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Clear Springs Swimming Hole Loop

Homochitto National Forest, Mississippi · 3 min read

Distance
1.5 mi
Elevation Gain
60 ft
Difficulty
easy
Route Type
Loop
Best Season
Year-round
Est. Time
45-60 minutes
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
1 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Flush Restroom
Parking
Free
Cell Service
Limited
Water
At Trailhead
Camping
Developed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Shortest accessible hike in Homochitto National Forest
  • Clear Springs swimming area adjacent to the loop
  • Flush restrooms and full facilities at the campground
  • Popular with families combining hiking and swimming
  • Spring-fed swimming area with clear water
swimmingwildlife

Overview

Clear Springs Swimming Hole Loop is the most accessible trail in Homochitto National Forest, a 1.5-mile easy circuit around the Clear Springs Recreation Area that takes most visitors less than an hour. The trail's main appeal is its combination with the adjacent spring-fed swimming area: hike the loop in the morning, cool off in the spring in the afternoon. The campground's flush restrooms and paved parking make this the most welcoming trailhead in the forest for casual visitors.

No permit is required. Year-round access.

The Route

The loop: Starting from the campground parking, the trail circles through the hardwood forest above and around the spring area. The terrain has gentle rolling character from the loess hill topography. The spring itself is visible from the trail, with its clear, cold water flowing from the hillside. The loop returns to the parking area after completing the circuit.

When to Visit

Summer: The combination of hiking and swimming makes summer the peak season for this loop.

Spring and fall: Comfortable temperatures and active wildlife.

Winter: Mild and quiet. The spring stays cool year-round.

What to Bring

Swimsuit and towel for the swimming area. Water from the campground. Sunscreen. Insect repellent from April through September.

Trailhead Access

Clear Springs Campground is reached via forest roads from Meadville, approximately 35 miles from Natchez on US-84.

Nearby

The Clear Springs Nature Trail (2.5 miles) covers more of the area around Clear Springs. The Homochitto River Trail is the forest's longer backcountry hike. Review the Leave No Trace seven principles before your visit.

Before any outing in East Texas national forest terrain, review the checking conditions guide for current information on trail conditions, fire restrictions, and wildlife alerts from official USFS sources.

The America the Beautiful pass covers day-use fees at developed recreation areas throughout the national forest system. Veterans and active military have additional access options covered in the veteran benefits guide.

East Texas national forests experience hot and humid conditions from May through September, with mosquito and tick activity year-round. Checking the Leave No Trace seven principles before any visit helps preserve the forest for the next visitor.

Before any outing in East Texas national forest terrain, review the checking conditions guide for current information on trail conditions, fire restrictions, and wildlife alerts from official USFS sources.

The America the Beautiful pass covers day-use fees at developed recreation areas throughout the national forest system. Veterans and active military have additional access options covered in the veteran benefits guide.

Trailhead Parking

Clear Springs Campground parking. Paved lot. Flush restrooms. No day-use fee.

← Back to Homochitto National Forest

More Trails in Homochitto National Forest

easyloop

Clear Springs Nature Trail

2.5 mi120 ft gain
Year-round

A 2.5-mile easy loop at Clear Springs Recreation Area in Homochitto National Forest, exploring the spring-fed swimming area and surrounding mixed hardwood forest with interpretive signs.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Franklin County Creek Trail

6 mi280 ft gain
October through April

A 6-mile moderate out-and-back trail following a tributary creek through bottomland hardwood in the Franklin County unit of Homochitto National Forest.

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easy-moderateout-and-back

Homochitto Bluff Walk

3.5 mi250 ft gain
October through April

A 3.5-mile easy-moderate out-and-back to scenic bluff overlooks above the Homochitto River in Homochitto National Forest, with views over the wooded valley and the river bottomland below.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Homochitto River Trail

8.5 mi450 ft gain
October through April

An 8.5-mile moderate out-and-back trail along the Homochitto River in southwestern Mississippi, following the blackwater river through loess bluff terrain and bottomland cypress-hardwood forest.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

Meadville Ridge Trail

4.5 mi280 ft gain
October through April

A 4.5-mile moderate out-and-back ridge trail in the central unit of Homochitto National Forest near Meadville, Mississippi, through mixed oak-pine forest with loess hill topography.

3 min read

easy-moderateloop

Pipe Lake Loop Trail

5 mi220 ft gain
October through April

A 5-mile easy-moderate loop around Pipe Lake in Homochitto National Forest, with lake views, fishing access, and mixed hardwood forest in the loess hills of southwestern Mississippi.

3 min read

moderateout-and-back

West Homochitto Hunting Trail

7 mi380 ft gain
October through April

A 7-mile moderate out-and-back trail through the western unit of Homochitto National Forest, traversing mature hardwood and mixed pine forest used primarily for hunting and wildlife observation.

3 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Clear Springs Swimming Hole Loop good for young children?
Yes. The 1.5-mile loop with minimal elevation gain and flush restrooms at the trailhead makes it the most accessible hiking option in Homochitto National Forest for young children. The loop can be completed in 45 minutes at a child's pace, and the swimming area provides an engaging post-hike activity in warmer months.
Is the swimming area safe?
Clear Springs is a spring-fed swimming area with consistent, clear water. There is no lifeguard; swimming is at your own judgment. The spring maintains a cooler temperature than the surrounding air in summer. The water moccasin (cottonmouth snake) is present in the forest; maintain awareness near the water's edge and bank vegetation.
When is the swimming area open?
The Clear Springs swimming area is accessible year-round, though summer is peak season. The spring water is cooler than the surrounding temperature in summer (refreshing) and milder than air temperature in winter. Check with the USFS Homochitto Ranger District for any seasonal maintenance closures.