POND &045; It takes a bit of a hike before the reward. Yet after a few minutes of largely downhill travel on the gravel paths at Clark Creek Natural Area, you can hear it.

The quiet thunder of water.

Clark Creek has gorgeous scenery, a wealth of wildlife and the kind of forests that used to dominate Mississippi, but all of that pales in comparison to its greatest treasure: dozens of waterfalls that cut through the rocky bed of Clark Creek and spill into pools of clear water below.

The waterfalls have made the natural area a popular weekend destination for nature lovers despite its remote location. Clark Creek is located just outside of Pond, a tiny community about 20 miles west of Woodville.

There are more than 50 waterfalls on the 700 acres of the natural area, but the nine largest &045; most of which are readily accessible by the paths &045; are worth taking the trip for alone.

The falls emerge suddenly from the sandy bottom of Clark Creek, the sound of the water beating against the rock reaching hikers long before their sight. The sight of the water pouring over the exposed rock formations is breathtaking, as is the hiking.

Make sure you’re in good shape and bring plenty of water. The hiking can be intense as the trail climbs up and down constantly and some of the footing is treacherous, even on the main path.

For serious hikers, the primitive trail, which does not have any improvements, is a nice way to go.

The numerous waterfalls in the park range from trickles to impressive fonts of water falling as much as 30 feet down. The first waterfall along the Waterfall Trail in the park is one of the most attractive.

With an overlook and stairs leading down to it, it’s a nice place to sit and watch the water.

In the first few hundred yards of the main trail, there is a picnic bench and a swing for users to enjoy.

There is a $2 admission fee to the natural area, which is collected via an honor box at the parking lot. Make sure you pay &045; it’s worth a lot more than that just to experience one of the state’s great national treasures.

The numerous footpaths that lead off the main trail generally head to something interesting &045; after all, people carved out these paths because there was something they wanted to see.

Try walking down the creek bed as well, provided of course, it isn’t full of water.