Oklahoma’s diverse landscape includes rugged mountains, vast plains, lush forests, mighty canyons, sparkling lakes, rushing rivers, and a smattering of gorgeous waterfalls. Here is a collection of waterfalls in Oklahoma to help you plan a memorable vacation.
Waterfalls in Northeast Oklahoma
Northeast Oklahoma is Green Country: lovely green foliage and rolling hills, home to the Ozarks and the Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve.
1. Natural Falls – Colcord
Located in the Ozarks, close to the Oklahoma-Arkansas border, Natural Falls State Park features a stunning 77-foot waterfall, with pristine water cascading through rock formations and hurtling into a turquoise pool.
To access the falls, find the stone archway that has a sign saying “Visit Dripping Springs Scenic Waterfall.” The pathway leads to an observation platform overlooking the waterfall. From there, you can go down more than 80 steps to the bottom. Head left to get a view of the waterfall from the bottom.
Swimming in the pond is prohibited, but there is an outdoor swimming pool elsewhere inside the park.
You can spend the night in one of the glamping yurts or campgrounds within the park, or you can stay in accommodations in West Siloam Springs.
Essential Information
Address: Natural Falls State Park | 19225 E 578 Rd, Colcord, OK 74338 | 918-422-5802
Hours: Sun–Mon 8:30am–5pm (campers welcome 24/7)
Fees: $10 per passenger vehicle per day
Swimming: Prohibited
Dog-friendly? Yes, on a leash
Best time to visit: May to October
Nearest town: West Siloam Springs, OK
Nearby places of interest: Natural Falls State Park
More information: Natural Falls State Park | TravelOK.com
2. Bluestem Falls – Pawhuska
Bluestem Falls is one of the best hidden waterfalls in Oklahoma.
The falls are created by the Bluestem Lake Spillway, water cascading over cliffs of shale and sandstone spilling into Middle Bird Creek.
These amazing falls are tucked into Bluestem Lake, and they’re easy to miss with a single wrong turn. From US-60, turn into County Road 4275 for 3 miles; on an upcoming fork, keep to the right even if your GPS device points you to the left.
There’s a parking lot at the end of the road that’s right by the falls.
Essential Information
Address: Co Rd 4275, Pawhuska, OK 74056 | 918-287-3040
Swimming: Not possible
Dog-friendly? Yes
Best time to visit: May to November
Nearest town: Pawhuska, OK
Nearby places of interest: Bluestem Lake
More information: Bluestem Lake | TravelOK.com
3. Sand Creek Falls – Pawhuska
Not far from Bluestem Lake (around a half-hour drive) is Osage Hills State Park, where another hidden gem can be found.
Sand Creek Falls pours along Sand Creek and is a tranquil spot to rest.
They’re not very tall, but they’re certainly beautiful and relaxing to gaze upon, especially after a day of hiking and fishing.
This state park gets plenty of visitors during the spring and summer months, but try to visit in the fall to experience the dazzling fall foliage of the surrounding trees.
Essential Information
Address: 2131 Osage Hills Park Rd, Pawhuska, OK 74056 | 918-336-4141
Hours: Sun–Mon 8:30am–4pm (campers welcome 24/7)
Fees: $10 per passenger vehicle per day
Swimming: Not possible
Dog-friendly? Yes, on a leash
Best time to visit: May to November
Nearest town: Bartlesville, OK
Nearby places of interest: Osage Hills State Park
More information: Osage Hills State Park | TravelOK.com
4. Centennial Park Waterfall – Tulsa
Centennial Park is a popular place in Tulsa to take a stroll and take in fantastic views of the downtown skyline. Gardens, fountains, and streams make the stroll more scenic and more enjoyable.
Within this 13-acre park is a man-made waterfall that’s a favorite of locals and tourists alike, as it’s a tranquil place to simply sit down, crack open a book, or have a picnic with friends and family.
Visit the park at night to have a unique experience; the paths are illuminated and the water features look different.
