Natural Falls State Park: An Oklahoma Hidden Gem
Natural Falls State Park in northeastern Oklahoma was a pleasant stop during a road trip in early spring. It’s a little over an hour’s drive east from Tulsa. It’s known locally as “Dripping Springs.” It is called that because of an incredible 77-foot waterfall.
We pulled into the large parking lot late on a Saturday. It was not full, but it was definitely busy. A ton of people were out having picnics and enjoying some family time.
We were there to see the famed waterfall, Dripping Springs. After paying the entrance fee, we headed straight down the impossible-to-miss trail. A giant sign marked the start.
The first part of the trail was relatively flat and easy. It leads to an overlook at the top of the falls, from which you can get a nice view of the falls.
Hiking in Natural Falls State Park
After that, we headed down nearly 50 stairs to an elevated boardwalk leading to the base of the falls. Several signs asked everyone to please stay on the boardwalk. The area near and around Dripping Springs is packed with many different types of ferns, mosses, liverworts, and other plants that are very sensitive to foot traffic. Fifty-eight species of mosses, nine species of liverwort, and one species of hornwort grow in Natural Falls State Park, a sign further explained.
The view at the base of the falls was nothing short of stunning. I get why they called it dripping springs. The main waterfall drops straight down, but several other small waterfalls emerge from the vibrant green canyon walls. This park was quite a pleasant surprise, and there was still one very cool surprise for us.
Where the Red Fern Grows
In 1961, Wilson Rawls wrote the American classic “Where the Red Fern Grows.” This book is nearly required for elementary school reading. It is about a boy and his love for his two redbone coonhounds growing up in the Oklahoma Ozarks.
Rawls was born in the Ozark Mountains in nearby Scraper, Oklahoma. In 1974, the book was made into a movie in Colcord, Oklahoma. Dripping Springs is the iconic spot where Billy Coleman found the inspiration for his puppies’ names, Little Ann and Old Dan.
After enjoying the view of the falls and the cool history, we headed back up the steep stairs and toward the trailhead. If you are in northeastern Oklahoma, make time to stop at Natural Falls State Park. You will not regret it.
