Black Creek
Mississippi
This scenic southern river features deep, black water, colorful vertical bluffs and contrasting white sand bars as it follows a meandering course through Mississippi's coastal plain. Plants flourish and wildlife abounds. Trees and flowering shrubs overhang the banks. Wood ducks and otters are often seen by those visiting the stream. The river and area provide a variety of opportunities for backpacking and fishing and six launch points provide for canoeing. Primitive camping is allowed all along the stream within the national forest, and a number of trails can be accessed near the river.
Designated Reach
October 26, 1986. The segment from Fairley Bridge Landing upstream to Moody's Landing.
Outstandingly Remarkable Values
Fish
The Black Creek watershed and the designated river segment contains a diverse aquatic community, containing native fish and macroinvertebrates of management concern. In general, the river segment provides spawning, rearing, and/or migratory habitats for many of these freshwater species. The river...Show More
History
Black Creek has served as a home, mode of travel, and source of food and other resources to different populations in the area. From as early as 11,000 years ago, groups lived on the side tributaries, both large and small. For thousands of years, people moved up the side drainages and lived closer...Show More
Recreation
The primary recreational uses of the 21-mile Black Creek include fishing, hiking, hunting, swimming, camping, and floating. There are four main landings with a boat ramp, campsites, and toilets. The river can be accessed year-long, but summer is the busiest time, with most use during the weekend....Show More
Scenery
The river is narrow with very little development. The banks gradually heighten, and the creek winds through a series of wide, deep curves, and narrow bends. This creates suspense and anticipation of observing scenic beauty just around the bend. Moss-covered banks and colorful vertical bluffs add ...Show More
Managing Partners And Contacts
Documents
Classification/Mileage
Video
A scenic video on the beauty and peace of Black Creek Wilderness, De Soto National Forest, Mississippi. In 1986, Congress included Black Creek in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, making it the first and only wild and scenic river in Mississippi. The De Soto National Forest is currently writing a plan about how Black Creek will be managed to protect and enhance its special features.