First, here are some things you need for your hike
Water Bottles (there’s a fountain working at that restroom building)
‘Off’ Mosquito Spray
$2 Cash for Parking
(Optional) Hiking Stick
(Optional) Snacks
Change of clothes if you’re getting in the water
It’s essential to have water on you.
Being told ‘Take a hike’ served a whole new meaning for me.
Yesterday I had a location to finish up a film I was working on for the past month. It took a tremendous amount of time to prepare for, but at the same time, it required taking a hike at Clark Creek.
Woodville, MS, a place I’d expect to have hunting camps, but home to a beautiful trail on Fort Adams Rd. Hiking was something I have some experience in, but not an expert. I’ll make sure to provide some tips for some first-time hikers (if anything- bring water).
Clark Creek isn’t difficult to find on the map, but do prepare for service to go out when you park and start hiking. An important thing to have is a download map of the trail; I took the improved path from the ‘AllTrails’ app (had to subscribe to download maps). When you pass the restrooms, there will be an Honor Box to provide funds for your parking permit; it’s $2. Then, you’ll be ready to take your hike!
While waiting on my friend Michael, I met a person named Amber who had never hiked before, so I stated that it was essential to travel with a group if possible. It’s pretty easy to get lost if you don’t have someone with you, so I invited Amber to join the group, all in all, it worked out well.
The trail overall wasn’t a hard one to follow, but the challenge of inclining was. Luckily the trail included stairs for some of the more severe incline/decline- I’d even say it saved a lot of our hassles, especially for first-timers.
The Hike
Along the trail, there’s a sign that labels the first and second waterfalls. We decided to check out both since it was our first time being there. I’d say the second waterfall was our favorites out of the two. It was pretty cold water because we went during the Fall/Winter time (so wear something long sleeve and some water-repellent pants) at the second waterfall. I decided to get in the water some and made sure to go in barefoot. Right after, I never appreciated socks so much.
Climbing and hiking ain’t easy, and it’s a physically stressful activity. But, here’s one thing that made all of it worth it- the beautiful view that we walked. The only thing you could hear was the waterfall and a few birds and squirrels. It was a stunning and peaceful setting, and I had to sit still and meditate on a rock for a few minutes. Places like that made me so appreciative of my own two feet, arms, and peace of mind.
Coming back to the parking lot was probably the most challenging part of the hike; we had to find a good hiking stick to help the legs on the way back. Remember to take a breather when you need to and drink your water. Once we came back, I felt accomplished with what I had done. Being told ‘Take a hike’ wasn’t such a bad thing, after all.
“This will be something we’ll appreciate when we’re old.” - Michael
Thank You,
Adam