clark creek natural area

Summary: Fun Memories of hikes with our three children to Clark's Creek Nature Trail in Woodville, Mississippi in the upper Tunica Hills region, including water fall sites, narrow and treacherous trails and a treasure trove of outdoor scenery!http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewshortstory.asp?AuthorID=82781&id=48544One of our favorite summer adventure road trips that is only about an hour to reach from Baton Rouge is Clark’s Creek Nature Trail in Woodville Mississippi. It is neat to take old Highway 61 North to reach this treasure trove of outdoor scenery, including a plethora of waterfalls just north of Louisiana into the upper Tunica Hills region. And these hills are certainly higher that “Monkey Hill,” which us N’Awlins natives used to know as the highest point of the uptown Crescent City per Audubon Park. I first found out about this wonderful get away about 17 years ago when our daughter, Maria-Therese, was involved with Girls Scouts, and a weekend hiking trail in Clark’s Creek, near Camp Marydale, was offered for dads to join during one of the days of the girls’ weekend campout. We couldn’t believe how treacherous the trails were as we made our way descending on the narrow and winding paths that lead to the waterfalls. As you disembark past the Pond Store near to the Clark’s Creek entrance, it suddenly hits you that this is really gonna be a steep walk as you begin to take a steady down sloping trek on a very narrow path. Those trees on each side provide a hopeful safeguard to someone possibly falling and taking a long dangerous slide. Unfortunately, due to the severe difficulty in the terrain, it appears that there are no optional ADA paths available. On other past trips with our sons, we would leave little nickel or penny marker slid into the spaces between the wood on the steps that are provided for those unable to safely navigate the slippery uneven tracks that appear ever so often. It was fun to be able to find one of these on a subsequent trip as an indication that we had been there. At one of these later trips, my wife joined me and the boys and quickly found out that she needed something to help guide her paths. Let’s just say that she found that Newton’s law of gravity was surely validated per some rather abrupt unintended and unsuccessful imitations of a Michael Jackson Moonwalk ala “slip sliding away” to her backside, as Paul Simon would have noted! We made a cane-stick to help her greatly. At some point, visitors have the chance to bypass the designated paths and descend to the ground level where, at times, you wade through some low water and a vast assortment of all kinds of rock formations – some rather large. Maria was unable to join us at that level but did meet us at the first of many wonderful waterfalls – ranging from 10 – 30 feet in height! What a sight to see so close to Baton Rouge! We knew some New Orleans friends who had gone to Niagara Falls for their honeymoon, so this is the closest we have come to any such scenes other that when we took a trip to Yosemite. On hot summer trips to this southern wonder, Andrew, his buddy and me would take some great swims in the little ponds below the waterfalls and enjoy the cool water flowing on our heads. A few times, we did spot some snakes, but they were mostly the no venomous type. Sometimes, when they were really into salamanders, we found a bunch up there. John Paul and I also had some fun trips there during a spring trip - the water temp was so cool and refreshing. One of the neatest trips involved a time when Andrew was older, so I could let him and his buddy do a little solo exploring while I was enjoying taking in some needed solitude time from stressful work situations. It seemed like we were some of the few people on the trails that weekday during the Easter holidays – only one other car was parked near the park entrance. So after some quiet and peaceful time just taking in the scenery, all of a sudden, Fr. Henry comes walking by. He’s someone that I hadn’t seen in a long time per some music ministry groups in the church and here we were in the middle of the Tunica Hills region. It was great to catch up briefly with each other. Not long later, who do I see but Cinnamon, who used to work with me at that time at the Baton Rouge General, and her friend! As with when I first saw Fr. Henry, the first question inevitably mentioned was “What are you doing here?” Obviously, many others have come to know how great of a get away that Clark’s Creek is. Due to the remoteness of the area, it is neat to usually not be disturbed by phone calls – but that was before texting and GPS! After a fun filled time, you always have to be prepared for the workout in store for you per the steep incline on the way out of the trails. I would usually have to use a lot of motivational talk or chasing games to distract the kids from the complaints that they would voice about their struggles per that infamous summer travel question: “Are we there yet?” So be sure to put Clark’s Creek on your summer plans. It is a great short road trip, inexpensive (only pay for parking), you can actually bring your own food in (unlike most parks!) and, most importantly, you could possibly be out of cell phone and/or online reach!

