The Louisiana Hiking Club

TRAIL INFORMATION
Clark Creek Natural Area


Trail Notes:

Waterfalls? In Mississippi? Of course..

Clark Creek Natural Area of southwestern Mississippi is one of the Magnolia State's most beautiful outdoor treasures. Take the day for a visit, aside from the absolute crush of the weekend crowds, you won't be sorry you went.

Comprising more than 2,000 acres, this Natural Area's officially highlighted by some 40 waterfalls (though you'll find only 6 along established trails), ranging from 10 to more than 25 feet in height. Creation and protection of this fabulous area came about in 1978 from cooperation between the Mississippi Wildlife Heritage Committee, Wilkinson County, David Bramlette, International paper Co. and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.

Clark Creek's steeply sloping hills host a mixed hardwood and pine forest dominated by beech and magnolia. Here, visitors discover a variety of colorful migrating and resident birds; invertebrates; poisonous snakes; a rare land snail; the federally endangered Carolina magnolia vine; a state endangered fish, the Southern red belly dace. This forested tract also provides excellent habitat for another threatened species in Mississippi -- the black bear.

The terrain at Clark Creek is physically demanding and visitors should be medically fit before going afield. Clark Creek is located in a somewhat remote part of the county, medical and other assistance can be a long way off. Be certain to be careful. WATCH YOUR FOOTING ALONG STEEP TRAILS AND AROUND THE WATERFALLS!

There is no potable water at Clark Creek, and users should plan to take plenty on any outing. A compass and topographic map (one you've bought, NOT one you've printed from the link on this webpage) are recommended before venturing off established tracts at Clark Creek.

Please help keep the Clark Creek Natural Area clean. Pack out all trash and disposable items. Help the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks maintain this unique area in a pristine condition for future generations of outdoor-loving Mississippians, Louisianians and Pennsylvanians to enjoy.

User Groups:

Bird-watching, hiking, photography and botanizing are encouraged at Clark Creek on established trails. Hunting is not allowed on the property. Camping and motorized vehicles are not allowed. Due to the area's small size and the highly erodible nature of the loess soil, only foot traffic is permitted.

Permits:

Day use permits are required; available on site; nominal fee

Directions:

Clark Creek Natural Area lies amid the lush vegetation of Wilkinson County, 13 miles southwest of historic Woodville in the community of Pond. Baton Rouge is roughly 55 miles to the south, Natchez nearly 40 miles to the north on U.S. 61, and Jackson 150 miles northeast.

From Baton Rouge, take Hwy. 61 north, past St. Francisville. Turn left on Angola Prison road, otherwise known as Hwy. 66. Eventually, Hwy. 969 will fork off to the right, Turn Right There. Pond, Mississippi is at the junction of Hwy. 969 & Hwy. 24, 25 minutes from St. Francisville, La. (Pond General Store will be off to your left, next to the duck pond)

From Jackson, visitors should take Interstate 55 south to McComb. Proceed west on Highway 24/48 to Woodville. Continue through Woodville on Highway 24, and at the Clark Creek highway sign (on outskirts of Woodville), turn left onto the Woodville-Pond Road.

Drive about 13 miles to the community of Pond, turn right and proceed across the cattle gap up toward the large, white building that serves as the Pond Store. Directions are available at the store.

Maps:

USGS Fort Adams Quadrangle; provided for illustrative purposes only --> note the extreme topographic conditions surrounding clark creek and pond, mississippi

Current Weather & 10 Day Forecast:

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