Our first day we headed North out of Hugo, Oklahoma on the Indian Nation Turnpike, a toll road leading to Tulsa. We were so excited. Our fixer upper camper van had a new front end, and many improvements so we were raring to go.
We passed scenic Lake Eufaula. We plan to go there in the future. It is a huge lake and lots to explore. But we were just passing through.
As will all new adventures in all cottages on wheels the clink and clatter was to be expected. The Indian Nation Turnpike however gave us more like crash, and platter. The road is in ill repair and remarkable bumpy with lines across the highway ever 20 feet or so that could have made the toughest speed bump jealous. We literally thought the camper was going to break apart.
A few days later I spoke to my brother who is a truck driver. He asked if we had taken the Turnpike noting that it was notoriously rough.
It was a good test for our camper van who earned the name Trixie during the trip after the Speed Racer character. She was tough, smart, reliable, resourceful and loved picnics. All which applied to our camper van.
Arriving at our destination of Natural Falls State Park Trixie was still intact but had developed a serious of squeaks. We had a mission to find the squeaks and eradicate them with a good dollop of grease.
We spend a whole day and a half at Natural Falls State Park. The campground is spacious and lovely wooded. The showers and bathrooms were modern and pristine. It has a playground for kids and a nice but short paved bike trail.
The falls and dripping spring are just a short walk into the forest. First you will pass a lovely bridge that overlooks a moss bottomed brook. Many varieties of ferns grow in this lush forest.
If it looks familiar to you it maybe because the Disney film, Where the Red Fern Grows, was filmed there. One of my favorites as a child. Truly many ferns grow there in the damp coolness of the shady cliffs overlooking the waterfall.
Coming down on the left is an overlook across from the top of the falls. Following the trail down and around you pass the brook and come to the bottom of the Falls. It was cool there on the hot September day. The cliff and old growth forest shielded us from the blaze of the sun. The mist from the water fall wafted across my face giving a feeling that I had been magically transported form Oklahoma to Hawaii. The craggy cliffs seem to have a gorilla face watching over the precious water.
The falls area provides a serene and quiet retreat from the busy world. So peaceful and lovely. It relaxes a person just to stand there for a few minutes. They also have benches so you can hang out a while.
Surrounding the falls lush bushes grew covered with tiny orange and blush flowers that resembled the shape of a glass slipper. I have not as of yet been able to discover the name of these flowers. I asked the ranger and she told me they were Trumpet flowers. Too bad she did not take the time to really find out what they were.
They were definitely not Trumpet flowers. Unfortunately, we cannot believe everything people say even thought they are in a position of power and sound so convincing. This is why we must seek the truth in all that we do. Our very salvation depends on it.
The falls is beautiful and lands in a pristine clear aqua blue pool. I had not ever seen a pool this aqua this far south. The color was stunning.
The pool had created a cave that looked fun to explore but there was a no swimming sign. I am glad they are protecting the area.
The most remarkable feature was the dripping springs. Next to the falls a constant quick drip comes right out of the rock cliff itself. It reminded me of the miracle rock in the old Testament that gave water to the Israelites when they were wandering in the wilderness. Imagine finding this spot after a long toilsome hike through thick forest infested with snakes and all kinds of foes. It would be a welcome site for sure.
Natural Falls has several maintained trails. We chose the longest called Fox Den Trail only 1.1 miles. It seemed longer because it was mountainous and steep. It led to a picturesque old dam and a large overhang that had been deemed a fox den.
We did not see a fox there, however, we found a dead fox at the back of the South 40 a couple of days after we got back home. We don’t know what killed it but they didn’t waste any meet. Its bones were licked clean.
Later in the day we took a short but scenic trip on the paved bike trail past the playground and around the park.
The folks staying in the camp ground and the staff were friendly and quiet. We had a lovely stay. Natural Falls State Park is located about an hour’s drive east of Tulsa. We will definitely make a return visit.
The atmosphere at the falls was so amazing that we made another trip to see it before we headed north to Kansas.
Wow, that waterfall is amazing!