We went on this hike to see the waterfalls and loved it. Be prepared its not an easy leasurly hike. Lots of incline and decline was tough but well worth it. Wish there were more signs to show what certain trees and plants were. Trail can be a little confusing again needs more signs. But was beautiful.

When we drove up and saw droves of cars we almost turned around. Even though the parking lot was PACKED we saw only 10 people during our hike. It was a fabulous day. We took the road less traveled and faired very well. Great adventure and we look forward to heading back.

If you're looking for a day long adventure then here you have one! Just be prepared that the hike is strenuous but the waterfall (the major one) is well worth the view and trek. Be sure to have bug repellant, check yourself for ticks, and bring plenty of water! The primitive trail is no joke and is serious when they tell you experienced hikers are the only ones that should be on it. The other trails are plenty strenuous for someone wanting a nice hike without the extra challenges the primitive trail presents.

Clark Creek Primitive Trail - NO PETS, NO CHILDREN!!!! The hike was amazing, although we got off track once and almost stepped on a 4 foot Canebrake Rattlesnake! The trail is VERY physically challenging and without the right gear would be downright miserable. But if prepared it's great, I can't wait to go back! Suggestions for future Clark Creek primitive trail hikers: soak your clothes in permethrin for ticks before going; use sunblock and plenty mosquito repellent before heading out; good pair of sturdy waterproof hiking boots; hiking pants (nylon, cool and they unzip into shorts or capris and back into pants easily, plus they dry quickly!); sturdy hiking stick or trekking pole(s); trail map and compass; hydration backpack with at least 70oz water per person (put ice in it with the water, you'll appreciate that cold sip as it melts!!!); electrolytes if hiking in the summer (power-aid drops to add into water work great!); small pack of first aid items (including a snake kit) and some high protein granola bars. Read up and familiarize yourself with local venomous snakes, that could save your life because they DO have snakes there as with any outdoor trail. Being prepared made this hike fantastic! Also if someone thinks just because they jog on a treadmill everyday they are fit enough for this hike...think again!! You will need to climb up tree roots, rocks and do some major leg burning cardio steep hills (also a lot of stair climbing and that's AFTER you've hiked all day just to get back to your car!!!!). This hike made my recent 10 hour Hocking Hills hike seem like a walk in the park!!!

We have been going to Clark Creek since 1976. In those days there were no stairs or any amenities, just pure back country. We use to take a machete to cut our way throught the vines that would over take the trails. We would rarely see other people. We would stage adults at intervals on the rocks to get the kids down to the stream. We would camp out there sometimes but now it is strickly a Day area. We love this place. We now take our grand children. It's a wonderful family outing. Leave the cell phones and electronics in the car and get back to nature, family bonding.and making memories. It is much easier these days. But remember the walk is downhill most of the way so it's tougher on the way back because it's mostly all uphill. Well worth the trip no matter where you are coming from.

We spent the afternoon hiking to four of the six waterfalls and had a amazing time. The earlier review was a big help in preparing us for what to expect. This was our first outing of this type with our three kids, ages 18, 14, and 10. We're not expert hikers and some of our group isn't as active as we could be and yet we all found it very doable. There were a number of other folks around which kept us from feeling too isolated, but not so many that we couldn't be alone for a while even at the falls. This was a great, healthy family activity where everyone put their electronics down for a while to enjoy the great outdoors together. We're all eager to go back!

What an amazing time we had here! There are 2 trails to choose from, hard and less hard..lol. starting off is easier as it is downhill. Coming back is mostly uphill, I imagine that's why I saw quite a few people with walking sticks. There are places to stop and sit, even a swing overlooking the scenery, and stairs in some areas for those not wanting to do steep hills. The waterfalls are delightful and feel like it's the reward for trekking on. We made it to 2 of the 6 waterfalls before turning back, but had it not been for dinner reservations, I would have stayed all day. It is close enough from Parts of Louisiana and Mississippi to get to in no time and is definitely worth the drive! We saw families with dogs and children playing in the waterfalls and creeks..just awesome! There's no cost to get in however there is an honor box for a $3 parking fee.