Black Creek
About
Wild & Scenic since 1986, Black Creek cuts 40 miles through the De Soto National Forest in Forrest and Lamar counties, carrying an average 580 CFS through Class I-II water best run between 200-1200 CFS. The upper 21 miles from Fairley Bridge to Moody Landing hold Wild designation — undeveloped corridor through longleaf pine and bottomland hardwood. Below Moody Landing, the Scenic section runs 12 miles to the Big Creek confluence before widening into flatwater toward the Pascagoula. This was Choctaw homeland in the Piney Woods, and the 2020 Black Creek Wilderness Expansion added further protection to the headwater tributaries. Black Creek Canoe Rental operates on the system for those without boats. The gauge to watch is USGS 02479130, though the river's sandy bottom and moderate gradient make it forgiving across a wide flow range.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.