State guide

Waterfalls in Oklahoma

26 waterfalls across 9 counties, ranked 27th nationally. The main waterfall regions are Arbuckle Mountains, Ouachita Mountains, and Ozark Plateau and Green Country.

Source: USGS Geographic Names Information System, with visitor ratings from Google Maps listings.

Best Waterfalls

Photo of Turner Falls in Murray County, Oklahoma
Pictured: Turner Falls, OK

Towns

Why Oklahoma Has So Many Waterfalls

Oklahoma is mostly plains and rolling prairie, but three old, eroded mountain regions break up the landscape, and they hold nearly all of the 26 named waterfalls in our directory, which ranks the state 27th nationally. By far the most important is the Arbuckle Mountains of south-central Oklahoma. Murray County, home to the Arbuckles and the towns of Davis and Sulphur, accounts for 14 listings on its own. The Arbuckles are an uplift of folded limestone, dolomite and granite that exposes some of the oldest rock in the region, and they are riddled with springs.

Those springs are what make the Arbuckle falls distinctive. Groundwater rich in dissolved calcium carbonate emerges and deposits travertine, a porous limestone that builds up ledges, dams and terraces in creeks. Travertine Creek in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area near Sulphur has a string of small falls built this way, and Turner Falls on Honey Creek is the state's best-known waterfall. Southeast Oklahoma's Ouachita Mountains, formed of folded sandstone and shale ridges, add rain-fed falls in Le Flore and McCurtain counties, while the Ozark Plateau of the northeast contributes a few around Tahlequah and the Arkansas River valley.

Oklahoma Waterfall Regions

Arbuckle Mountains

20 waterfalls · Murray County, Carter County, and Johnston County

The Arbuckles are low but rugged, with limestone ledges, clear spring-fed creeks and travertine formations. Turner Falls, along Honey Creek near Davis, spills over a wide rock face into a natural swimming pool, and it is among the most visited outdoor sites in Oklahoma. In the Chickasaw National Recreation Area at Sulphur, Travertine Creek flows past a series of small named falls, including Little Niagara Falls, Panther Falls, Bear Falls and Garfield Falls, each a short drop over a travertine ledge. Price Falls and other Murray County falls lie nearby. Carter and Johnston counties extend the region with smaller falls on creeks around Lone Grove and Tishomingo.

Start with: Turner Falls, Little Niagara Falls, Price Falls, Panther Falls, Lick Creek Falls

Ouachita Mountains

3 waterfalls · Le Flore County, McCurtain County, and Atoka County

Southeast Oklahoma is forested, hilly and noticeably wetter than the rest of the state. The east-west ridges of the Ouachitas are built from folded sandstone and shale, and creeks crossing them form ledgy falls and cascades. Hontubby Falls lies in Le Flore County, and Presbyterian Falls is in McCurtain County, the forested corner of the state around Broken Bow that is known for clear rivers and pine and hardwood forest. Atoka County adds one listing near the town of Atoka. Most falls here are small and seasonal, but the setting of forested ridges and clear streams makes them pleasant destinations after rain.

Start with: Presbyterian Falls, Hontubby Falls, Rock Creek Falls

Ozark Plateau and Green Country

3 waterfalls · Cherokee County, Sequoyah County, and Wagoner County

Northeast Oklahoma rises onto the western edge of the Ozark Plateau, a dissected upland of limestone and chert cut by clear streams such as the Illinois River. Around Tahlequah, small falls drop over rock ledges in wooded hollows, and McSpadden Falls in Cherokee County is one of the listed sites here. Sequoyah County, near Vian along the Arkansas River, and Wagoner County each hold one listing. Falls in this region tend to be short drops and seeps that flow best in spring, and they are often found close to lakes and rivers popular for floating and fishing.

Start with: McSpadden Falls, Webbers Falls (historical), Lower Verdigris Falls (historical)

25 Featured Waterfalls in Oklahoma

Ordered by Google rating and review volume, then by documented USGS history.

  1. Little Niagara Falls

    Sulphur, OK · Murray County
    4.7 (475 reviews)

    22-acre woodland with trails & a popular waterfall offering a large pool & shallow drop.

