Posted in Oklahoma Nature September 12, 2021 by

The Ultimate Oklahoma Waterfalls Road Trip Is Right Here – And You’ll Want To Do It

Maybe you’ve wanted to take a unique road trip around the state and did a search for “waterfalls near me in Oklahoma” to see what came up online. Sometimes the choices are overwhelming! If you’re up for an awesome Oklahoma road trip, you have to try this one! Not only are you going to meander through the hills and parks of Oklahoma to see five waterfalls, but you’re going to encounter some of the most spectacular scenery within the state. From lush greenery to rolling prairies, the topography alone is worth the trip.

We wanted to make the road trip doable within one day, so we had to leave a few waterfalls out of this route. We’ve not only included amazing waterfalls for your adventure, but we’ve also mapped out your eating stops for the day and a few historic sites as well. The whole trip is only 365 miles roundtrip from Oklahoma City. You can find the Google map here, so get the car (or Harley) ready, because you’re about to take an unforgettable road trip.

During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Google Maps
Road trips are always the perfect activity when you're looking for things to do in Oklahoma. This Ultimate Oklahoma Waterfalls Road Trip will take about 6.5 hours of driving time, not including the time you spend at each stop.
1. You'll start your trip out from Bricktown Falls in Oklahoma City. Although man-made, the falls are beautiful. Make sure your camera is ready for the beautiful places in Oklahoma you are about to encounter.
Bricktown, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
Serge Melki/Flickr
The drive from Oklahoma City to the next stop, Pauls Valley, is approximately one hour. Other stops along the way could include Moore, Norman, and Purcell.

You can learn more about Bricktown OKC on the official website.
2. The first stop after OKC is Pauls Valley for a hearty breakfast at Happy Days Diner. Fill up the belly and get ready for an adventurous day.
2503 W Grant Ave, Pauls Valley, OK 73075, USA
kool cats photography/flickr
Pauls Valley has many quaint shops and eateries to enjoy in town.

The drive from Pauls Valley to the next destination, Chickasaw National Recreation Area, is 27 miles.

You can learn more about Happy Days Diner on the Facebook page.
3. Chickasaw National Recreation Area: Sulphur
Plain Adventure/Flickr
Chickasaw National Recreation Area, 901 W 1st St, Sulphur, OK 73086, USA
Jonathan C. Wheeler/Flickr
The Chickasaw National Recreation Area's mineral waters, streams, and lakes are perfect swimming and boating spots, while its sprawling forests and lands are perfect for hikers, campers, and nature lovers. A number of fresh water and mineral springs contribute to Travertine and Rock Creek as they flow through Travertine District, dropping in small waterfalls over several ledges. The Chickasaw area is known as an oasis and one of the most beautiful places in Oklahoma.

The drive from Chickasaw National Recreation Area to the next stop, Turner Falls, is only 15 miles. Before entering the Turner Falls area, stop in the town of Davis to check it out.

You can read our full coverage to learn more about Chickasaw National Recreation Area.
4. Turner Falls: Davis
karen/flickr
Turner Falls, Davis, OK 73030, USA
Melody McClure/Flickr
Turner Falls is the tallest waterfall at 77 feet and may be considered one of the most beautiful natural gems in Oklahoma. It's a popular summer destination for swimming, hiking, and enjoying the great outdoors. Visitors can swim near the falls, slide on the water slides, or bask in the sun.

The drive from Turner Falls to the next destination, Medicine Park, is 103 miles.

You can read our full coverage to learn more about Turner Falls.
5. Medicine Park
Jack Gray/Flickr
Medicine Park, OK, USA
larrysmith/flickr
Medicine Park, OK, USA
Samantha M.Yelp
Medicine Park is a vintage cobblestone resort town in southwestern Oklahoma. It has breathtaking water and waterfalls that run right through town. Besides enjoying its spectacular scenery, you will want to stroll the quaint Cobblestone Row that is filled with shopping, history, and small-town America. Grab some lunch at historic Old Plantation Inn before heading on to the next waterfall. You'll find plenty of things to do in Oklahoma in this town!

The drive from Medicine Park to the next stop, Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge, is 13.5 miles.

You can read our full coverage to learn more about Medicine Park.
6. Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge: Indiahoma
granger meador/flickr
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, 32 Refuge Headquarters Road, Indiahoma, OK 73552, USA
sarah richter/flickr
The waterfalls inside Wichita Mountain Wildlife are amazing and worth the hike back to them. If you are just wanting to drive, don't worry, you can still drive through the wildlife area and see some of Oklahoma's breathtaking scenery.

The drive from Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge to the next stop, El Reno, is 92 miles if you take the toll route.

You can read our full coverage to learn more about Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge.
7. Last stop: El Reno
SidsDinerelreno/Facebook
El Reno, OK, USA
Kool Cats Photography/Flickr
El Reno is famous for their fried onion burgers and is the perfect place on this road trip to catch a bite to eat. You'll also want to visit Fort Reno to see the historic homes and history within the area. Fort Reno has a long and diverse history from its inception during the Indian Wars to its service during the Oklahoma Land Run. During WW2 Fort Reno was used as a remounting station and a German POW Camp.

The drive from El Reno back to Oklahoma City is 29 miles.

You can read our full coverage to learn more about El Reno.

If you’ve been searching for “waterfalls near me in Oklahoma,” this road trip we put together should help you plan to see several in one trip! Did you know these waterfalls could be organized on such an easy route? Who’s up for a road trip?

The OIYS Visitor Center

Waterfalls Near Me In Oklahoma

September 17, 2021
Melissa M.

What are some of the most beautiful places in Oklahoma?

It’s quite amazing how much beauty can be found throughout the Sooner State. Just the views from atop Mount Scott or a drive along the Talimena Scenic Highway is proof that Oklahoma is full of breathtaking sites. Read this article to find out more. 

What are some of the natural gems in Oklahoma?

Oklahomans love the natural gems and there are plenty to be found around the state. Here are several natural wonders you can add to your Oklahoma bucket list. 

What are some of the best things to do in Oklahoma?

Themed road trips like a small towns road trip, a ghost town road trip, or a fall foliage road trip happen to be some of the best things you can do in the state. And then there are all the day trip options as well, some of which can be found in this post.