Sunday, March 22, 2009

Natural Falls State Park - West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma


When most people think of Oklahoma, towering waterfalls are probably not the first things to come to mind. A visit to Natural Falls State Park in West Siloam Springs, however, might change that impression.

The park, located just across the state line from the growing Northwest Arkansas metropolitan area, is home to a remarkable 77-foot waterfall. A section of the Ozarks stretches across the border into Oklahoma, giving the eastern part of the state beautiful mountains and rolling hills. Natural Falls State Park is located in this area and offers visitors the chance to explore some of the most scenic county in the state.

Originally called Dripping Springs by local residents, the waterfall has been an object of admiration for many years. If it looks familiar to you, one possible reason is that it was a featured backdrop in the popular movie, Where the Red Fern Grows. The 1974 film tells the story of a young boy growing up in Oklahoma during the days of the Great Depression and is considered by many to be an American classic.

The park also features camping and picnicking areas, hiking trails and other amenities. A paved walkway leads to the upper platform overlooking the falls, while a second trail leads down a steep set of steps to an observation deck at the bottom.

To learn more about Natural Falls State Park, please visit www.exploresouthernhistory.com/naturalfalls.

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