Essential Information
Trailhead Address: 1028 E 6th St, Tulsa, OK 74120 | 918-596-1444
Hours: Sun–Mon 5am–11pm
Swimming: Not possible
Dog-friendly? Yes, on a leash
Best time to visit: All year round
Nearest city: Tulsa
Nearby places of interest: Central Center in Centennial Park
More information:
Central Center in Centennial Park | TravelOK.com
Central Center in Centennial Park | City of Tulsa
Waterfalls in Southeast Oklahoma
This region of Oklahoma is also called Choctaw Country. Of the six regions of Oklahoma, this is the most mountainous, containing most of the Ouachita Mountains that lie in Oklahoma, the Arbuckle Mountains, and five other mountain ranges.
Among these mountains and forests are a few hidden waterfalls in Oklahoma.
5. Presbyterian Falls – Broken Bow
Beavers Bend State Park is a 1,300-acre state park along the shores of Broken Bow Lake and the Mountain Fork River.
Presbyterian Falls lies on the Lower Mountain Fork River. The waters aren’t too high but they’re certainly beautiful, especially during the spring and fall when the waters are cascading
The popular way to reach these falls is to kayak through the Mountain Fork River from Beavers Bend. You can also hike through a shady trail along the river.
You can stay on the campgrounds on Beavers Bend State Park
Essential Information
Address: 4350 S, OK-259A, Broken Bow, OK 74728 | 580-494-6300
Hours: Sun–Thu 8am–6pm Fri–Sat 8am–8pm (campers welcome 24/7)
Fees: $10 per passenger vehicle per day
Swimming: Not possible
Dog-friendly? Yes, on a leash
Best time to visit: March to May, September to November
Nearest towns: Broken Bow
Nearby places of interest: Beavers Bend State Park, Broken Bow Lake
More information: Beavers Bend State Park and Nature Center | TravelOK.com
6. Heavener Runestone Falls – Heavener
Heavener Runestone Park is a 55-acre former state park that is home to a runestone that was rediscovered in the 1920s.
From oral history, the Choctaw natives in the area originally found the unique, inscribed runestone while they were hunting.
There is a lot of speculation around the origin of this runestone. Some say it was left behind by Vikings as early as 1,000 AD. Others believe that the stone was always there and was carved by settlers in the 1700s.
Either way, the mystery surrounding the stone attracts hundreds of visitors each year.
Aside from this historically important site, visitors come for the enchanting waterfall inside the park. It’s a seasonal waterfall, so it’s best to visit during the rainy season.
To get to the waterfall, take Runestone Loop Trail from the kiosk near the gift shop. The trail is short and dog-friendly but some areas and boulders may become slippery.
You can stay for a day in one of the picnic areas or stay overnight in one of the campsites. Come as well for the annual Viking festival in the park.
Essential Information
Address: 18365 Runestone Rd Heavener, OK 74937 | 918-653-2241
Hours: Sun–Thu 8am–8pm (campers welcome 24/7)
Fees: None, but donations are highly appreciated
Swimming: Not possible
Dog-friendly? Yes, on a leash
Best time to visit: After a rainstorm
Nearest city: Heavener, OK
Nearby places of interest: Heavener Runestone Park
More information:
Heaveners Runestone Park | TravelOK.com
Heavener Runestone Park
Waterfalls in Central Oklahoma
Central Oklahoma was once part of the Great American Frontier, earning its moniker Frontier Country. The landscape here is mostly prairie and
Nowadays, it is home to the largest urban area in the state, the Greater Oklahoma City area.
7. Bricktown Falls – Oklahoma City
Bricktown was historically a warehouse and distribution center turned entertainment district. It’s now home to various attractions, restaurants, museums, galleries, and an urban beach where families can relax during the summer.
Bricktown Falls is right on the Bricktown Canal, a mile-long waterway that connects the Oklahoma River to Bricktown and downtown Oklahoma City.
The best way to experience these waterfalls is to ride the Bricktown Water Taxi that travels along the Bricktown Canal. Their ticket booth is on Mickey Mantle Drive, across the Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark. Boats depart every hour.
During your water taxi ride, you’ll learn all about the history of the Oklahoma City buildings that you’ll pass.