    Rating
    4.7 (475 Google reviews)
    Address
    Murray County, OK 73086 (GPS 34.5084, -96.9503)
    Nearest town
    Sulphur, OK (1.0 mi)
    USGS topo
    Sulphur North quad
    View details Directions

  2. Turner Falls

    Davis, OK · Murray County
    4.1 (2,526 reviews)

    Wide, 77-ft. waterfalls plunging into a natural swimming pool, with campsites & snack bars nearby.

    Rating
    4.1 (2,526 Google reviews)
    Address
    Davis, OK 73030
    Known for
    zip line, caves, life jackets, cabins, relaxing atmosphere
    Nearest town
    Davis, OK (5.7 mi)
    USGS topo
    Turner Falls quad
    View details Directions

  3. Panther Falls

    Sulphur, OK · Murray County
    4.9 (19 reviews)

    Panther Falls is a waterfall in Murray County, Oklahoma, in Sulphur. USGS notes: 1/4 mi NW of Pebble Falls on Travertine Creek

    Rating
    4.9 (19 Google reviews)
    Address
    Murray County, OK 73086 (GPS 34.5029, -96.9656)
    Nearest town
    Sulphur, OK (0.4 mi)
    USGS topo
    Sulphur North quad
    View details Directions

  4. Presbyterian Falls

    Broken Bow, OK · McCurtain County
    4.3 (19 reviews)

    Presbyterian Falls is a waterfall in McCurtain County, Oklahoma, about 7.1 miles northeast of Broken Bow. It appears on the USGS Eagletown topographic map.

    Rating
    4.3 (19 Google reviews)
    Address
    McCurtain County, OK 74734 (GPS 34.0696, -94.6241)
    Known for
    secluded spot, hiking, driving, fishing
    Nearest town
    Broken Bow, OK (7.1 mi)
    USGS topo
    Eagletown quad
    View details Directions

  5. Price Falls

    Davis, OK · Murray County
    3.8 (21 reviews)

    Price Falls is a waterfall in Murray County, Oklahoma, about 5.5 miles south of Davis. It appears on the USGS Dougherty topographic map.

    Rating
    3.8 (21 Google reviews)
    Address
    Murray County, OK 73030 (GPS 34.4262, -97.1070)
    Known for
    private place
    Nearest town
    Davis, OK (5.5 mi)
    USGS topo
    Dougherty quad
    View details Directions

  6. Garfield Falls

    Sulphur, OK · Murray County
    4.8 (4 reviews)

    Garfield Falls is a waterfall in Murray County, Oklahoma, about 0.8 miles southeast of Sulphur. USGS notes: 250 ft SW of Lost Falls on Travertine Creek

    Rating
    4.8 (4 Google reviews)
    Address
    Murray County, OK 73086 (GPS 34.5023, -96.9556)
    Nearest town
    Sulphur, OK (0.8 mi)
    USGS topo
    Sulphur North quad
    View details Directions

  7. Bear Falls

    Sulphur, OK · Murray County
    3.5 (4 reviews)

    Bear Falls is a waterfall in Murray County, Oklahoma, about 0.8 miles east of Sulphur. USGS notes: In the Travertine Creek

    Rating
    3.5 (4 Google reviews)
    Address
    Murray County, OK 73086 (GPS 34.5101, -96.9545)
    Nearest town
    Sulphur, OK (0.8 mi)
    USGS topo
    Sulphur North quad
    View details Directions

  8. Lick Creek Falls

    Davis, OK · Murray County
    4.1 (7 reviews)

    Lick Creek Falls is a waterfall in Murray County, Oklahoma, about 5.3 miles southwest of Davis. It appears on the USGS Turner Falls topographic map.

    Rating
    4.1 (7 Google reviews)
    Address
    Murray County, OK 73030 (GPS 34.4440, -97.1756)
    Nearest town
    Davis, OK (5.3 mi)
    USGS topo
    Turner Falls quad
    View details Directions

  9. Slippery Falls

    Tishomingo, OK · Johnston County
    4.0 (5 reviews)

    Slippery Falls is a waterfall in Johnston County, Oklahoma, about 4.8 miles north of Tishomingo. It appears on the USGS Reagan topographic map.

