A few weeks ago I found one of the most beautiful scenic views in Oklahoma at Natural Falls State Park in Dripping Springs, Oklahoma. This 120-acre state-owned park is located in the Ozarks and you can get there from U.S. Highway 412. Until 1990 when the state bought it, the land was privately owned and known as Dripping Springs. I arrived at the park around noon and headed to the visitor center to pick up a water and a map.
The map details five available trails, one being Dripping Springs Trail which is an elevated boardwalk trail that leads down to the plunge pool of the 77-foot waterfall and forks off to a loop around the lake. At the top of the falls, there’s an overlook where you can get a first glimpse of the gorgeous falls, which pour into an enchanting pool. Descending to the pool area feels magical and I can only imagine what it would be like to have been able to explore the place before it became a public attraction and to swim under the falls.
Signs along the trail tell of the wildlife that call the place home, like whitetail deer, coyotes, raccoons, and bobcats; urge visitors to stay on the path in order to preserve the ferns, mosses, liverworts, and other native plants; and tell how the site was featured in the 1974 film Where the Red Fern Grows, an emotional film based on the book that was a literary staple in Oklahoma schools when I was growing up in the 80s.
Other trails include Bear Trail, a steep but short ten minute hike from Rankin RV to the falls; Fox Den Trail, a difficult 1.5 mile trail with significant elevation change; Pine Ridge Trail, a .75 mile paved trail that connects the parks together; and Ghost Coon Trail, a 1.5 mile trail with paths that meander from wooded areas to open prairie vistas, and where you might just catch a Bigfoot sighting like I did!
The highlight for me was relaxing on one of the benches at the foot of the falls and just taking in the scenery. There’s a little cave-like alcove near the falls with native plants flourishing all around, adding to the wonder of the place. Here are some more highlights from my visit. For more information visit Travel OK.
