The 10 Best Waterfalls in Oklahoma

Though Oklahoma might be known as a state full of farmland, it’s also got plenty of awe-inspiring waterfalls. Though we definitely recommend checking out every waterfall in the state, here are the top 10 to get you started.

The Best Waterfalls in Oklahoma

1. Buffalo Springs

Buffalo Springs may just be one of the numerous natural landmarks you can find along Travertine Creek, but it’s still worth a special visit.

Considered to be a family-friendly spot, the trail is fairly easy for most hikers.

Most visitors recommend planning to stay a while to explore the area around the springs, have a picnic, and even do a little meditation. Especially since the falls really allow you to get in touch with nature.

Buffalo Springs is a great spot to hit on a summer hike with its naturally cool water and plenty of shade.

2. Heavener Runestone Falls

Heavener Runestone Park is a historic park that has plenty for visitors to see.

Between its winding and beautiful trails and its annual Viking Festival, there’s fun for the whole family all year round.

However, the Heavener Runestone Falls are a particularly worthy attraction you should add to your must-visit list.

Though the falls are always beautiful, they’re especially majestic after some consistent rain when the rushing water really makes you feel like you’ve gone back in time.

The best part is the hike to get to the falls is an easy one.

3. Little Niagara

With a name like Little Niagara, you might be surprised to find a mere 10-foot cascade.

Though the falls’ moniker might be a little tongue-in-cheek, it’s still a beautiful landmark that you won’t regret visiting.

The falls offer visitors a 22-acre visiting area with a large pool you can enjoy during the hottest days of the summer.

You can even bring your pets as long as they’re leashed, and you pick up after them.

Make sure to spend a few hours around the falls after enjoying the hike to get there.

4. Turner Falls

Along Honey Creek and nestled in the Arbuckle Mountains, you’ll find Turner Falls.

Viewable both from the visitor’s overlook and with admission to the park for an up-close look, the falls have been a must-visit spot for years.

The falls offer a one-of-a-kind swimming experience thanks to its clear, natural pool at the foot of the cascade that allows visitors to cool off on the hottest days of the year.

The walking path to get to the falls is also family-friendly and mixes relaxation and adventure together effortlessly.

It’s no wonder locals recommend visiting so much.

5. Beavers Bend

Located in the Beavers Bend State Park, the Beavers Bend Falls aren’t the easiest to find if you try to do an online search for it.

That’s because these falls are often overshadowed by the more well-known Presbyterian Falls.

However, if you’re on the lookout for waterfalls that won’t just offer you gorgeous views but will provide a unique auditory experience as well, this is the perfect destination.

Locals recommend hitting up Beavers Bend Falls after it’s rained to be able to fully appreciate the crashing of the water as it cascades over the ridge.

6. Presbyterian Falls

Presbyterian Falls has gained some notoriety over the years as being a must-visit destination. However, that doesn’t mean the falls have become commercialized and easy to find. You’ll still have to earn your views of the falls.

You can reach the falls by taking the roughly 2-mile hike that’s considered to be fairly difficult due to steep inclines and uneven terrain.

However, you can also take a kayak down the river to enjoy the waterfall up close if you’re up for something a little more adventurous.

No matter how you make the trip, Presbyterian Falls has views worth seeing.

7. Cache Creek

Hidden in the Wichita Mountains is Cache Creek.

A natural water cascade reachable by a 3.5-mile easy trail through the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge.

With plenty of natural shade and cool water mist, particularly after periods of consistent rainfall, the falls are a must-visit for anyone who is spending the summer in Oklahoma.

The falls have multiple levels that offer you a view of the creek that is well worth capturing on camera.

You can also find a spot to sit peacefully and enjoy the relaxing sound of the rushing water.

8. Medicine Park Falls

The Medicine Park Falls are also sometimes more commonly known as Bath Lake.

As its name would suggest, with a swimming pass, visitors are free to take a dip in the cool natural waters and play under the falls during the summer months to cool off. 

The Medicine Park Falls might not be the tallest or the widest cascade in the state. However, it’s one of the more family-friendly destinations.

It also allows nature lovers of all ages the chance to get up close and personal with the landscape in a fun and relaxing way.

9. Natural Falls

The Natural Falls are a breathtaking waterfall cascade in the Natural Falls State Park.

Located just a 0.5-mile hike into the park territory, you’ll feel like you’re much farther removed from the rest of the world once you catch a glimpse of the pouring water.

A 77-foot drop surrounded by lush woods and clear water will have you pulling out your camera to help commit the view to memory.

However, the trail is very steep. Therefore, it might not be appropriate for all hikers, and you should definitely pack your best hiking boots for the trek.

10. Bricktown Falls

Bricktown Falls sets itself apart from the other waterfalls in the state because it’s one of the easiest falls to access.

Located in the heart of Oklahoma City, this cascade allows visitors to get some much-needed relaxation without having to leave the city.

The falls are tucked away in a little patch of greenery that provides a peaceful 1-mile walk along the canal.

This is a manmade cascade that was first opened in 1999. However, it’s still beautiful and a great spot for photos, which makes it a worthy contender on this list.

Featured Image: Little Niagra via NPS