Exploring the Majestic Turner Falls in Oklahoma

Turner Falls is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Arbuckle Mountains in Oklahoma. The majestic waterfall is the centerpiece of the park and draws visitors from all over the country. From hiking and swimming to camping and fishing, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Turner Falls.

Hiking Trails

 

The park offers several hiking trails of varying difficulty levels that take visitors through the stunning natural beauty of the Arbuckle Mountains. The most popular trail is the Collings Castle Trail, which leads to the ruins of an old castle. The trail offers spectacular views of the waterfall and the surrounding mountains.

Swimming

 

One of the main attractions of Turner Falls is the natural swimming hole at the base of the waterfall. The cool, clear water is perfect for swimming and the picturesque surroundings make for a memorable experience. Visitors can also relax on the sandy beach or take a dip in one of the park's swimming pools.

Camping

 

Turner Falls offers several camping options, from primitive campsites to RV hookups. The park has over 300 campsites, some of which are located near the waterfall and offer breathtaking views. There are also cabins available for rent for those who prefer a more comfortable camping experience.

Fishing

 

The park's streams and lakes are stocked with a variety of fish, including catfish, bass, and trout. Visitors can fish from the shore or rent a paddleboat to fish from the water. The park also offers a fishing dock for those who prefer to fish from a stationary location.

Exploring the Park

 

In addition to the main attractions, Turner Falls offers several other activities for visitors to enjoy. There is a nature center that provides educational exhibits and programs, as well as a picnic area and playground for families to enjoy. The park also offers a zip line for those seeking an adrenaline rush.

Tips for Visiting

 

Bring plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent.

Wear comfortable shoes for hiking and swimming.

Bring snacks and plenty of water.

Check the weather forecast before visiting, as the park may close due to inclement weather.

Be respectful of the natural environment and follow all park rules.

Turner Falls is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Oklahoma. With its stunning waterfall, beautiful hiking trails, and fun activities, it's the perfect place to escape into nature and make lasting memories. Plan your visit today and experience the beauty of Turner Falls for yourself.

Address: I-35 &, US-77, Davis, OK 73030

Enjoy Your Visit!

       Sherri

Discover the Ethereal Beauty of Monahans Sandhills State Park

We were headed home from Carlsbad caverns and passed this park, so of course, we had to check it out. We had visited White Sands National Monument two days earlier and I was curious how Monahans Sandhills State Park would compare.

The sand dunes in this park are much smaller than White Sands, but I kinda liked that. The sand is also darker in color.

Monahans Sandhills State Park is located in located in Western Texas near Odessa. It consists of 3,840 acres of sand dunes, some reaching heights of 70 feet.

The park encompasses only a small portion of a dune field that is about 200 miles wide. Most of the dunes within the 200-mile area are stabilized by vegetation. The dunes located in park are still active, changing shape and size constantly from the wind.

It is best to go early in the morning during the summer. The disk and sleds do not slide easily when the sand is hot. Sleds and disk can be rented from the park visitor center.

Monahans Sandhills State Park:

•  is around 6 hours from the Dallas/Fort Worth area
• 6 hours from Austin, Texas
• 4 hours from El Paso, Texas
• less than an hour from the New Mexico border and around 3 hours from the border of Mexico.

Address:

 2500 E Interstate 20 Exit 86
 Monahans, TX 79756

Hours:

8am - 10pm daily

Happy Travels! 

Rock City Gardens (Lookout Mountain, Georgia)

What started out as Frieda Carter desire to create a garden with winding trails through giant rock formations in the early 1930’s, has become a popular tourist attraction in Georgia.

Rock City is a unique place on Lookout Mountain that attracts more than half a million people each year.

A 4,100-foot walking trail leads through rock formations, caves, and gardens, ending at the edge of a cliff know as Lovers Leap.

The name “Lovers Leap” comes from a Cherokee legend about feuding tribes and two lovers going over the cliff. One was thrown and the other jumped, both ending in death. What a tragic story for such a beautiful site!

The claim of “see seven states” from Lover’s Leap comes from diary entries of a Union office and a Confederate nurse during the Civil War, both talking about being able to see seven states from the summit. Flags of all seven states stand in representation of the documentations. The states are Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.  

 Location:

1400 Patten Road

 Lookout Mountain, GA

Admission:

$19.95 Adults

$11.95 Children (ages 3-12)

Hours:

Vary by season. Check here.

Happy Travels! 

Lake Lure (Blue Ridge Mountains) North Carolina

Lake Lure is a small area located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina.

We stumbled upon Lake Lure by accident. We were headed to Chimney Rock and decide not to go when we got the entrance. Three tour buses were pulling in ahead of us! It was early morning and we had about an 8 hour drive ahead of us that day. 

We looked around Chimney Rock Village. Everything was closed because of it being so early, but it was very charming. The town became popular in the 20’s and 30’s which is when most of the buildings were constructed.

We walked over bridges and explored along the river running behind the shops on Main Street.

A little ways down the road is where is found Lake Lure.

The area was so pretty, especially the lake in the early morning light!

The lake is located in the Hickory Nut Gorge and is surrounded by granite cliffs and tree covered mountains.

I didn't find out until later that the Lake Lure area has been the filming location for many movie scenes. Some of the movies include:  Dirty Dancing, Forrest Gump, The Last of the Mohicans, A Breed Apart, Thunder Road, and Firestarter. They even have a Dirty Dancing Festival there! How cool is that!

The large sandy beach at the swimming area would be a perfect spot for relaxing in the sun on a summer day. This is a place that I would love to return to when the weather is warmer!


Happy Travels! 

Bald Rock (South Carolina)

Bald Rock is a heritage preserve in Cleveland, South Carolina

It is located on the left going up the mountain towards Caesars Head State Park. It is a large area of exposed granite with views of the valley below.

The Rock face has accumulated great amounts of graffiti over the years, which takes away some of the natural beauty of the area.

Bald Rock is a nice place to visit if you are in the area.

Caesars Head State Park - South Carolina

Caesars Head State Park is located in Cleveland, South Carolina. The Park gets its name from a rock outcropping on top of the Blue Ridge cliff.

We visited this park towards the end of a long trip through the mountains of North Carolina. We were so glad to find a place with amazing views that didn’t require a 3 mile hike up steep terrain! :)

To get to the Caesars Head overlook does not require any hiking. It is only a few hundred feet from the parking area.

The overlook provides a great view of Table Rock Lake.

If you are up for a hike, the Raven Cliff Falls trail leads to 420-foot waterfall. A suspension bridge allows access to two overlooks to the falls. The trail is about 4 miles round trip. Maybe next time we will be up for the hike.

This park is a great place to visit, especially in the Fall. The views and fall foliage are beautiful! 

Happy Travels!