterfalls. Water depths vary by season, but most pools are knee-to-waist deep rather than deep diving holes.
How much is entry to Clark Creek Natural Area?
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks charges a $2 per person entrance fee, payable via the honor box at the trailhead parking lot.
Are dogs allowed at Clark Creek?
Yes, dogs on leashes are welcome on the hiking trails and creek paths. Bring plenty of drinking water for your pet because the terrain is steep and strenuous.
Can you swim at Clark Creek Natural Area?
Yes — visitors cool off in creek and waterfall pools along the trails. There are no lifeguards or designated swim beaches; treat it as rugged creek swimming after a steep hike.
How much does Clark Creek Natural Area cost?
Day-use is $2 per person; children 5 and under are free. Payment is typically honor-system at the trailhead — bring cash.
Where is Clark Creek Natural Area?
366 Fort Adams Pond Road, Woodville, Mississippi 39669, in Wilkinson County near the Louisiana border — southwest of McComb.
How hard is the Clark Creek hike?
Moderate to strenuous. Improved trails use wooden stairs and pea gravel; the primitive loop adds steep bluffs and creek crossings. Budget slow miles and sturdy footwear.
Are there bathrooms at Clark Creek?
Restrooms and a water fountain are at the trailhead only. Carry plenty of water and pack out trash — there are no facilities out on the waterfall loops.
Explore more nearby swimming guides
- Swimming holes near Natchez (34 mi)
- Swimming holes near McComb (64 mi)
- Mississippi swimming holes guide
- Clear water & spring swimming holes in Mississippi
- Places to swim near Jackson
- Swimming holes near Hattiesburg
- Creeks near Biloxi & Gulf Coast
- Swimming holes near McComb
- More waterfall swimming holes
- Check water quality before swimming
- All Mississippi swimming holes
Nearby swimming holes
Map & location
Culture & history
Located near Woodville, one of Mississippi’s oldest towns, Clark Creek is steeped in historical significance. The area reflects the region's pioneer heritage and offers a glimpse into Mississippi’s rich past.
Conservation
Clark Creek Natural Area is a protected site. Visitors should follow Leave No Trace principles, avoid disturbing wildlife, and refrain from littering to maintain its ecological integrity.
Sources & updates
Reference sources
Spotted outdated access, fees, or safety info? Send a correction with the page URL — we review every submission.