Exploring Natural Falls State Park in Oklahoma

Oklahoma's newest state park is slightly off the beaten path, but it is worth the visit. Natural Falls State Park is rich in history as well as being rich in natural beauty. Sporting a 77 foot waterfall, campgrounds and 4 miles of hiking trails, the park offers something for everyone. Part of the film "Where the Red Fern Grows" was filmed here.

Natural Falls

From the parking lot it is a short walk to the top of the falls. The entire area to the observation deck at the top of Natural Falls is paved and handicap accessible. The path starts at the stone archway that says Dripping Springs. This is also the start of Dripping Springs Trail, the most popular trail in the park. To get to the observation platform, walk down the path, over the bridge and the platform is just down the hill. This gives the visitor a fabulous view of the falls and grotto area. From the observation platform Dripping Springs Trail heads down a steep pathway to the base of the falls and grotto area. There are a total of 88 steps and this part of the path is not handicap accessible. At the bottom of the incline is a boardwalk and deck with benches. Here one can sit and observe the base of the falls and the unique microclimate that has evolved here due to the high humidity. Dripping Spring Trail goes back up the hill and turns to the left. This part of the trail will bring you to the fishing area and then to the pump house and dam. From the dam it is up a steep gravel hill and the path continues straight ahead. Ghost Coon Trail branches off to the right and takes one along the bluff line and prairie. Continue straight on Dripping Springs Trail and cross over a steel bridge that offers a spectacular view of the crevice and falls area. From the bridge you return back to the parking area.

Trails

There are 4 trails that meander through Natural Falls State Park. In addition to the trails, there are paved pathways throughout the park for bicycles and those in wheelchairs to travel and enjoy.

Dripping Springs Trail takes you around the falls. It is also the most popular trail. This trail is named for the park's original name, Dripping Springs Park. There is a spring along this trail, it is easy to see as you head toward the fishing area. Historical objects of interest line this trail. The spring is just one of the sights to see. As you walk along the trail down to the falls, look for the remains of light posts that were installed back in the 1920's. When the park was in private hands, the area from the stone archway to the falls was lit by lampposts in order to provide visitors a chance to view the falls at night. The pump at the back end of the fishing area was originally installed in the 1920's to keep the falls from running dry.

Bear Trail is extremely steep but short. This trail leads from the camping area down to the Dripping Springs Trail. This trail is not for those who have mobility issues or who are not in good shape. The trail is extremely steep, rocky and difficult to manage. It is only ½ mile long but it is a very difficult ½ mile.

Ghost Coon Trail starts out to the left of the archway near the service road. This trail will take you through prairie areas, along the bluff line, down past another dam and it finally joins up with the Dripping Springs Trail where you head up the steep gravel trail. From here Ghost Coon Trail branches off to the right and continues back to where it started. This is one of the longer trails in the park, at 11/2 miles for the entire loop. Look for foundations where cabins used to be.

Fox Den Trail starts at the back of the tent camping area. From here it heads down towards the fishing area and takes you to back up to the other side of the park. Look for the old amphitheater along this trail.

Camping

As of 2010, camping rates per night are as follows:

Back in RV sites, 30amp with water. $20.00.

Pull through sites 50/30 amp with water $20.00

Full hookup sites $23.00.

Premium RV sites range from $25.00 to $28.00

Tent camping $12.00.

Senior citizen and disabled discounts are available. Several of the RV campsites overlook the bluff area, the view is amazing. Free showers are available to all campers. There is a large playground facility between the tent area and RV camping area.

Other Facilities

There is a formal garden with a water feature at Natural Falls State Park. The garden area is available for rent for photographs and weddings. The Red Fern Reunion Center is adjacent to the visitors center. This facility is great for weddings and other get togethers. A group picnic area is with a small playground is available for rent. There are picnic tables available for individuals.

Fishing from the shore is available in the fishing area. An Oklahoma fishing license is required. The fishing area is a 3 ½ acre lake. It contains bass, bluegill, perch, and catfish. No boating is allowed. It is catch and release only.

The fee to enter the park is $4.00 per car (maximum 6 people) as of 2010. Each additional person is charged $.50. Campers staying overnight are not charged an entrance fee other than the camping fee.

Natural Falls State Park is located at 58035 S. 682 Road, Colcord, OK 74338. They can be reached by email at Naturalfalls@oklahomaparks.com or you can call them at 918-422-5802. The entrance to the park is just off of US 412. Follow the signs, it is well marked.