Spring Break is coming up- let’s go chasing waterfalls!
If you are looking for a spring getaway without the stress of lengthy travel, we are here to help with part three of the Tulsa Staycation Guide. Oklahoma boasts breathtaking waterfalls within just a few hours from Tulsa. Here is a look into five of the area’s best waterfalls.
TRAVEL TIME: 2 hours 45 minutes
Turner Falls Park is the perfect getaway for the whole family and home to Oklahoma’s tallest waterfall! It houses beautiful natural swimming areas, wading areas, sandy beaches, bath houses, picnic sites, and water slides.
Not only are the 77ft waterfall and cold refreshing streams beautiful, but they also have hiking trails, caves, camp sites, cabin rentals, great food, and so much more to see in the heart of the Arbuckle Mountains!
–Beavers Bend Waterfall- Broken Bow, OK
TRAVEL TIME: 3 hours 30 minutes
Considered one of Oklahoma’s “Instagram worthy” destinations, Beavers Bend State Park features crystal clear Broken Bow Lake, cabins, campgrounds, Beavers Bend Nature Center, a restaurant, and is just a short drive from other fantastic restaurants.
Activities include hiking, biking, marina, boating, water skiing, trout fishing, swim beaches, canoe and paddleboat rental, horseback riding stables, train rides and miniature golf. Enjoy discovering southeast Oklahoma amidst the towering timbers and clear waters of one of Oklahoma’s most popular state parks.
TRAVEL TIME: 1 hour 15 minutes
Natural Falls State Park boasts one of Oklahoma’s most famous waterfalls. Its crystal clear water magnificently cuts through rock formations and plummets off the side of a panoramic cliff dotted with lush vegetation. Hidden in the stunning Ozark Highlands near the Arkansas border, many people recognize these beautiful surroundings from the 1974 movie “Where the Red Fern Grows.”
While swimming is not allowed under the waterfall, there is a side area where visitors are free to splash around in the water. There is also an observation platform at the waterfall’s base offering breathtaking photo-ops as well as a catch-and-release fishing area and plenty of trails for hiking.
–Sand Creek Falls- Osage Hills, OK
TRAVEL TIME: 45 minutes
Take a short trip to beautiful Sand Creek Falls in Osage Hills. Flowing through breathtaking Osage Hills State Park, this waterfall is a prime example of Oklahoma’s natural beauty. With lush forests, rocky bluffs and serene waters, the park boasts 1,100 acres of scenery. Nestled in lush rolling hills, this area was once an Osage Indian settlement.
While fall foliage viewing is a wonderful attraction of this area, there is still plenty of spring beauty to take in when visiting Sand Creek Falls in Osage Hills.
–Little Niagara Falls- Sulphur, OK
TRAVEL TIME: 2 hours 30 minutes
Enjoy the rush of water as it cascades over a variety of small waterfalls found along the area’s Travertine Creek. The park is relatively uncrowded and quiet October through March, then begins to peak April through September. Beat the crowds and enjoy Little Niagara as a springtime destination.
The water of Travertine Creek maintains an average temperature of 65 degrees year round, which could make for a refreshing swim on a warm spring or summer day.
Safe travels from Carter & Higgins Orthodontics!
Looking for more local travel ideas? See part I and part II of our Tulsa Staycation Guide.
