Clark Creek Natural Area
(Tunica Falls)
Hwy 969 & Hwy 24
Pond, Mississippi
25 minutes from St. Francisville, La.
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This page is sponsored by The Wine Parlor - St. Francisville Inn |
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Step over the state line into southwestern
Mississippi and visit one of the most beautiful outdoor treasures, Clark Creek Natural Area.
The state park encompasses more than 700 acres and is highlighted by
some 50 waterfalls, ranging in size from 10 to 30 feet in height.
Clark Creek Natural Area, sometimes referred to as Tunica Falls, is a natural haven for bird watching,
hiking, photography, botanizing and nature lovers. All can be enjoyed using the established trails both primitive trails and improved
trails. The uniqueness of Clark Creek is established in its steeply sloping loess bluffs, which can be very physically demanding. The primitive trail is approximately
2.6 miles in length and is recommended to allow 3-5 hours to complete. The improved trails, pea graveled with numerous steep stairs, offers more people access to the falls
as it is less strenuous. Over 1.75 miles in length, allow at least 2 hours to complete. Of course add a couple hours more to enjoy the waterfalls, birds,
plants, and wildlife found along the trails.
The Nature Area hosts a mixed hardwood and pine forest dominated by beech and magnolias. Big trees viewed in the park
are: the world record; Mexican Plum & Bigleaf Snowbell and the Mississippi state record Hophombeam. Uncommon trees found are Southern
sugar maple, serviceberry, umbrella tree, pyramid magnolia, sliverbell, chinquapin oak and witch-hazel. The park is abundant in beautifully natural landscaping vegetation, cascading ferns enchanting the waterfalls, the
federally endangered Carolina magnolia vine and numerous others are well marked along the trails.
Visitors can discover a variety of colorful migrating and resident birds. Other wildlife attractions are poisonous snakes, a rare land snail, white-tail deer, a state endangered fish the
Southern red belly dace, fox, squirrel and another threatened species in Mississippi the black bear. Public use of the park is opened year
round and is limited to foot traffic on the established trails. No motorized vehicles are allowed.
Hunting is strictly prohibited. Public restrooms can be found at the parking area. No potable
water is available, so make sure to bring plenty. Also suggest bringing some bug spray, suntan lotion
and a compass. No camping is permitted on the grounds.
A special note: The trails can be quite
physically demanding and because the park is very remote, needed help may take time to reach you.
Many thanks go to the following for establishing this wonderful
park for all to use: Mississippi Wildlife Heritage Committee, the Nature Conservancy, Wilkinson County, David Bramlette,
International Paper Company and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks. Directions from St. Francisville,
Louisiana: Take Hwy 61 north to US 66 (Tunica Trace) turn left onto Hwy 66. Continue on Hwy 66
until Hwy 969 Pickneyville - turn right and continue on Hwy 969 until Hwy 24 which is at Pond, turn left over
the cattle guard. Note the large white building that serves as Pond Store. Stop here to get
last minute refreshments, maps of the park and tour this circa 1881 general store. Entrance
to the park is 200 yards further up the road on the left.
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