Natural Falls State Park
Located near the Oklahoma/Arkansas border in the scenic Ozark Highlands region of northeast Oklahoma, Natural Falls State Park features a stunning 77-foot waterfall cascading through rock formations and creating a hidden, serene atmosphere at the bottom of a narrow V-shaped valley. A railed observation platform allows hikers to overlook the falls and another observation deck with seating is located at the foot of the falls offering two vantage points to enjoy one of the most scenic wonders in the state. The beautiful scenery looks familiar to many visitors because scenes from the 1974 movie, "Where the Red Fern Grows" were filmed in the park.
Make your trip even better with an overnight stay in one of the park's five yurts, which can be reserved online. Each yurt sleeps between four and six people and comes with a microwave, dorm fridge, ac/heat, ceiling fan, light, electrical outlets, dining table and four chairs, k-cup coffee maker, and a broom/dustpan.
The four-person yurts have one queen-sized bed and one futon, while the six-person yurts have two sets of bunk beds, each with a queen and twin mattress. All mattresses are vinyl covered, and guests are welcome to bring their own linens or rent bedding from the park. Shower and restroom facilities are a short walk away, and portable lavatories are located adjacent to the yurts for convenience. Outside, each yurt offers a picnic table, charcoal barbecue grill, fire ring, deck and lantern hanger. Pets are welcome for an additional fee.
Picnic tables and grills can be found throughout Natural Falls State Park. Online reservations must be made for RV and tent sites. A comfort station with showers is nearby. The Red Fern Reunion Center is available for group functions. Other amenities include four and 1/2 miles of hiking and nature trails, picnic shelter, volleyball, horseshoes, basketball court, catch and release fishing, playgrounds, an eighteen-hole disc golf course and a formal garden area. Pets are allowed on a leash only. Although swimming is not allowed in the park, there are several public swimming areas available within a short distance of the park.
Observe a variety of plant and animal life throughout the park. The waterfall creates a moist environment where ferns, mosses and liverworts thrive. The dense forest includes a canopy of maples, chinquapin and white oaks, while plants such as flowering dogwood, sassafras, coral berry, spicebush, redbud, and pawpaw blanket the cool forest floor.
