Is swimming allowed at Dunns Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Dunns Falls.

Nearby gauge (Chickasawhay River) · 160 ft³/s · About average

Dunns Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Dunns Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Dunns Falls.

Mississippi • 65 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Photo Credits (5)

TexasExplorer98 CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Dextera Photography CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

TexasExplorer98 CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.6 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

80 ft

About Dunns Falls

Dunns Falls sits just outside Enterprise, Mississippi, inside the historic Dunns Falls Water Park managed by the Pat Harrison Waterway District. The falls are a man-made cascade created in the mid-1800s to power a gristmill; today the 65-foot drop pours into the Chunky River, forming a photogenic plunge that draws locals and day-trippers alike. The site’s history and compact setting make it an easy, rewarding stop for anyone exploring the region. A short walk from the parking area brings you into the heart of the park, where wooden stairs and viewing areas let you enjoy the falls from multiple angles. Because the site is compact and close to road access, it’s well-suited for families and casual hikers looking for history, photography opportunities, or a quick outdoor break without a long backcountry trek.

The Setting

Dunns Falls sits at 246 feet in the coastal lowlands of Mississippi. The falls drop 65 feet.

Height: 65 feet

Trail & Hike Details

0.6 mi distance 80 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy 0.6-mile out-and-back trail gains 80 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

Trail length: 0.6 miles (out-and-back) with about 80 feet of elevation gain; difficulty: easy. The route from the parking area to Dunns Falls combines short stretches of paved path and natural tread, and a staircase provides direct access down to the base of the falls. The approach is non-technical with an average grade of roughly 5% on the one-way 0.3-mile section, making it suitable for most visitors seeking a brief, easy hike to the waterfall.

What to Expect

The falls drop 65 feet. Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Dunns Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $3.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Dunns Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and fall are ideal for visiting due to pleasant weather, but the waterfall is accessible year-round.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Be cautious on wet or slippery surfaces, especially near the stairs and riverbank. Observe all posted safety signs.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Moderate

These readings come from the USGS gauge on Chickasawhay River, 3.7 miles away, not on Dunns Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.

160 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

77 107 584 1.3k

Based on 88 years of record

4.91 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

CHICKASAWHAY RIVER AT ENTERPRISE, MS

USGS 02477000

3.7 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 918 sq mi

Altitude: 208 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge CHICKASAWHAY RIVER AT ENTERPRISE, MS (6 km away).

High confidence

Moderate right now

160 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Moderate

160 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

187 cfs

9/10

Tue

Moderate

196 cfs

9/10

Wed

Moderate

198 cfs

9/10

Thu

Moderate

217 cfs

9/10

Fri

Moderate

221 cfs

9/10

Sat

Moderate

243 cfs

9/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, widespread frost then mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late January to mid April, peaking in February.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Enterprise hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Dunns Falls Frozen?

Updated about 17 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately

Dunns Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 60°F to 38°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 162 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

The ground through the falls loses about 74 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The listed height of 65 feet matches what the lidar sees. The ground at the falls is roughly 246 feet above sea level.

Both above and below, the ground is gentle; the falls are the one abrupt step in an otherwise easy-going creek. Facing west, the falls glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Dunns Falls near Enterprise, Mississippi, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Dunns Falls near Enterprise, Mississippi, showing about 74 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing west

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 246 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 74 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: West; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Dunns Falls is located off Dunns Falls Road, near Enterprise, Mississippi. It is accessible via a short drive from Interstate 59. Clear signage directs visitors to the park entrance.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the park entrance, with ample space for visitors.

Elevation

246 feet above sea level

Coordinates

32.228757° N, -88.821438° W

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear comfortable shoes for the short walk to the falls. Bring water and a camera to capture the scenic views. Be cautious on the stairs leading to the base of the falls, as they may be slippery.

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For this easy 0.6 miles trail, lightweight trail shoes and a water bottle are usually sufficient. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.