Boiling Springs State Park Is an Underrated Oklahoma Park That Will Surprise You This Fall

Like many of you, I love fall—it's the best time of the year, and I know I'm not the only one who thinks that. From fall festivals and apple picking to leaf-peeping on scenic hiking trails while breathing in the fresh fall air, there is so much to enjoy during these months between the hot summer days and the upcoming freezing temperatures of winter. I don't know about you, but I love spending as much time outside during the season, and if you're searching for the same and want to view colorful fall foliage, there's an underrated Oklahoma park that will surprise you this fall when you visit.

Boiling Springs State Park in Woodward is one of Oklahoma's original seven state parks and is considered a hidden gem. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps built this 820-acre park in northwest Oklahoma. It gets its name from the "boiling" hot spring that flows through its acreage. While this is a wonderful natural attraction, there are many other attributes that make a visit to Boiling Springs State Park worthwhile, especially in the fall.

Considered "an oasis on the plains," Boiling Springs offers an array of amenities for nearly every outdoor adventurer's enjoyment. First, there's an interpretive center where you can learn about the park and view the springs from a wooden shelter. This should be your first stop during your visit. If you have kids with you, they can expend some of their energy at the playground. For a quiet lunch spot, sit at one of the park's 150 picnic tables surrounded by trees while watching wildlife and the fall leaves rustling in the breeze. If you enjoy fishing, you can enjoy a few peaceful hours casting a line in the 7-acre Shaul Lake fed by a spring. Aside from hiking, there are many wonderful activities to indulge in while basking in the park's fall glory.

But if you're here to hike or bike, the trails at Boiling Springs have several easy trails where you can immerse yourself in the fall foliage glory. Make your way through the golden yellow cottonwoods and the yellow and gold hackberry, walnut, and elm trees. Gazing up at the treetops this time of year is a glorious experience!

To enhance your visit to Boiling Springs State Park this fall, there are tent sites and RV sites (with 30 and/or 50-amp electric and water hookups) for a camping adventure among the fall foliage. For those who prefer more of a glamping experience, like me, the park has four cozy cabins. Three of them have a queen-sized bed, while the fourth has two twin beds. The cabins also have kitchenettes, linens, heat, air, and a fireplace, perfect for a chilly fall evening.

Make an autumn escape to Boiling Springs State Park, an underrated Oklahoma park that may surprise you with its beauty and amenities. Have you visited this hidden gem yet? Another state park to consider visiting this fall is Greenleaf State Park, located in the small town of Braggs, Oklahoma.

Plan your own trip to Oklahoma's parks this fall with Only In Your State’s AI-powered itinerary planner.