As scenic as the Ozarks are during autumn (Samantha Brown can confirm), summer brings opportunities for outdoor activities in less-known places. Whether you’re swimming in the Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees or camping near thegrand Tenkiller State Park — frequently referred to as Oklahoma’s “Heaven in the Hills”— one certainty is that Nature shines here. There’s a hidden paradise featuring dense greenery and moss-covered terrain close to the Oklahoma-Arkansas border — a place that will make you feel like you’re in the Garden of Eden. Natural Falls State Park in Delaware County is a painter’s dream, with vivid greens, an abundance of leaves, and the melody of a flowing waterfall echoing through the air. If this description brings back any memories, you may have seen it in the 1974 movie “Where the Red Fern Grows.”
Previously called Dripping Springs and used as a private park, it was changed to Natural Falls State Park in 1990. Now, it is accessible to everyone, and visitors come to hike, camp, and see the variety of animals that live here. Although it is open all year, spring is the ideal time to see wildflowers in full bloom. Autumn is equally beautiful, with vibrant red and golden leaves making for stunning scenery. Summer can be very hot, so it’s wise to avoid the peak heat, while winter can be icy and snowy.
Your best choice after leaving the state is to look for flights to Tulsa International Airport, which is only an hour from the state park. Oklahoma City is more than two hours away, whileBartlesville, the first oil boomtown in the state, featuring top-tier museums, is less than two hours away. The trip from Fayetteville, Arkansas, is also brief; it takes only an hour to reach Natural Falls State Park.
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Where to Sleep in Natural Falls State Park
Although visiting Natural Falls State Park can be done as a day trip, spending the night enhances the experience. The park offers 44 RV sites and 17 tent sites for a simple stay. It includes facilities such as showers, restrooms, water, electrical connections, a waste disposal station, picnic spots, and fire pits. Additionally, you can experience glamping in one of the five yurts available at the state park, suitable for groups of four to six people. These yurts allow pets with an extra charge.
Every yurt includes basic kitchen facilities such as a refrigerator, coffee maker, microwave, and power sockets. You can enjoy breakfast in the dining area or outdoors at the picnic table or deck. Outside the yurts, there is a charcoal grill, fire pit, and a lantern hook. On warm summer evenings, you can use the ceiling fan or air conditioning — heating is also available for cooler nights. If you didn’t bring your own bedding, you can rent it from the park. For group gatherings, the Red Fern Reunion Center provides rental space.
As adults set up their campsite, children can explore the playground or compete against their brothers and sisters in a volleyball match near the tents. Additionally, the entire family can take turns playing on the 18-hole disc golf course. In addition, fishermen can catch and release fish in Bear Creek and relax in the formal garden area before heading out on the trails. Be aware that poison ivy may be found along the paths, so it’s important to wear protective clothing and carry insect repellent. Also, bring your strong hiking boots, as the trails can become slippery following rain.
Follow the Routes to View the Waterfall
There are several paths you can follow to see the highlight of Natural Falls State Park, and they all eventually meet. Keep in mind that the trails aren’t clearly marked — it’s advisable to have an offline or printed map to help navigate your trip. The most commonly taken hike is the Dripping Springs Trail. This 1.1-mile loop might be brief, but parts of the trail are not paved. As you walk toward the waterfall, you’ll encounter ferns, mosses, and white oaks. At one point, a creek and a fishing lake become visible, surrounded by spicebush, redbud, columbine, coral berry, and dogwood. Soon, you’ll reach the viewing area, where a 77-foot waterfall cascades down the moss-covered rocks, leaving you in awe.
The Ghost Coon Trail leads you to this remarkable natural attraction. The 1.4-mile trail passes through open grasslands and a ridge before joining the Dripping Springs Trail. Although it takes approximately 30 minutes to finish, it ascends 154 feet, so prepare for the climb. Don’t forget your binoculars to catch sight of white-breasted nuthatches and pileated woodpeckers concealed among hickory and maple foliage.
The third hike offering comparable views is the Fox Den Trail. This trail features a steeper ascent — precisely 242 feet — but it’s just approximately a mile in length. After enjoying the stunning scenery, you’ll have enough energy to take the final path: the half-mile Bear Trail. You may spot an eastern gray squirrel searching for seeds or raccoons seeking refuge in tree cavities. White-tailed deer are frequently seen, as well as turkeys, hawks, and rabbits. Although swimming is not permitted at the waterfall, you can always makeTurner Falls Park should be your next stop and take a dip in the natural swimming area..
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