Mississippi / Tate County

Outlet Channel Day Use

Closed — Closed due to ongoing structural repairs at Arkabutla Dam. Day use areas directly downstream of the dam remain closed until further notice. Phase II critical repairs are scheduled to begin January 2026.

About

Outlet Channel Day Use Area is situated along Arkabutla Lake and Dam in the hills of northwest Mississippi. The dam project on the Coldwater River offers some of the best sailing east of the Mississippi River. The area provides day use facilities for families looking to enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and access to nearby hiking trails. Arkabutla Lake is home to largemouth bass, bream, catfish, and crappie. Wildlife management areas around the lake boast 30,000 acres of public hunting lands. Several trails wind around the lake including the Coldwater River Nature Trail System and Swinging Bridge Nature Trail, which includes an interpretive section showing land that was part of the river prior to the dam being built. The day use area is set among rolling hills forested with oak, hickory, beech, sweet gum, and birch trees along the riverfront below Arkabutla Dam.

Directions

Located just off Scenic Loop 304 on the bottom side of Arkabutla Dam in Tate County, Mississippi.

Nearby Campgrounds