Essential Information
Address: Bricktown Water Taxi | 111 S Mickey Mantle Dr, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 | 405-234-8294
Hours: May to September: Sun–Mon 10am–10pm; March, April, October, November: Sun–Mon 11am–7pm
Fees: $12 per head for adults; discounts available for children, seniors, disabled, and active duty military
Swimming: Prohibited
Best time to visit: May to October
Nearby places of interest: Bricktown Downtown District
More information:
Bricktown District, Oklahoma City
Bricktown Water Taxi
Bricktown Entertainment District | TravelOK.com
Waterfalls in South Central Oklahoma
South Central Oklahoma, also known as Chickasaw Country, is where the Chickasaw Nation is based. The Arbuckle Mountains are the central geographic feature in this region, surrounded by rivers and lakes, plus a few waterfalls.
8. Turner Falls – Davis
Turner Falls is the tallest and most popular waterfall in Oklahoma.
It’s fed by Honey Creek in the Arbuckle Mountains 77 feet from the ground, tumbling along a rocky bed and dropping down into cascades over a strangely shaped rock.
Located in the Arbuckle Mountains near Davis, Turner Falls Park is home to these falls, as well as natural swimming pools, fishing streams, beaches, hiking trails, caves, and the ruins of Collings Castle.
Cabins, shelters, RV hookups, and primitive camping sites are available for overnight stays. Fees for overnight permits are not included in the admission and parking fees.
Essential Information
Address: I-35 and Highway 77, Davis, OK 73030
Hours: Sun–Mon 7am–10pm (campers welcome 24/7)
Admission Fees: May to September: $16 per head for adults on weekdays; $20 per head for adults on the weekends; discounts available for children, seniors, and active military; October to April: $6 per head for adults; discounts available for children, seniors, and active military
Parking Fees: Level 1: $20 per day; Level 2: $10 per day; Level 3: Free
Swimming: Yes
Dog-friendly? Only compliant service animals allowed
Best time to visit: October to November
Nearest city: Davis, OK
Nearby places of interest: Turner Falls Park, Arbuckle Wilderness, Lake of the Arbuckles
More information:
Turner Falls Park
Turner Falls Park | ChickasawCountry.com
Turner Falls Park | TravelOK.com
9. Little Niagara Falls – Sulphur
Travertine Creek is one of the destinations inside Chickasaw National Recreation Area, which is home to plenty of water forms, like lakes, springs, streams, creeks, and many others. Water activities like swimming, fishing, and boating are thus popular in this park.
This recreation area is home to plenty of small, hidden, yet beautiful waterfalls in Oklahoma.
Little Niagara Falls is a popular waterfall on Travertine Creek. It’s a lovely little waterfall cascading gently into a swimming hole, which is popular in the summer. The surroundings feature travertine formations and rock outcroppings, adding to the appeal of the falls.
Nearby Travertine Island has a designated picnic area, with stone picnic tables and benches.
The water temperature is perfect during the summer, but there are fewer crowds in the fall.
To access Little Niagara, you can hike along the Travertine Creek Trail from the parking lot.
You can stay in one of the six public campgrounds with hundreds of campsites, or you can get accommodations in Sulphur.
Essential Information
Address: Chickasaw National Recreation Area | 901 W 1st St, Sulphur, OK 73086 | 580-622-7234
Swimming: Yes
Dog-friendly? Yes, on a leash, only on the trail (not in the creek and the falls)
Best time to visit: May to November
Nearest city: Sulphur, OK
Nearby places of interest: Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Travertine Creek, Rock Creek, Lake of The Arbuckles, Veterans Lake, Bear Falls, Panther Falls, Antelope and Buffalo Springs
More information:
Little Niagara Falls/Travertine Island | National Park Service
Chickasaw National Recreation Area | National Park Service
Chickasaw National Recreation Area | TravelOK.com
10. Blue River Falls, Tishomingo
Blue River Falls is yet another hidden gem in Oklahoma.
The Blue River is a tributary of the Red River and one of the last free-flowing streams in Oklahoma; that is, water flows from its source to its mouth without any manmade structures controlling the flow. It sits atop the Arbuckle Simpson Aquifer, a source of drinking water for nearby inhabitants.
Popular activities near the Blue River include camping, canoeing, kayaking, and rafting, and fishing. In fact, Tishomingo celebrates Veterans Day and President’s Day with the Blue River Trout Derby, a two-day fishing festival.
The shallow yet scenic Blue River Falls are formed as water drops over Hughes Crossing near the Blue River Campground. As the name suggests, this is used to cross the river, but this is also a popular spot for fishermen, providing easy access to trout lurking in the pool formed by the crossing.
