The 5 Mississippi Waterfalls And Creek Trails You Can Hike For Free
Mississippi does not usually make waterfall lists, which is exactly why these trails feel like such a happy surprise. Pull off a quiet road, walk a few minutes into the trees, and you might hear water spilling over rock before you see it.
Every spot below costs nothing to enter, so families can explore sandy creeks, wooden bridges, and shady forests without spending a dime. Pack snacks, lace up good shoes, and get ready for a free day outside.
1. Owens Creek Waterfall, Hermanville, MS
Few waterfalls reward little legs this quickly. Owens Creek Waterfall sits so close to its parking area along the Natchez Trace Parkway that toddlers can make the trip without a single complaint.
The lot is wheelchair accessible, and like the rest of the Parkway, there is no admission charge.
Here is the fun part: there are actually two falls. One is easy to spot right off the side of the road, while the second takes a short walk to reach.
Under the main cascade, a shallow pool forms, and kids love wading in it, digging toes into the sand, and following the stream.
Want a little more adventure? A trail across the creek climbs up and around to the top of the falls, giving older kids a fresh view of the water dropping below.
It stays a minimal hike overall, gentle enough for anyone taking it slow.
Bring water bottles and sturdy hiking shoes, since the creek banks can get sandy and slick. The waterfall is small, so flow depends on recent rain.
Visiting a day or two after a good shower usually means louder water and a prettier show. There is no restaurant nearby, so pack a picnic lunch before you go.
2. Tuxachanie Hiking Trail (West End Trailhead), Saucier, MS
Six miles, three scenes, and almost no hills. That simple recipe makes the west end of the Tuxachanie Hiking Trail a favorite for families who like variety without a tough climb.
Starting from US 49 in De Soto National Forest, the path changes from creek to lake to swamp as you go.
Wooden bridges pop up often, carrying hikers over small streams that kids will want to stop and peer into. Most of the route stays flat and well kept, though a few creek crossings and short uphills add some spice.
Now and then a downed tree or washed-out bridge appears, but getting around them is easy.
Pace yourselves for the full stretch and you reach a campsite with water and picnic benches, a perfect turnaround point for lunch. Shorter trips work fine too, since this is an out-and-back trail.
Leashed dogs are welcome, so the family pup can tag along. The trailhead stays open 24 hours with a free parking lot and no entry fee.
Weekday mornings and Sunday evenings tend to be quiet, while Saturday afternoons draw more hikers, so plan an early start if you want the bridges mostly to yourselves.
3. Black Creek Hiking Trailhead + parking area
Picture a trail that keeps a creek beside you nearly the whole way. Starting from the Black Creek Hiking Trailhead near Brooklyn, Mississippi, hikers follow the water for long stretches, catching glimpses of its curves through the trees.
Along the route, the path crosses over Granny Creek, a fun milestone for kids counting landmarks.
Families appreciate how tidy the trail feels. It stays well marked and is not overgrown, so parents spend less time checking directions and more time pointing out turtles, tracks, and interesting leaves.
The trailhead is officially tagged for kid-friendly hikes, which says plenty about its easy character.
Black Creek itself runs through De Soto National Forest, and the larger trail system stretches for many miles. You do not need to tackle all of it.
Walk out as far as the group enjoys, then head back the same way.
Parking is free right at the trailhead, and there is no charge to hike. Sunday afternoons bring the most visitors, while Tuesday evenings and Friday afternoons are usually peaceful.
Toss bug spray, water, and a small snack bag in your pack, and this becomes a relaxed half-day outing.
4. Brushy Creek Horse Trailhead
Swimsuits belong in the bag for this one. Brushy Creek, deep in the Homochitto National Forest near Gloster, is a lovely spot for swimming, fishing, and simply playing in the cool water on a warm day.
Don’t let the name fool you. Although it is called a horse trailhead, easy primitive trails here welcome hikers, too.
Expect a wilder, more rustic feel than the other stops on this list, with rolling hills and quiet woods instead of boardwalks and signposts. Keep an eye out for riders sharing the path, and teach kids to step aside calmly.
That rugged character is what sets Brushy Creek apart. It suits families who want unplanned time outdoors, letting children wade, skip rocks, and explore at their own speed.
Anglers in the family can bring a line and try their luck.
The trailhead is open 24 hours as a U.S. Forest Service site with no day-use fees or entry gates.
Wednesday afternoons and Saturday nights get busier, while Monday and Friday evenings are often quiet. Since facilities are basic, bring plenty of water, towels, sunscreen, and snacks, and plan to carry out everything you carry in.
5. Rocky Springs Trail, Hermanville, MS
History lessons rarely come with a creek to splash in. At Rocky Springs, families get both, plus a waterfall, a Native American mound, and an old church with a cemetery tucked into the woods.
Scout groups of all ages come here for exactly that mix.
The site works as a rest area and campground on the Natchez Trace Parkway, with free day-use access. Trails are easy out-and-back walks, so you can turn around whenever small hikers start to fade.
Right off the Parkway, a wide gravel and sand creek area invites kids to hunt for smooth stones and build little dams.
Longer outings are possible too. The Natchez Trace Parkway National Scenic Trail links Rocky Springs with Owens Creek Falls, making a solid round-trip hike for older children and teens who want a real challenge.
One tip before heading out: the thru trail is not marked north of Little Sand Creek, so stick to clear paths or carry a map. Crowds tend to peak on Sunday mornings, while weekday afternoons and Saturday evenings stay calmer.
Arrive early, explore the church grounds, then let the kids cool off in the creek before lunch under the trees.