Named for one of the mightiest flows of water in the United States, it’s not that surprising that Mississippi has some incredible waterfalls to its name, when you think about it. Of course, you do have to know where you’re looking to find them. Fortunately, we’ve done the footwork for you. Here are the top 7 Mississippi waterfalls.
Top 7 Waterfalls in Mississippi
Visiting Waterfalls in Mississippi
Dunn’s Falls
Tucked away in and protected by the small wilderness of Dunn’s Falls Park, this beautiful, tiered waterfall cascades beautifully down the rock wall behind it. Standing 65 feet high, it’s the tallest waterfall in the state of Mississippi. While the cliffs behind them are natural, the falls themselves are a result of the stream being redirected in the mid-1800s to power a grist mill. No matter for today’s visitors, who either way get to experience an absolutely stunning sight in the context of a beautiful, southern wilderness backdrop.
Things to do near Dunn’s Falls
Dunn’s Falls Park also offers a picnic area, walking trails, and dedicated swimming areas, and primitive camping and cabin rentals are available. The mid-sized city of Meridian isn’t too far afield, offering plenty of vacation resources and attractions of its own.
Owens Creek Waterfall
Conveniently located directly along the Natchez Trace Parkway, Owens Creek Trail is a very popular Mississippi destination. Erosion and other natural forces have led to parts of this waterfall caving in on itself, and the spring that fed them originally runs far drier than it used to, which means the falls only, well, fall when conditions are just right. For best results, visit right after a good, heavy rain.
Things to do near the Owens Creek Waterfall
The fall is located at milepost 52.4, only about 15 minutes northeast of the town of Port Gibson. Another attraction visitors to this area often add to their lists is Sunken Trace, a beautiful, green-framed hiking trail that’s been used for both leisure and actual hard travel for centuries.
Scutchalo Falls
Nestled along an unnamed tributary to Scutchalo Creek, these waterfalls stream gloriously over a well-eroded rock ledge. That said, the fall’s strength is a little dependent on season and precipitation. Although they only plummet three or four feet, there are several places along the ledge where the waterfalls tumble over, and the greenish tint to the water below offers a uniquely southern serene scene.
Things to do near Scutchalo Falls
Approximately halfway between Utica and Hermanville, Scutchalo Falls is, in a manner of speaking, in the middle of nowhere. Still, it’s well worth the trek into the great unknown. Plus, even though it’s in quite a rugged location, it’s all only a short drive from the town of Port Gibson, and just a little ways beyond that, the Mississippi River itself.
Rocky Falls
Tucked along Turkey Creek, just southwest of the small town of Crystal Springs, Rocky Falls is a beautiful set of cascades. These cascades are short but broad, and located deep in the lush, southern woods.
Things to do near Rocky Falls
Along with checking out the nearby Calling Panther Lake, we recommend heading to the town of Crystal Springs, which features some beautiful greenspaces of its own, such as Chautauqua Park. Plus, it’s all only about a half an hour away from Jackson, which offers an unparalleled Mississippi experience of culture, dining, shopping, and more.
Seminary Falls
Less a waterfall proper than a set of beautiful rapids, Seminary Falls is known by the locals as the Falls on Okatoma. The Okatoma is, as you may have guessed, the river the rapids run along. Even the largest of the drops along this route falls only a few inches, but still, if you’re planning to get out on the rapids, you’ll want to go with an experienced guide. It’s also an excellent river to walk along and see from the land side, if you’re not too keen on getting wet during your visit!
Things to do near Seminary Falls
The nearby town of Seminary has all the basics you need for your vacation, along with a heaping helping of southern charm to wash it down with. And if you’re looking for a slightly larger community to hang out in, we highly recommend making the half-hour drive to Hattiesburg, where you’ll find all manner of restaurants, shops, museums, and an excellent zoo.
Clark Creek Falls
The Clark Creek Natural Area spans more than 700 acres of southwestern Mississippi. The park is home to not one or two but fifty different cascades of varying shapes, heights, sizes and flow rates. Although even the tallest fall here only stands about 30 feet tall, these cascades meander, trickle, and generally delight onlookers, and are accessed along a variety of beautiful trails.
Things to do near the Clark Creek Falls
This part of the country is awash in outdoor recreation opportunities. Just over the border, in Louisiana, you could explore the Red River State Wildlife Management Area, the Three Rivers Wildlife Management Area, or the Grassy Lake State Wildlife Management Area. Plus, it’s all only about an hour south of the city of Natchez, Mississippi.
The Best Mississippi Waterfalls for RVers
Tishomingo State Park Waterfalls
Tucked into the extreme northeastern corner of the state, Tishomingo State Park is already an incredible attraction for Mississippi residents and visitors alike. Small waterfalls adorn many of the trails that network their way through this greenscape. These are visible most readily in the springtime, when rain and snowmelt amplify their flow.
Hikers also get to experience ancient rock formations, unique Mississippi flora, and a lake stocked to the gills — pun intended — with delicious fish to reel up for dinner.
Why This Waterfall is Perfect for RVers
As RVers, love this waterfall because there is a campground in the state park, meaning you can park your home-on-wheels in the middle of the action.
Things to do near the Tishomingo State Park Waterfalls
Given its location in the Appalachian foothills, Tishomingo State Park is truly a unique destination for any visitor. It’s also just an hour or so out of the major metropolitan area of Tupelo, where you can find all the resources you need to make for a stellar vacation.
Planning an RV Trip to Mississippi
An RV trip is the perfect way to see all the waterfalls in the Magnolia State. During your visit, make sure to see the best state parks and campgrounds in Mississippi. You’ll also want to make time to check out Jackson and Vicksburg.
