The Sooner State is a treasure trove of destinations just waiting to be discovered. Even if you are a native Oklahoman, there are still hidden places in Oklahoma to explore and admire.  While some of these locations might not be a surprise to locals, they will be shocking to many outsiders that still think Oklahoma is flat and boring. Without further ado, are 13 hidden places in Oklahoma you may have never seen before.

1. The Narrows in the Wichita Mountains
Flickr/Larry Smith
The Narrows, Oklahoma 73552, USA
Flickr/Larry Smith
When it comes to hidden places in Oklahoma, the Narrows Trail is a top contender. The Narrows is a beautiful canyon in the Wichita Mountains of Oklahoma. Although not technically a mountain, the Narrows canyon hosts some of the best climbing in the midwest. The West Cache Creek flows into the Narrows. Learn more about how you can hike the Narrows in Oklahoma.
2. Turner Falls - Ponds and Caves
Flickr/Mel Marr
Turner Falls, Davis, OK 73030, USA
Flickr/Melody McClure
Flickr/Hobie Caldwell
While most know about the stunning Turner Falls, many people do not know about the ponds and caves above the falls. The area above is much less congested and is a great soaking area if the water level is right. There are also caves to explore alongside the falls. This Oklahoma waterfall belongs on everyone's bucket list.
3. Elmer Thomas Lake
Elmer Thomas Lake, Oklahoma 73557, USA
Flickr/Jonathan C. Wheeler
Elmer Thomas Lake is Fort Sill's premiere recreation destination. It is a no-wake lake that offers breathtaking scenery near the Wichita Mountains and Medicine Park. Elmer Thomas Lake is truly one of the most breathtakingly beautiful destinations in Oklahoma.
4. Lower Mountain Fork River
Lower Mountain Fork River, RR 4 Box 27-1, Broken Bow, OK 74728, USA
Flickr/Thomas & Dianne Jones
Hailed as the best whitewater stream in Oklahoma, the Mountain Fork River offers a year-round destination for the best trout fishing anywhere in the surrounding region. The river’s constant flow and cool waters are the ideal place to find brown and rainbow trout year-round.
5. Robber's Cave
Flickr/Granger Meador

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Robbers Cave Road, Robbers Cave Rd, Oklahoma 74578, USA
Flickr/J. Stephen Conn
Robbers Cave State Park preserves some of the most unique and beautiful scenery in the South. The park is located in the Sans Bois Mountains near Wilburton, OK. Robbers Cave also enjoys notoriety as a former hideout for outlaws Jesse James and Belle Starr.
6. Twin Waterfalls in the Forty Foot Hole of Wichita Mountains
Flickr/Granger Meador
The waterfalls within the Wichita Mountains are a beautiful surprise to hikers and nature lovers. The falls can range from little trickles to heavy flow, based on the time of year. Learn more about the Forty Foot Hole in the Wichita Mountains.
7. Natural Falls
Natural Falls State Park, 19225 E 578 Rd, Colcord, OK 74338, USA
Flickr/stormdriventitan
One of the best views of Natural Falls is from above. It is a gorgeous spot to soak in the natural beauty and listen to the flow of rushing water. Plus, you can access Natural Falls via a short, beautiful Oklahoma trail.
8. Presbyterian Falls at Lower Mountain Fork River
Presbyterian Falls, Oklahoma 74734, USA
Flickr/Thomas&Dianne JOnes
This little rushing falls is no Niagara, but it is a spectacular spot to enjoy kayaking and fresh water rapids along the beautiful tree-lined river. Presbyterian Falls is one of the most beautiful hidden places in Oklahoma.
9. Talimena Scenic Drive
Talimena National Scenic Byway, OK-1 Scenic, Talihina, OK 74571, USA
Flickr/Bill Lile
For all those "Oklahoma is flat and boring" people...this one's for you. Lush greenery, winding roads and stunning scenery on all sides, are what you will find on this drive in the Ouachita National Forest. It's one of the best scenic drives in Oklahoma.
10. Jed Johnson Tower
Lake Jed Johnson, Oklahoma 73507, USA
Flickr/Larry Smith
This abandoned fire tower built by the Civilian Conservation Corps sits above Jed Johnson Lake at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. It's accessible via a hiking trail and the location has stunning views of the refuge. Learn more about how you can hike to the Jed Johnson Tower in Oklahoma.
11. Hartshorne Lake Dam
Hartshorne Lake Dam, Hartshorne, OK 74547, USA
Facebook/Floyd Morgan Jr.
The water flowing over the dam is a remarkable display of beauty. Hartshorne Lake is located in Pittsburgh County in southeastern Oklahoma. When it comes to beautiful hidden gems in Oklahoma, Hartshorne Lake Dam definitely belongs on the list.
12. Centennial Park in Tulsa
1028 E 6th St, Tulsa, OK 74120, USA
Flickr/Johnny Barber
Centennial Park offers stunning views of the Tulsa skyline and is a quiet and serene place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. If you're ever in the mood for a picnic, Centennial Park in Tulsa is the perfect option.
13. Saline Creek in Mayes County
Saline Creek, Oklahoma 74365, USA
Facebook/Micah Shrader
This little creek near Salina is a lesser-known spot in Mayes County. This is a great place to spend a day with the family, enjoying the fresh air and the remarkable beauty of nature. It is only one of five bodies of water of the thousands of lakes and streams monitored in Oklahoma that were found to be clear of harmful levels of pollution. If you're looking for the perfect swimming spot in the summer, Saline Creek is an amazing swimming hole in Oklahoma.

There are so many hidden places in Oklahoma to discover! Do you have a few places to add to this list? Share them in the comments below — we’d love to hear your suggestions!

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More to Explore

hidden places in Oklahoma

Beth C. | August 19, 2021

Does Oklahoma have any natural wonders?

Indeed it does! Whether you have just a day or an entire lifetime to explore the beautiful state of Oklahoma, you'll find there's simply no shortage of breathtaking wonders to admire. Our top recommendation would be the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Tucked away in southwestern Oklahoma, this beautiful destination boasts 59,000 acres of land. Whether you're someone who enjoys fishing, camping, biking, or hiking, you'll be amazed by all the recreational opportunities this place has to offer. Some other incredible natural wonders in Oklahoma include Turner Falls, Talimena Scenic Drive, the Great Salt Plains State Park, Gloss Mountains, Chickasaw National Recreation Area, and Black Mesa State Park & Natural Preserve. Black Mesa is particularly impressive because it's the tallest point in Oklahoma, measuring 4,973 feet above sea level! You'll find it in the Oklahoma panhandle, near the borders of New Mexico and Colorado.

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