Did you know that Oklahoma actually offers the nation’s most diverse terrain? No matter where I am in the world, my heart continuously leads me back to the Oklahoma Ozarks.
Natural Falls State Park is nestled in Oklahoma’s Ozark Highlands region, which is home to some of the most impressive natural beauty in the state. The prized gem in this park- the 77-foot waterfall- is one of the tallest waterfalls in Oklahoma.
The unique natural beauty in this region is so underrated and unexpected! You will just have to see it for yourself.
So, read on for a guide on how to visit Natural Falls State Park. In this post, we’ll be covering…
- Practical Info for Visiting Natural Falls State Park
- A Brief History of Natural Falls State Park
- How to Get to Natural Falls State Park
- Things to do in Natural Falls State Park
- Additional Tips for Visiting Natural Falls State Park
Practical Info for Visiting Natural Falls State Park
Natural Falls State Park does require a $10 parking fee, which can be paid online with the Park Mobile kiosk. The fee can also be paid inside the gift shop.
The best time to visit Natural Falls State Park is during the Fall or Spring. During the Fall, temperatures are mild and refreshing.
Also, the stunning Fall foliage makes for exciting road trip conditions during October and November. Though New England may be known for their gorgeous fall foliage, don’t underestimate Oklahoma’s beauty!
The Spring is also a great time to visit, with summer temperatures, lush greenery, and dreamy fields of wild flowers. Just be prepared for more rain than usual, which only makes the falls more impressive!
You may want to avoid the park during the summer. During the summer, temperatures become oppressively hot and humid. This is also when the park and campsites will be at their busiest.
If you are hoping to visit during the least busy season, the winter can be a decent time to visit if you are prepared. The winter has mild temperatures during the day, though the temperatures are known to drop to below freezing at night.
Image by Wayne Decker from Pixabay
A Brief History of Natural Falls State Park
Prior to becoming a roadside attraction for tourists exploring the Ozarks, Natural Falls State Park and the Dripping Springs Falls had its moment in the Hollywood spotlight.
During the Civil War, Dripping Springs was first a confederate and union troop encampment spot for nomadic soldiers. The park maintains this history through their rentable camping Yurts.
But most people know the park from its debut in the movie, Where the Red Fern Grows. This movie holds a lot of importance for the people living a simpler life in the Ozark Mountains.
Though you didn’t need to grow up in the Ozarks to relate to the story. Where the Red Fern Grows is a powerful tale that teaches lessons about hard work, love, and loss. Almost everyone can relate to the story of a boy and his two dogs.
This movie overall showcases how Dripping Springs Falls is truly a magical gift from nature that humans can truly connect to.
How to Get to Natural Falls State Park
Natural Falls State Park is in Dripping Springs, Oklahoma, close to its border with Arkansas. It is about 1 hour and 15 minutes from Tulsa, 2 hours and 30 minutes from Springfield, Missouri, and 2 hours and 45 minutes from Oklahoma City.
The park is located just off of highway 59 in a small town called Dripping Springs.
There is no public transportation available to and from Natural Falls State Park in Oklahoma.
Image by Mike Goad from Pixabay
Things to Do in Natural Falls State Park
This small park has a lot to offer! Here are some of the top activities to enjoy in Natural Falls State Park.
Check out the Formal Garden
The first thing you will see from the parking lot is the Formal Garden Display, which displays Oklahoma’s local flora. This is the perfect place to take cute photos!
By the Formal Gardens, there is also a children’s playground and a few picnic benches, along with numerous BBQ grills throughout the park.
Finally, there is a disc golf course near the garden. But to be honest, can anybody successfully play disc golf?
Natural Falls State Park Hiking
One of the most popular activities in the park is hiking. There are three different trails in the park.
The Dripping Springs Trail is 1.1-miles and takes hikers to the base of the falls. There is an upper viewpoint and lower viewpoint of the falls that you can view the falls from.
This is the most popular hike in the park and it’s the best way to experience the falls!
The Fox Den Trail is another short trail that takes hikers through the surrounding forest. This hike is the most interesting in the park, as you will pass by many caves as well as a man-made waterfall.
Finally, there is the Ghost Coon trail, at 1.4-miles. This is the easiest hike in the park.
It is more so a stroll down a paved path through a lush prairie. I’ve seen parents with strollers make their way down the Ghost Coon Trail without a problem!
Wildlife Viewing and Catch and Release Fishing
Wildlife and plant viewing is a big thing here. The moist environment from the falls encourages a large and diverse ecosystem.
You’re most likely to find white-tailed deer, turkey, squirrel, raccoon, and many different kinds of birds here.
There is also a small lake designated for catch and release fishing. But be sure to have your Oklahoma Fishing License before you cast your line!
Save the Swimming for Elsewhere
Many people ask, “can you swim at Natural Falls State Park in Oklahoma?”
Unfortunately, you cannot swim in the falls due to their dedication to preservation. Luckily, if you need a place to cool off, Flint Creek Water Park is only 3-miles west!
Natural Falls State Park Camping
Finally, Natural Falls is a fun place to camp! There are 5 yurts that can be reserved for camping.
Three of them sleep up to six, and two sleep up to four. The Natural Falls State Park yurts are modernized and equipped with the things you need to live comfortably, like a microwave, fridge, AC/heat, a bathroom, fire ring, and more.
Camping in one of the yurts is a fun and unique way to elevate your Natural Falls State Park camping experience!
There is also a huge RV and tent site that fits 44 vehicles. By the site is a comfort station with bathrooms and showers.
Finally, be sure to check out the gift shop and support Oklahoma state parks! You will find adorable shirts, stickers, patches, hiking medallions, and more.
Additional Tips for Visiting Natural Falls State Park
If it has rained recently before your trip and you are hiking, be sure to wear some shoes with good grip. The Dripping Springs Trail contains some wooden staircases that become very slippery after rainfall.
Also, during my last visit, I was sure I photo-bombed plenty of pictures taken by a school photography group while hiking to the falls. It can be hard to get the falls to yourself for an unobstructed picture!
Therefore, visit early in the morning to have the falls all to yourself. This small park does get a lot of visitors.
Finally, if you do not want to camp in the park, there are plenty of places to stay near Natural Falls State Park. Head east on highway 59 to West Siloam Springs, where there will be a range of accommodation options.
If you are headed west, there is a similar range of options in Pryor, Oklahoma.
I hope you enjoyed this guide to Natural Falls State Park in Oklahoma!
Let us know in the comments if there are any more Oklahoma recommendations we should add to our guide!