    Rating
    4.0 (5 Google reviews)
    Address
    Johnston County, OK 73460 (GPS 34.3029, -96.7044)
    Known for
    public
    Nearest town
    Tishomingo, OK (4.8 mi)
    USGS topo
    Reagan quad
    View details Directions

  10. Hontubby Falls

    Heavener, OK · Le Flore County
    3.8 (4 reviews)

    Hontubby Falls is a waterfall in Le Flore County, Oklahoma, about 2.5 miles south of Heavener. It appears on the USGS Hontubby topographic map.

    Rating
    3.8 (4 Google reviews)
    Address
    Le Flore County, OK 74937 (GPS 34.8559, -94.5858)
    Nearest town
    Heavener, OK (2.5 mi)
    USGS topo
    Hontubby quad
    View details Directions

  11. McSpadden Falls

    Tahlequah, OK · Cherokee County
    3.0 (6 reviews)

    McSpadden Falls is a waterfall in Cherokee County, Oklahoma, about 5.0 miles northeast of Tahlequah. It appears on the USGS Tahlequah topographic map.

    Rating
    3.0 (6 Google reviews)
    Address
    Steely Hollow, OK 74464
    Nearest town
    Tahlequah, OK (5.0 mi)
    USGS topo
    Tahlequah quad
    View details Directions

  12. Lost Falls

    Sulphur, OK · Murray County
    5.0 (1 reviews)

    Lost Falls is a waterfall in Murray County, Oklahoma, about 0.8 miles southeast of Sulphur. USGS notes: Between Bear Falls and Garfield Falls on Travertine Creek

    Rating
    5.0 (1 Google reviews)
    Address
    Murray County, OK 73086 (GPS 34.5026, -96.9553)
    Nearest town
    Sulphur, OK (0.8 mi)
    USGS topo
    Sulphur North quad
    View details Directions

  13. Sycamore Falls

    Sulphur, OK · Murray County
    5.0 (1 reviews)

    Sycamore Falls is a waterfall in Murray County, Oklahoma, about 0.8 miles east of Sulphur. USGS notes: Between Cave Island Falls and Bear Falls on Travertine Creek

    Rating
    5.0 (1 Google reviews)
    Address
    Murray County, OK 73086 (GPS 34.5051, -96.9547)
    Nearest town
    Sulphur, OK (0.8 mi)
    USGS topo
    Sulphur North quad
    View details Directions

  14. Pebble Falls

    Sulphur, OK · Murray County
    4.0 (1 reviews)

    Pebble Falls is a waterfall in Murray County, Oklahoma, about 0.6 miles southeast of Sulphur. USGS notes: 1/3 mi W of Garfield Falls on Travertine Creek

    Rating
    4.0 (1 Google reviews)
    Address
    Murray County, OK 73086 (GPS 34.5018, -96.9614)
    Nearest town
    Sulphur, OK (0.6 mi)
    USGS topo
    Sulphur North quad
    View details Directions

  15. Cave Island Falls

    Sulphur, OK · Murray County
    1.7 (3 reviews)

    Cave Island Falls is a waterfall in Murray County, Oklahoma, about 0.8 miles east of Sulphur. USGS notes: 750 ft N of Sycamore Falls on Travertine Creek

    Rating
    1.7 (3 Google reviews)
    Address
    Murray County, OK 73086 (GPS 34.5068, -96.9536)
    Nearest town
    Sulphur, OK (0.8 mi)
    USGS topo
    Sulphur North quad
    View details Directions

  16. Bridal Veil Falls

    Davis, OK · Murray County
    5.0 (2 reviews)

    Bridal Veil Falls is a waterfall in Murray County, Oklahoma, about 5.8 miles south of Davis. It appears on the USGS Turner Falls topographic map.

