Clark Creek Natural Area — Attraction in St. Francisville

Beautiful and clean. It was not as difficult as I expected (based on reviews) and I have major health issues and I am only a year out of chemo. The most difficult part of the hike for me was the last 500 feet on the steeper incline leading up to the parking lot. I found following the creek bed much easier, but that would not be the case for anyone requiring assistive devices to walk. Keep in mind, the first waterfall is by far the prettiest. It is easy to get to. I found that if you stick to the trail, you will miss the other smaller waterfalls.

Don't do the hike if you are hurried. Plan to spend the day. Hurrying through the trail is way harder than meandering. My daughter started feeling bad and we went back at a much faster pace. Walking uphill always requires more energy. Most of the way back is uphill. I found the trail much tougher than following the creek because you walk the trail at a steady pace whereas the creek you have rocks to climb around, you readjust, walk 30 feet, and repeat It was easier for me to breathe than walking on the trail.

My family and I went in December and temperatures were at least 10° to 15° cooler than in Baton Rouge which is just an hour away. In the heat of the summer the hike would be overwhelming for many and impossible for me. Do not hike without water no matter what season it is. We found a few sticks that we could use as walking sticks, but don't count on that. I bought a two pack of hiking/walking sticks from Walmart in the camping section. WELL WORTH the $27 I spent on them. They helped to keep my balance climbing over the large rocks along the creek and on the trail. I plan to get some for my daughters too.

My advice... use a small water backpack like a camel bag to keep hydrated and your hands free, but wash and rinse it repeatedly until the rubber and plastic taste are gone before you go. Get walking sticks, snacks, a whistle to signal for help if you have an emergency, and a compass in case you get turned around going on and off the trail. The trail path is impossible to miss, but there was one occasion that we weren't sure if we should go left or right once we got back on trail. You will probably pass other hikers, but trail signs are few and far between. One is higher up in a tree. There is a map at the head of the trail and one at a T further down the trail. They are almost useless and make little sense. Our ATT phone did have patchy service. Sprint didn't. You won't think to take out your phones unless it is to take pictures. (Great way to unplug for the day.) We wore fishing sandals and water shoes. They were perfect for the creek. I did get tiny pebbles in my sandals. I just rinsed them out. The creek water was cold, but it was not so cold that you couldn't walk in it for a few minutes at a time. I imagine in the summer that cool water would feel amazing. I didn't see signs about flash flooding anywhere, but I would keep that in mind in Spring.

If you go be aware that others bring dogs. Dogs LOVE this place! Some well behaved and obedient dogs were off leash. Just don't let them startle you and understand their owners trust them enough to wander ahead, return to them, and to be friendly to everyone. Their were no dog companions on the trail that didn't have perfect manners. Don't bring your own dog unless he is well trained, obedient enough to return to you, won't knock down others, bother people, bark at others, or fight with other dogs. This is not the place to bring a dog that PULLS YOU on a leash. I will bring my puppy, but not until he is well trained. The trail is a peaceful place for people and dogs. Not a place to bring unruly, over friendly or unfriendly dogs. Official park rules are that they must be on a leash. You will see obedient, polite dogs off leash though.

Overall, it is a great place. Be prepared and don't let the reviews scare you off.

Lastly, if you use an...

The primitive trails are very poorly marked, having to backtrack several times and giving up in some areas and turning back. Not to mention we stumbled apon a whole family of wild boar on the primitive trail near the scenic overlook and luckly we had actually seen the piglets on the trail before we got too close (about 200ft away). They where quite aggressively snorting at us after we made lots of noise from surprize and we quickly turned back. Fortunately they did not follow us and left us alone after we left the area backtracking up the trail, they are obviously used to people. This was about 12:30 pm on a friday for reference. ABSOLUTELY NOT something someone with kids would want to come across for sure as we got way to close for comfort. Obviously this is the open wilderness here and seeing wildlife isnt unheard of but still not something you want to encounter armed with only a bush knife. Possible boar incounters would change a lot of peoples minds about hiking here. This along with having to turn back just from poorly marked paths, I would say that the primitive trails are not at all recommended in fact advised against for your own safety, both from wildlife and getting lost. But the waterfalls accessable right off the main trails are really great.

Waterfalls and main trails are great and worth the elevation changes but some may find it difficult to hike. Most of the trails are nicely graveled and not too rutted, but going down to the riverbeds and bases of waterfalls is much more challenging particularly waterfall number 2. The decent condition restrooms with water fountain at the trailhead is a huge plus, and most of the trails and paths to the base of waterfalls is accessable even by active kids. Why they dont have a water spigot to wash off boots i am not sure, because they know people will definitely use the sink for that (such as me, but fortunately I cleaned up after myself). They do not stock paper towels in the restrooms. Honor system of $2 per person at the moment, giving a tag to put in your car from the envelope to drop in the drop box with your payment. Keep in mind this more or less directly goes to keeping the trail and bathrooms upkept and clean, and they threatened a fine if caught without paying. Its worth it for sure. Dogs are allowed on leash, and the water is clear and astonishingly clean, more than enough for kids to play in. Avoid the primitive trails and you will have a great experience here, I still will be returning for certain simply due to the natural beauty here, but you can guess where I...

I loved hiking here. Both improved and primitive trails offer beautiful views and the chance to see waterfalls. It is important to understand what this park really offers, though. These are not going to be the most impressive waterfalls you have ever seen, and even on the improved trail, effort is required to get to them. Also, PLEASE do not underestimate these trails. The easier, improved trail has significant inclines and declines, some are fairly slick if it's been raining recently. The primitive trail requires climbing over and under downed trees, traversing small ravines and hiking through a creek bed for a significant portion of the trail. My wife and I are in fairly decent shape and exercise regularly and we STILL found the primitive trail challenging to say the least. The trail markers require a lot of attention in order to keep on the trail, which is not uncommon for a trail like this, but I think it could take people by surprise if you are not prepared for this. Bring plenty of water and dress accordingly for the terrain. I really enjoyed the natural beauty of this park, but I like trees, streams, small water falls, and peace and quiet. From other reviews I read and comments I heard on the trail, it seems like people expect more than this. You really are just hiking through a forest with a creek and some small falls, and in my opinion, you have to put in a decent amount of effort that may be disproportionate to the payoff for a lot of people. To sum it up, I loved this park and will be back, but please don't underestimate the "hiking" portion of these trails. I would highly advise against bringing a family of 6 kids deep into the trails with only 2 bottles of water between them. We actually saw this in the trail, and they looked like they were beginning to panic a little. Come here to enjoy the nature, but don't expect a casual,...