Turner Falls

When it’s a hundred and one in the shade in the heart of Oklahoma and you’ve got the summer school blues, Turner Falls is only 75 miles south of Oklahoma City as the crow flies. The Arbuckle Mountains are some of the oldest mountains on earth. Some say the granite rocks in the mountains date back over 1.4 billion years ago” (https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/oklahoma/arbuckle-mountain-formations-ok/). Turner Falls State Park is the oldest park in Oklahoma, named for its spectacular 77-foot waterfall that drops into a natural rock swimming hole below.

The mountain range is five miles south of Davis, Oklahoma and stretches thirty-five miles east to west. Thousands visit this mountain paradise each year to play in the waterfalls, fish the streams and explore the many hiking trails and caves.

“The 1500-acres around the falls has been compared to the Grand Canyon and the Black Hills. The terrain provides a geological view into the past” (https://www.turnerfallspark.com/history).

Fly over the falls on a 777-foot zipline, soaring over the 77-foot waterfall or hike the park’s 22-miles of trails that will lead you across the prairie and through the forest, and meandering along the creeks and small waterfalls of the Arbuckle Mountains.

Fish the Lake of the Arbuckles, “rated as the best in the state for bass fishing by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation” (https://www.travelok.com/article_page/arbuckle-country). Arbuckle Lake has 36 miles of shoreline to fish, swim, and explore.

Arbuckle Lake is one of the best lakes to fish in the whole state for crappie, bass, bluegill, and catfish, so be sure to bring your tackle box and your favorite rod and reel.

The Chickasaw National Recreation Area features 6 campgrounds with 410 campsites to choose from. Whether you pilot your own RV, pitch a tent, or rent one of their cabins, the Arbuckle Mountains offers fun and adventure for everyone.

Go spelunking in one of the park’s many hidden caves, some of which are easy to find and easy to get to, and other caves, which are not so easily accessible. Rumor has it that there remain a few “secret” caves that exist and have yet to be explored in the Arbuckle Mountain wilderness.

Swim in the clear, spring-fed waters that draw visitors from all over the country. The natural mineral springs are said to have healing properties.

Go exploring Collings Castle that dates to 1930. This sprawling stone castle in Davis, Oklahoma was built as a private residence. Featuring parapets with narrow windows and a fireplace made of rose rocks, the ruins of Collings Castle are an attraction you won’t want to miss.

Julia Davis, of Purcell, Oklahoma, said that she has been visiting Turner Falls and the Arbuckle Mountains since she was a child. “My grandma would take me and my cousins to the mountains and to Arbuckle Wilderness,” said Davis. “My family and myself enjoy camping in the Arbuckles because it is peaceful, beautiful, and just an interesting place to go. We enjoy camping, hiking through the mountains, the view of the beautiful waterfalls, nature, peace, and just being in that environment. I’ve also done the ziplining at 777 ziplining. The zipline sails right over the large waterfall at Turner Falls. It's always a fun experience that I will never forget! Camping at Turner Falls State Park is something that we’ve decided to make a yearly summer ritual.

Thousands visit Turner Falls State Park every year to get away from the rat race and get back to nature. The picturesque waterfalls, the lush vegetation, and the epic scenery are well worth the trip to south-central Oklahoma and Turner Falls State Park.