    Rating
    5.0 (2 Google reviews)
    Address
    Davis, OK 73030
    Nearest town
    Davis, OK (5.8 mi)
    USGS topo
    Turner Falls quad
    View details Directions

  17. Cheadle Falls

    Tishomingo, OK · Johnston County
    5.0 (2 reviews)

    Cheadle Falls is a waterfall in Johnston County, Oklahoma, about 6.8 miles northeast of Tishomingo. It appears on the USGS Connerville SE topographic map.

    Rating
    5.0 (2 Google reviews)
    Address
    Johnston County, OK 73450 (GPS 34.2756, -96.5692)
    Nearest town
    Tishomingo, OK (6.8 mi)
    USGS topo
    Connerville SE quad
    View details Directions

  18. Classen Falls

    Davis, OK · Murray County
    5.0 (2 reviews)

    Classen Falls is a waterfall in Murray County, Oklahoma, about 3.7 miles southwest of Davis. It appears on the USGS Turner Falls topographic map.

    Rating
    5.0 (2 Google reviews)
    Address
    Murray County, OK 73030 (GPS 34.4618, -97.1581)
    Nearest town
    Davis, OK (3.7 mi)
    USGS topo
    Turner Falls quad
    View details Directions

  19. Rock Creek Falls

    Atoka, OK · Atoka County
    3.3 (3 reviews)

    Rock Creek Falls is a waterfall in Atoka County, Oklahoma, about 14 miles southwest of Atoka. It appears on the USGS Boggy Depot topographic map.

    Rating
    3.3 (3 Google reviews)
    Address
    Atoka County, OK 73432 (GPS 34.2726, -96.3242)
    Nearest town
    Atoka, OK (14 mi)
    USGS topo
    Boggy Depot quad
    View details Directions

  20. Hickory Falls

    Lone Grove, OK · Carter County
    5.0 (1 reviews)

    Hickory Falls is a waterfall in Carter County, Oklahoma, about 13 miles north of Lone Grove. It appears on the USGS Milo topographic map.

    Rating
    5.0 (1 Google reviews)
    Address
    Carter County, OK 73458 (GPS 34.3593, -97.2922)
    Nearest town
    Lone Grove, OK (13 mi)
    USGS topo
    Milo quad
    View details Directions

  21. Travertine Falls

    Sulphur, OK · Murray County

    Travertine Falls is a waterfall in Murray County, Oklahoma, in Sulphur. On Travertine Creek, 500 ft N of Pavilion Springs in Platt NP

    Address
    Murray County, OK 73086 (GPS 34.5056, -96.9692)
    Nearest town
    Sulphur, OK (0.2 mi)
    USGS topo
    Sulphur North quad
    View details Directions

  22. Webbers Falls (historical)

    Vian, OK · Sequoyah County

    Webbers Falls (historical) is a waterfall in Sequoyah County, Oklahoma, about 5.4 miles southwest of Vian. USGS notes: Coordinates approximate

    Address
    Sequoyah County, OK (GPS 35.4608, -95.0544)
    Nearest town
    Vian, OK (5.4 mi)
    USGS topo
    Stigler NE quad
    View details Directions

  23. Big Falls

    Tishomingo, OK · Johnston County
    2.3 (3 reviews)

    Big Falls is a waterfall in Johnston County, Oklahoma, about 7.4 miles northeast of Tishomingo. It appears on the USGS Connerville SE topographic map.

    Rating
    2.3 (3 Google reviews)
    Address
    Johnston County, OK 73450 (GPS 34.3023, -96.5764)
    Nearest town
    Tishomingo, OK (7.4 mi)
    USGS topo
    Connerville SE quad
    View details Directions

  24. Cedar Falls

    Dickson, OK · Carter County

    Cedar Falls is a waterfall in Carter County, Oklahoma, about 11 miles north of Dickson. It appears on the USGS Gene Autry topographic map.

    Address
    Carter County, OK 73401 (GPS 34.3351, -97.0531)
    Nearest town
    Dickson, OK (11 mi)
    USGS topo
    Gene Autry quad
    View details Directions

  25. Henry House Falls

    Lone Grove, OK · Carter County

    Henry House Falls is a waterfall in Carter County, Oklahoma, about 12 miles north of Lone Grove. It appears on the USGS Springer topographic map.

