Best Waterfalls in Oklahoma: 11 Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
Tori Jane
Author
Let’s be real here for a moment: Oklahoma is a tragically underrated state. With so many things to do, see, experience, and enjoy, it’s kind of a mystery to us as to why it’s not a more popular destination. Take, for example, its multitude of natural wonders; all too many folks will write the Sooner State off without a second thought – but this means not thinking about things like the incredible waterfalls you’ll find scattered across the state. So, we’ve decided to compile a list of all the best cascades this beautiful state has to offer. Without further ado: here are 11 amazing waterfalls in Oklahoma everyone needs to add to their bucket list.
Ready to explore more waterfalls beyond the state border? From jaw-dropping cascades to swimmable emerald ponds, there are countless magnificent waterfalls found across the United States to explore.
Tallest Waterfalls In Oklahoma
Alright, let’s be real (again) – Oklahoma isn’t exactly famous for having waterfalls, but perhaps it ought to be. In fact, the Sooner State is home to several awesome falls – and two of them are jaw-dropping in terms of sheer size. Chasing waterfalls is a fun thing to do around here, and what better place to start than with the largest ones? If you’re feeling up for the adventure, come check out the two tallest waterfalls in Oklahoma:
1. Turner Falls
The nothing short of incredible Turner Falls is widely claimed to be Oklahoma’s tallest waterfall, coming in at an impressive 77 feet. That being said, it’s actually tied with Natural Falls – but more on that in a moment. This stunning waterfall is home to some of Oklahoma’s favorite outdoorsy adventures, and in the summer, the place tends to be quite popular. Don’t let that deter you, though – Turner Falls is a must-do getaway teeming with jaw-dropping natural beauty you won’t soon forget.
2. Natural Falls
As we mentioned above, the stunning wonder known as Natural Falls is also 77 feet tall, and it all too often gets overlooked as if it doesn’t exist. This beautiful waterfall can be found within Natural Falls State Park and was featured in the film adaptation of Where The Red Fern Grows, which is why it might look familiar. This Oklahoma state park is so much more than just a waterfall; its clear water, stunning scenery, and incredible camping opportunities make for an excellent vacation spot.
Best Waterfall Hikes In Oklahoma
So, you’re invested in exploring the waterfalls of Oklahoma and you’ve already seen the previous two. Now what? Easy: let’s do some incredible waterfall hikes that lead to truly jaw-dropping scenery. Both of the two waterfalls listed above are accessible by hiking trail, of course, but here are a couple more that are also worthy of a spot on your bucket list:
3. The 40-Foot Hole Trail
The amazing 40-Foot Hole Trail is located in the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge and is just under one mile in length. It’s generally described as easy, though small children may have issues with a few rocky areas. Along this hike, you’ll see a series of stunning waterfalls all worthy of the adventure in so many ways. Wear sunscreen, as there’s not a lot of shade along this trek.
4. The Skyline Trail
The Skyline Trail is a truly awe-inspiring waterfall hike in Oklahoma that’s so beautiful it seems like something from a dream. In fact, all of Beavers Bend State Park looks and feels dreamlike, with some truly awesome views of an otherwise pristine lake surrounded by some of the best hiking, fishing, and camping in the Sooner State. This trail leads to Beavers Bend Waterfall, one of Oklahoma’s most beautiful and well-known cascades. Enjoy every step... it’s worth your time!
5. Bixhoma Waterfall Trail
The genuinely surprising Bixhoma Waterfall Trail is a waterfall hike in OK that seems almost surreal in its beauty. We’re not sure why small waterfalls don’t tend to get the attention that larger ones do, but that just means we get it all the more to ourselves. This little waterfall hike is a hidden gem worthy of a lunch hour spent hiking it; the trail is just over 0.3 miles long and makes for a great quick jaunt.
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Accessible Waterfalls In Oklahoma (No Hiking Required)
Not feeling up to (or maybe unable to do) a hike? No worries – luckily, there are plenty of waterfalls in Oklahoma that are easily accessible, making them perfect for quite literally everyone. Whether you’re just not feeling a hiking trip today or you have mobility issues, small children, or anything else, these easy-access Oklahoma waterfalls make for an awesome accessible adventure:
6. Medicine Park Falls
The whole town of Medicine Park, Oklahoma is a jewel, though the stunning waterfall is its most-beloved draw. Medicine Lake is gorgeous and offers lots of recreation opportunities. This awesome park is located not terribly far from the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, so while you’re visiting the 40-Foot Hole Trail, be sure to stop here, too!
7. Bricktown Falls
Bricktown is a delightful neighborhood located within downtown OKC, and it’s a delight no matter what. But throw in the beautiful – albeit manmade - Bricktown Falls and you’ve got yourself a wonderful place for a picnic. You’ll find it located along the Bricktown Canal, and you’ll quickly discover that it can be quite popular on the weekends and during the summertime. Check out the Bricktown Water Taxi, which is one of the best ways to get up close and personal with the falls.
8. Veteran’s Park Waterfall
Sure, this waterfall may not be huge or bridal-veil-style delicate, but it’s still a fun adventure to seek out. Found at Veteran’s Park, one of the best parks in Oklahoma, this waterfall might also be manmade but never let that deter you – it's a wonderful place to hang out and maybe curl up with a good book. Enjoy incredible views of the Tulsa skyline as your backdrop for this one! Who says you can’t have a relaxing day by the water in the middle of the city? We sure don’t.
Best Waterfalls near Oklahoma City
To those of you who live in or around OKC and aren’t feeling up to an overly long adventure, these awesome waterfalls near Oklahoma City are the perfect solution for you. Each of these waterfalls is under three hours from town, and all of them are totally worth the adventure to get to. Whether OKC is close to or far away from you, you might just want to make a whole day out of the best waterfalls near OKC:
9. Price Falls
Hidden away in the Arbuckles is the illustrious Price Falls; this beautiful waterfall is nestled in the woods near the Falls Creek Assembly Youth Camp south of Davis. It definitely looks best when it’s being supplemented by snowmelt or rain water, and it’s a hidden gem, so you won’t have to worry about the crowds for this one. Seek it out, find it, and enjoy!
10. Little Niagara Falls
On the grounds of the Chickasaw National Recreation Area not far from the Texas state line is a waterfall known as Little Niagara Falls not thanks to its height but thanks to its width (and three beautiful little tiers). The waterfall is surrounded by 22 acres of beautiful woodlands, and hiking through the place is a must. If you find yourself visiting Turner Falls, be sure to check Little Niagara Falls out, too. Both back-to-back make for an excellent day trip!
11. Post Oak Falls
Post Oak Falls is a beautiful waterfall you can reach via the Post Oak Falls Trail at the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge. With incredible views of Elk Mountain and the incredible reward of a waterfall at the end, this is one hiking trail you’ll find yourself coming back to time and time again. The hike to reach the falls is one and a half miles long and rated as moderately difficult, so be sure to plan accordingly.
So, there you have ’em: 11 incredible waterfalls in Oklahoma that you will (literally) never find anywhere else. These cascades range from the roaring to the seemingly delicate, and each of them is worth a day trip to experience at least once or twice. You could also create a whole road trip out of this list – the adventure is entirely up to you. Do you have a favorite Oklahoma waterfall that didn’t make this list? Tell us about it in the comments. Craving more Sooner State cascades? This list is nowhere near complete! Be sure to also visit Presbyterian Falls, which is located on the Mountain Fork River, and Bluestem Falls, which exists thanks to the Bluestem Lake Spillway and is located in Pawhuska.
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