Turner Falls

Turner Falls is a waterfall in the Arbuckle Mountains of south-central Oklahoma that drops 77 feet (23 m) into a natural swimming pool. Water cascades over a rock ledge into Honey Creek, forming a clear pond surrounded by tall limestone walls.

Scottish immigrant Mazeppa Thomas Turner discovered this waterfall in 1878 after settling in the area with his Chickasaw wife Laura Johnson. In the 1930s university professor Ellsworth Collings built a stone castle as a summer residence on the slope above the falls.

The site takes its name from Mazeppa Thomas Turner, who lived on the land with his Chickasaw wife and whose descendants later opened access to the public. Today visitors see a blend of recreation facility and nature preserve where families picnic and swim.

The grounds open at different times depending on the season, with summer hours from May through September and winter hours from October through April. Visitors reach the swimming area by walking a short trail from the entrance, though you should take care on slippery rocks after rain.

At 77 feet this waterfall shares its height with Natural Falls State Park, and both are considered the tallest waterfalls in Oklahoma. The stone castle above the falls originally served as a professor's private retreat and is now open for visitors to explore.

Location: Oklahoma

GPS coordinates: 34.42528,-97.14861

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:22