Clark Creek 366 Fort Adams Road Woodville, MS 39669 Trail Map Important things to note: *Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area (WMA) and Clark Creek are NOT the same thing, they are about 15 minutes from each other. There are a few trails throughout the WMA but they aren't the ones with all the waterfalls. Clark Creek is sometimes referred to as Tunica Falls, hence sometimes Tunica Hills are Tunica Falls are confused. *It can get crowded on the weekends. We went on a Tuesday, arriving late morning. When we pulled into the parking lot there was only one other car there. When we left late afternoon the small parking lot was almost full and we saw quite a few groups on the way out. I've read, and heard from friends, that on weekends the trail is packed, so for a more private experience try a weekday morning. We went hours without seeing a hiker on the primitive trail. *Your GPS might bring you to the wrong spot. You can use the address above, which is the one they provide on their website, but it brought us to an empty lot. Its the correct road, the GPS just says its a few more miles past where it actually is. The trail head isn't overly obvious with a big sign and flashing lights, but it is overly obvious in the sense that it's the only establishment around. It'll be on your left where the pavement stops and the dirt road begins. It's marked with a small parking lot and handicap bathroom. *Parking is $3. There's a little box with envelopes and "parking passes" before you enter the trails with a warning that no payment could mean the towing of your car. No one is there to monitor if you put money in or not, but if you appreciate clean, well-kept hiking trails and camping grounds it wouldn't hurt you to pay. We didn't know before hand so we scrounged around for change and ended up just short of $3. Hey, something is better than nothing right? * There are BAD potholes on the roads. On your way there just keep an eye on the holes. There are a few that cover almost the entire road. As you can guess, we had a little trouble finding it. We arrived at Tunica Hills Wildlife Management Area (WMA) thinking we were where we wanted to be. After a few minutes of driving down dirt roads we figured out that wasn't the case. Thankfully I got enough service out there to do a quick Google search and found out the place we really wanted was Clark Creek, which is just over the border into Mississippi. After we unknowingly passed the entrance to Clark Creek we ended up in a scary, run-down neighborhood that reminded me of something out of the movies. You know, the part where they're headed to the middle of nowhere to be killed and they show the last glimpse of what appears to be a human being. Yeah. On instinct we turned around and headed back to the handicap bathroom we had passed up the road, arriving at our destination! There are two types of trails at Clark Creek. The big, main trails they call "Improved" and the primitive "unimproved" trail. Their improved trails are gravel and wide enough to fit 3 or 4 people side by side. They are clear of plants and are distinguishable as the main trails. There is no major terrain that is difficult to hike through these trails. They even provide stairs next to the steep hills. The primitive trail is a whole different story. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT bring children or animals on the primitive trail. The terrain and length is much too difficult. The sign that appears at the beginning of the primitive trail even reads "recommended for experienced hikers in excellent physical condition". You can read about how I apparently fit neither of those descriptions here: 5 Foolish Mistakes I Made in a Single Hiking Trip. But we still made it through the whole trail in one piece, so that's a good sign that you can do it too! There are a few places where you have to cross the creek that can get a little confusing and even some places where you can follow the creek to make the trek a bit shorter and easier. I'll let you figure those out on your own though, the fun in hiking is all about the challenge and adventure! We didn't get to see all the waterfalls that the map claims there are (9) but we did see enough to make the strenuous hike worth it. The best one was not too far into the primitive trail. There are maps posted throughout the trails but I suggest you print the map (linked above) and bring it with you because the primitive trail maps are spaced pretty far apart. Another thing the map claims is that there are "scenic overlooks". Ha. More like sit on this covered bench and stare into overgrown bushes and trees. There's one marked on the primitive trail that we were using as our encouragement to keep going. "We'll just get to the scenic overlook and rest there. It'll be a nice view while we have lunch". We were disappointed to say the least. My only complaints would have to be the confusing parts of the primitive trail that come to a T or cross the creek with no immediate indication of which direction to go, misleading map markings, and the fact that I was expecting more out of the waterfalls. Overall it was a great trail to hike and a great challenge! If you have a day off go check it out! Frequently check for ticks, wear grippy shoes for the hills, be careful on the slippery ground by the waterfalls and your trip will be that much more enjoyable. Happy hiking! I give it: If you've been to Clark Creek let me know about your experience in the comments!
11 Comments
Darcel
6/25/2014 07:43:54 am
My daughter and I are going for a hike on this trail during the 4th of July weekend, your blog has been very helpful and informative, thank you so much!!
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Jessica Carlson
6/25/2014 11:11:42 am
Yay! I'm so glad! I hope you enjoy it! Let me know how it goes!
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Darcel
7/6/2014 03:18:43 am
Wanted to thank you again for your advice, we just returned from our hike at Clark Creek and thought I'd share a little input for other future hikers!!!
Darcel
7/6/2014 03:19:07 am
Wanted to thank you again for your advice, we just returned from our hike at Clark Creek and thought I'd share a little input for other future hikers!!!
Darcel
7/6/2014 03:17:47 am
Wanted to thank you again for your advice, we just returned from our hike at Clark Creek and thought I'd share a little input for other future hikers!!!
Reply
Jessica Carlson
7/6/2014 04:08:02 am
Thanks for the extra tips! It really is a great hike as long as you're prepared. I'm glad you got to do it!
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Darcel
7/6/2014 03:17:57 am
Wanted to thank you again for your advice, we just returned from our hike at Clark Creek and thought I'd share a little input for other future hikers!!!
Reply
Darcel
7/6/2014 03:18:09 am
Wanted to thank you again for your advice, we just returned from our hike at Clark Creek and thought I'd share a little input for other future hikers!!!
Reply
Melissa Zeringue
1/6/2015 08:54:56 am
So, thanks to your blog I wont be hiking the primitive trail anytime soon. Thanks for the helpful information. I'm a beginner and came across your blog link on a review posted on the "all trails app". Thank You!
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Jessica Carlson
1/7/2015 06:20:22 am
Yay! That's the whole reason I started this blog because I was frustrated with how little I found whenever I was researching trails.
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Josh
4/11/2020 06:05:34 am
Tunica Hills is part of "Clark Creek". It was known as Tunica Falls long before the official name change to Clark Creek. Tunica Hills runs all through Tunica Falls. Its also known as "7 Falls" to us locals who actually know the area.
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“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see a shadow.” - Helen Keller AuthorMy name is Jessica. I live in Louisiana. I love exploring the outdoors and sharing my experiences. Archives
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