Mississippi has only a handful of waterfalls. With so few, you’d think it’d be pretty easy to keep up with them all. But there’s one that most people don’t know about, and it’s hidden in the Vicksburg National Military Park. Take a look:

With 1,340 monuments, markers, tablets, and plaques, history comes to life at Vicksburg National Military Park.

Vicksburg National Military Park/Facebook (FYI: It’s one of the most densely monumented battlefields in the entire world.)

But the park has more to offer than monuments, markers, tablets, and plaques. It also features plenty of natural resources, including a beautiful waterfall known as Mint Springs Bayou Waterfall.

Marty Kittrell/How Great Thou Art

The waterfall is on Mint Springs Bayou, which is just one of three major streams that flow through the park.

Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent Vicksburg, Mississippi

Both scenic and historic, Mint Springs Bayou served as a source of water for both Union and Confederate soldiers during the Siege of Vicksburg.

Marty Kittrell/How Great Thou Art

The bayou (and in turn, the fall) was named after the wild mint plants that once grew near it. There’s even a story that the Mint Julep drink originated in Mint Springs Bayou.

Marty Kittrell/How Great Thou Art

The cascading fall is situated near Washington Street at the foot of Fort Hill.

Marty Kittrell/How Great Thou Art

At 30’ in height, it’s one of the state’s tallest waterfalls.

Marty Kittrell/How Great Thou Art

Despite being located in a national park, most residents have no idea the waterfall even exists, which is probably due to the fact that it’s been off-limits to the public for quite some time.

Marty Kittrell/How Great Thou Art

Overflowing with beauty, history, and obscurity, Mint Springs Bayou Waterfall has got to be one of Mississippi’s best hidden gems!

Marty Kittrell/How Great Thou Art

Remember, the waterfall is off-limits since it’s dangerous to access. However, that could change. In order to find out what the status of the waterfall is, check the Vicksburg National Military Park website.

Vicksburg National Military Park/Facebook

(FYI: It’s one of the most densely monumented battlefields in the entire world.)

Marty Kittrell/How Great Thou Art

Janie Fortenberry/Photography with a Southern Accent Vicksburg, Mississippi

This isn’t the state’s only waterfall. Read about another here.

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