Essential Information
Access: Blue River Public Fishing Area | 3400 S Hutchins Ln, Tishomingo, OK 73460 | 580-920-5773
Best time to visit: All year round
Nearest city: Tishomingo, OK
Nearby places of interest: Blue River
More information:
Blue River | ChickasawCounty.com
Blue River | TravelOK.com
Waterfalls in Southwest Oklahoma
Southwest Oklahoma is Great Plains Country, with its vast grassland and rolling hills, as well as the Wichita Mountains.
11. Cache Creek Falls – Cache
The Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge encompasses 59,000 acres of prairie land, oak forests, and rugged granite mountains, along with a diverse array of wildlife species dependent on these habitats. It was established to protect and restore wildlife species that are in danger of extinction, such as the American bison, Texas longhorn cattle, Rocky Mountain elk, and plenty of other species of mammals, reptiles, and birds.
Hidden in this wildlife refuge is Cache Creek Falls, which can be found in the Forty Foot Hole, a natural depression. As the water from nearby Cache Creek rushes over the rocks, several cascading waterfalls are formed, providing a breathtaking view of tumbling water surrounded by towering mountains.
You can reach this area only through hiking one of three trails: the Narrows Trail, Bison Trail, or the Kite Trail.
To reach the Narrows Trailhead, turn off of Highway 49 onto Boulder Turnoff Road toward Lost Lake, drive 2 miles then turn left into the Boulder Cabin parking lot. The Narrows Trail starts where the wooded area begins.
To reach the Bison Trailhead, turn off of Highway 49 onto NW Indiahoma Rd. You will begin to see signs for the parking lot that leads to the trail.
To reach the Kite Trailhead, turn off of Highway 49 onto Boulder Turnoff Road toward Lost Lake, drive around 1.5 miles then turn right into the Lost Lake Picnic Area.
Essential Information
Address: Wichita Mountains Visitor Center | 20539 State Highway 115, Cache, OK 73527 | 580-429-2197
Dog-friendly? Yes, on a leash, only outdoors
Best time to visit: March to November
Nearest towns and cities: Cache, OK; Indiahoma, OK; Lawton, OK
Nearby places of interest: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, Lost Lake, Charons Garden Wilderness Area, French Lake, Burford Lake, Osage Lake, Quanah Parker Lake, Crater Lake
More information:
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge | US Fish and Wildlife Service
12. Medicine Park Falls – Medicine Park
Medicine Park Falls is one of the most photogenic waterfalls in Oklahoma, with several bridges across the creek providing multiple vantage points and the Wichita Mountains in the background. This pretty waterfall is much wider than it is high.
It’s located right in the heart of Medicine Park, known as Oklahoma’s first resort town founded more than a hundred years ago. Bath Lake, right beside the falls and also sourced from Medicine Creek, is a popular swimming and fishing spot.
These falls are also one of the easiest to access and enjoy. One simply has to stroll through the town, shop, eat, and sightsee along the waterfront on Medicine Creek, and the rushing water at the Medicine Park Falls is right there.
Essential Information
Address: Medicine Park, OK 73557
Swimming: Bath Lake only
Best time to visit: May to November
Nearby places of interest: Medicine Park, Bath Lake, Wichita Mountains, Lake Lawtonka, Fort Sill
More information:
Town of Medicine Park, Oklahoma
Medicine Park | TravelOK.com
Plan Your Vacation to These Waterfalls in Oklahoma
From the popular to the hidden, from untouched state parks to urban escapes, Oklahoma waterfalls are fascinating destinations, whether you’re alone, honeymooning with your significant other, or spending time with your family.
Waterfalls aren’t the only water destinations in Oklahoma, though. If chilling or fishing on a lakeside is more your speed, here are a few spectacular lakes in Oklahoma.
But if you can’t get enough of waterfalls in the US to visit, here are some lists to scratch your waterfall itch:
- Best Waterfalls in the US
- Tennessee Waterfalls
- Vermont Waterfalls
- Massachusetts Waterfalls
- Arizona Waterfalls
- Ohio Waterfalls
- Portland, Oregon Waterfalls
Which of these waterfalls in Oklahoma are you planning to visit? Share your top picks in the comments!