    Address
    Carter County, OK 73458 (GPS 34.3509, -97.2334)
    Nearest town
    Lone Grove, OK (12 mi)
    USGS topo
    Springer quad
    View details Directions

Highest Rated in Oklahoma

  1. Little Niagara Falls 4.7 from 475 reviews · Sulphur
  2. Turner Falls 4.1 from 2,526 reviews · Davis

Waterfalls with at least 25 Google reviews.

What Visitors Mention

  • Reviews of 1 Oklahoma waterfall mention swimming, including Turner Falls.

Oklahoma Waterfalls by the Compass

The farthest-apart named falls in Oklahoma are about 174 miles apart.

Names and History

2 waterfalls have alternate historical names on record, such as Hontubby Falls (also Hantubby Falls) and McSpadden Falls (also McFadden Falls).

From the USGS record for Travertine Falls: "On Travertine Creek, 500 ft N of Pavilion Springs in Platt NP"

Best Time to See Waterfalls in Oklahoma

Spring is the most dependable season. Oklahoma's rainfall peaks in late spring, typically May and June, and creeks across the Ouachitas and Ozarks run best from March through early June. Rain-fed falls in those regions often dry up or slow to a trickle by midsummer, as July and August bring intense heat and frequent drought. The Arbuckle falls are the exception, since springs keep Travertine Creek and Honey Creek flowing through most summers, though prolonged drought can reduce them. Summer is peak swimming season at Turner Falls and the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, with heavy weekend crowds. Fall brings milder weather and color in the eastern forests. Winter is quiet, with occasional ice storms that can close rural roads.

Planning a Waterfall Trip in Oklahoma

Land management varies by site. Turner Falls is in a city-owned park run by the City of Davis, with heavy seasonal crowds. The Travertine Creek falls are in the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, managed by the National Park Service. Many Ouachita falls sit in the Ouachita National Forest or on private land, and several Ozark falls are on private property, so check access before going. Flash flooding is the most important hazard: Oklahoma is prone to severe thunderstorms, and narrow creek valleys in the Arbuckles can flood rapidly. Wet travertine and limestone are slippery, and cliff jumping and climbing around falls lead to injuries. Summer heat is severe, ticks and chiggers are common, and venomous snakes live in rocky areas.

More: waterfall safety · packing list

Find Waterfalls Near a Oklahoma Town

Waterfalls by County

CountyWaterfallsShareMost visited
Murray1454%Turner Falls
Carter312%Hickory Falls
Johnston312%Slippery Falls
Atoka14%Rock Creek Falls
Cherokee14%McSpadden Falls
Le Flore14%Hontubby Falls
McCurtain14%Presbyterian Falls
Sequoyah14%Webbers Falls (historical)
Wagoner14%Lower Verdigris Falls (historical)

All Oklahoma Waterfalls A to Z

Oklahoma Waterfalls: FAQs

How many waterfalls are in Oklahoma?

Our directory lists 26 waterfalls in Oklahoma, all officially named in the USGS Geographic Names Information System, 27th among the 50 jurisdictions in our directory and 1.0% of the national total. 77% of them are in just three counties: Murray, Carter, and Johnston.

What is the most visited waterfall in Oklahoma?

By Google review count, Turner Falls in Murray County leads with 2,526 reviews and a 4.1 rating. Little Niagara Falls is next.

What makes the waterfalls in the Arbuckle Mountains different?

Many are built from travertine, a limestone deposited by mineral-rich spring water. This creates rounded ledges and natural dams, and the spring flow keeps falls such as those on Travertine Creek running through most summers.

Where are most of Oklahoma's waterfalls?

More than half of the falls in our directory are in Murray County, in the Arbuckle Mountains around Davis and Sulphur. The Ouachita Mountains in the southeast and the Ozark Plateau in the northeast hold most of the rest.

Which Oklahoma town has the most waterfalls nearby?

Sulphur has 20 named waterfalls within 30 miles, the most of any town in our Oklahoma directory.