When one thinks of Oklahoma, they don’t typically picture beautiful, cascading waterfalls — but the state harbors plenty of hidden gems. If you’re on the hunt for a gorgeous waterfall view (following a hike, most likely) we offer a few worth seeing in person.
Cache Creek Falls, Wichita Mountains
Tucked deep in the mountains of southwest Oklahoma is Cache Creek Falls, a stunning waterfall that is not seen in person as often as others due to the hike to get there. It’s called the Forty Foot Hole and it is only accessible by a rugged trail in the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge. While the Oklahoma trails are only 2.4 miles round-trip, there are cliffs and rocky terrain, so tread carefully!
Turner Falls, Davis
Turner Falls Park is the oldest park in Oklahoma and is named for Mazeppa Thomas Turner, a pioneer citizen and politician in Oklahoma Territory. The park is nestled below the famous Arbuckle Mountains and forms Honey Creek, which then cascades down a 77-foot fall to a natural swimming pool, making the majestic Turner Falls one of the largest waterfalls in Oklahoma.
The Arbuckle Mountains are the oldest known formations in the United States between the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains. The park itself has been a recreational area since 1868, and is accented with beautiful picnic areas, nature trails, caves, geological wonders and two natural swimming pools.
The grounds also include a walk-in castle that was built on the property in 1930. The entire park is family-friendly and boasts cabins, campsites, shelters, bunkhouses, wagons, RV sites and pavilions available for rental.
Natural Falls State Park, West Siloam Springs
Located near the Oklahoma/Arkansas border in the scenic Ozark Highlands region of northeast Oklahoma, Natural Falls State Park features a stunning 77-foot waterfall cascading through rock formations and creating a hidden, serene atmosphere at the bottom of a narrow V-shaped valley.
A railed observation platform allows hikers to overlook the falls, and another observation deck with seating is located at the foot of the falls, offering two vantage points to enjoy one of the most scenic wonders in the state. The vista may look familiar to many visitors because scenes from the 1974 movie Where the Red Fern Grows were filmed in the park.
Little Niagara Falls, Sulphur
Little Niagara Falls is a gorgeous swimming hole with crystal-clear cold water, tucked away in the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains in southern Oklahoma. Plus, it’s more than just a waterfall/swimming hole; there are miles and miles of beautiful hiking trails, mineral water streams and lakes to enjoy.
The recreation area has a bevy of hiking trails, many leading to natural, spring-fed swimming holes. The Travertine Creek Trail is an easy hike at just under three miles round-trip. It will take you along the Travertine Creek and over to the Little Niagara Falls swimming hole, and is described as well-maintained and an easy trek.
Beavers Bend Waterfall, McCurtain County
Located in McCurtain County in southeast Oklahoma near the towns of Broken Bow and Hochatown, Beavers Bend State Park is an outdoor wonderland that’s perfect for all types of adventurers. Its piney forest rests in the foothills of the Kiamichi Mountains and the Ouachita National Forest, along with Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River.
Beavers Bend State Park is located approximately nine miles north of the town of Broken Bow, just off of Highway 259 and just west of Hochatown. There are several activities to take part in once in the park that include hiking, fishing, tubing, all kinds of water sports, horseback riding, golfing, bird watching, tent camping, RV camping and lodge rentals with stunning lake views.
