A Scenic Park in the Arbuckle Mountains Features One of Oklahoma’s Tallest Waterfall Swimming Spots

When most think of Oklahoma’s landscape, they think of flatlands. To an extent, it’s true — most of Oklahoma is prairie and plains, but there’s a bit more to the picture. Southern Oklahoma plays host to more varied ecosystems, made up of rivers, forests, and mountains. It’s where you’ll find the Tucker Tower Nature Center, a castle inspired by European architecture surrounded by cliffs and a lake. Plus, about a 40-minute drive north of the tower, you’ll get to Davis, an underrated mountain city with zipline adventures. This spot is located within one of Oklahoma’s small mountain ranges, the Arbuckle Mountains. Most famously, though, Davis is home to one of the state’s few magnificent waterfalls, Turner Falls.

At 77 feet high, Turner Falls is also the tallest waterfall in Oklahoma. It tumbles down into a lovely, natural swimming hole, where you’ll find people who’ve traveled from surrounding cities bathing or picnicking in the adjacent area. Turner Falls Park, which encapsulates the falls and its surroundings, includes lots to do beyond the swimming hole, too: There’s a creek, hiking trails, zipline, caves, and even another castle.

Turner Falls Park happens to be the oldest park in Oklahoma, and the Turner Falls are named after Mazeppa Thomas Turner, who came across them in 1878 after moving to a cabin by the creek that supplies the falls. Don’t overlook the creek itself — Honey Creek, as it’s called, is a run-off of natural springs, and it serves as another spot to cool off in the water (especially as the Turner Falls water hole can get pretty crowded).

You’ll see Turner Falls from a distance even before entering the park. Driving along Highway 77, there’s a scenic overlook point that gives you a higher vantage point over the waterfall. When you arrive at the park, the first swimming hole is not the Turner Falls hole, though, but rather another, downstream pool called the Blue Hole. It has some water slides and diving boards for thrill-seekers and might be a nice alternative if the Turner Falls hole is too busy. The highlight, nevertheless, is the grand Turner Falls. The swimming hole here doesn’t have very strong currents, but for children who are 12 and under, wearing a life jacket is compulsory.

Aside from swimming, Turner Falls Park has tons to do in its acres of outdoor fun. Just next to Turner Falls, there’s a walking trail that leads to two caves. Getting to the caves requires a little bit of clambering up a steep rocky incline. If that doesn’t sound like your idea of a relaxing day, walk downstream from the falls and you’ll reach an elevated point with a an explorable stone castle perched atop it.