Take a day trip or pack an overnight bag and head out into the great outdoors! Mississippi has a plethora of gorgeous landscapes just waiting for you to explore. We’ve found some of the best places to cool off, including swimming holes and waterfalls! Let’s take a look at where you can make memories and bring your friends and family for a fun summer getaway!
Lake Tiak-O’Khata
For those wanting to take a weekend trip and stay at a beautiful, serene waterfront cabin, look no further than Lake Tiak-O’Khata. The entire family will like Lake Tiak-O’Khata since it has a swimming area, spiral water slides, and a white sand beach. You may even savor their clean beach food and picnic area. Tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts may be found on the resort grounds. In addition to the difficulty of catching secretive largemouth bass, the spectacular view of surrounding bays and inlets provides scenery. Rentable stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes allow you to take in the sun and the water from a different vantage point. The lake itself is 66 acres and has a maximum depth of 528 feet!
Cooper Falls
Cooper Falls, which may be found to the north of J.P. Coleman State Park, has a 50-foot drop into Pickwick Lake. To get a better look at it, rent a boat from the state park or jump in the water. Bring your swimsuits so you may enjoy diving into the waters. You must be aware that Cooper Falls can only be reached by boat. However, trust us for this one. Without a doubt, it is worth the trip. Visit the falls and engage in activities like sailing, swimming, or fishing by taking a boat out on Pickwick Lake during the day. After that, go outside to experience Iuka’s lively culinary scene.
Merit Water Park
25 acres make up Merit Water Park, which is located in Simpson County about 4 miles south of D’ Lo on Highway 43. The park, which is situated on Rials Creek, has a historical swimming hole and a tiny waterfall. The creek is spring-fed, so it remains chilly all year long, even on the warmest summer days. The creek’s water is not just icy cold, but also remarkably transparent. Even while the water might seem brown, if you look carefully, you’ll see that the creek’s bottom is actually brown. A visit to Merit Water Park is the ideal way to cool yourself on a hot summer day because it has some of the clearest, coolest water in the area. After you’re in the water for a bit of time, it becomes more and more tolerable.
Chunky River
Just west of the Mississippi town of Chunky, the Chunky River, a relatively small river, is created when Chunky Creek and Okahatta Creek combine. Before uniting with many smaller rivers and streams to create the headwaters of the Chickasawhay River near Enterprise, Mississippi, it flows through portions of Newton County, Lauderdale County, and Clarke County. With Stuckey Bridge Kayak Rentals, enjoy paddling on the Chunky River. Since 2006, floaters have been served by the “Original” outfitters of the Chunky and Upper Chickasawhay Rivers. There are also multiple campgrounds in the area if you’re looking for a multi-day trip. Because this is a moving body of water, we suggest that only able-bodied adults swim here. As always, be sure you have a lifejacket and are comfortable with your swimming abilities before jumping in the water.
Bluff Creek
The focal point of Bluff Creek Campground in Vancleave is Bluff Creek. Although the water in the creek appears unclean, it is not. Decomposing leaves and other plants that drop into the water are what give it its color. The water gets very deep and is an excellent area to swim. For adrenaline junkies, there is also a rope swing. But the location is one of the best things about the waterway. You may easily extend your day of sun-filled enjoyment into an overnight experience because it is a part of a campground. This is the perfect place for people of all ages to stay! There are kayak, canoe, and paddleboard rentals available as well! A day pass is $5 at the time of writing this and will get you access to the white shoreline of the gorgeous creek!
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