There’s something so relaxing about being out in nature. From beautiful scenery to the smell of fresh air, the outdoor life takes you to a serene environment you can’t replicate in the city. If you think hiking in summer in the Sooner State doesn’t sound very inviting, we have a hike that will make you think otherwise. Chickasaw National Recreation Area has trails in the middle of gorgeous topography that will lead you to several crystal-clear Oklahoma swimming holes.
From its pristine waters to picturesque scenery, the Chickasaw National Recreation Area in south-central Oklahoma is the perfect place to explore the great outdoors. This Oklahoma oasis is situated at the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains at 901 W. 1st St. in Sulphur.
Leah Robinson/AllTrails
The recreation area has more than four different hiking trails, many leading to natural spring-fed swimming holes.
Jeremy Morgan/AllTrails
Travertine Creek Trail is an easy hike, just under 3 miles roundtrip that takes you along the stunning Travertine Creek and Little Niagra.
nps.gov
The water is always around 60 degrees year-round, so it’s a refreshing place to cool down on a hot, summer day.
A.B./AllTrails
There are a number of cold-water mineral springs in the park which give rise to sulfur, bromide, and iron-bearing waters.
Sherry Cannon/AllTrails
Other trails include Bison Pasture Trail —a 3.2-mile lightly trafficked loop trail that is rated as moderate.
Jim Bradshaw/All Trails
Buffalo and Antelope Springs Trail is a 2-mile trail in the middle of a forest alongside creeks and springs.
Leola Chambers/AllTrails
This area is one of the most beautiful places in the state. If you’re looking for the next place to take your hiking adventure, head to Chickasaw National Recreation Area and take a dip in the refreshing water along the way.
Doug Neidholdt/AllTrails
Doesn’t that water look so refreshing? Visit our previous article for more information on Travertine Creek. And for more information about the park, visit the Chickasaw National Recreation Area website.
Leah Robinson/AllTrails
Jeremy Morgan/AllTrails
nps.gov
A.B./AllTrails
Sherry Cannon/AllTrails
Jim Bradshaw/All Trails
Leola Chambers/AllTrails
Doug Neidholdt/AllTrails
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Address: Chickasaw National Recreation Area, 901 W 1st St, Sulphur, OK 73086, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Oklahoma Swimming Holes July 29, 2022 Meghan Byers What are the best Oklahoma swimming holes? The Sooner State has some great old-fashioned swimming holes where you can cool off on a hot summer’s day. Gage Artesian Beach is a unique swimming spot, being a cross between a traditional man-made outdoor swimming pool and a natural swimming hole. It has cement sides like a swimming pool, but a sandy bottom like a lake – and you may occasionally see a few fish in the water, which comes from a nearby lake. Spavinaw Creek and Boy Scout Hole are both popular natural swimming holes in Spavinaw and Tahlequah respectively, each with rope swings and rocks to jump off of into the beautiful blue water. Learn more about the best Oklahoma swimming holes. Are there any other waterfall swimming holes in Oklahoma? Aside from Travertine Creek’s Little Niagara, there are a few other Oklahoma waterfalls and swimming holes where you can make a splash this summer. Turner Falls, located in Davis, is an especially beautiful spot. It’s the tallest waterfall in the state at 77 feet, and cascades down into gorgeous turquoise waters where you can go for a refreshing swim. In Pennington Creek Park, you’ll find a hidden gem in Pennington Creek. This Oklahoma hidden swimming hole features a small waterfall created by a dam, and has a nice sandy beach where you can relax once you’re done cooling off in the creek itself. Where else can I go swimming in Oklahoma? With the most man-made lakes in the entire United States, Oklahoma has no shortage of swimming spots. Lake Murray, located in south central Oklahoma, is a great spot for lakeside fun – you can even rent a floating cabin here! Broken Bow Lake, in the Ouachita Mountains, is absolutely stunning year-round but especially fun in the summertime, with its gorgeous deep blue water, which is some of the cleanest in the state. For more lake adventures in the Sooner State, visit our article on the 10 best lakes in Oklahoma.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Oklahoma Swimming Holes
July 29, 2022
Meghan Byers
What are the best Oklahoma swimming holes? The Sooner State has some great old-fashioned swimming holes where you can cool off on a hot summer’s day. Gage Artesian Beach is a unique swimming spot, being a cross between a traditional man-made outdoor swimming pool and a natural swimming hole. It has cement sides like a swimming pool, but a sandy bottom like a lake – and you may occasionally see a few fish in the water, which comes from a nearby lake. Spavinaw Creek and Boy Scout Hole are both popular natural swimming holes in Spavinaw and Tahlequah respectively, each with rope swings and rocks to jump off of into the beautiful blue water. Learn more about the best Oklahoma swimming holes. Are there any other waterfall swimming holes in Oklahoma? Aside from Travertine Creek’s Little Niagara, there are a few other Oklahoma waterfalls and swimming holes where you can make a splash this summer. Turner Falls, located in Davis, is an especially beautiful spot. It’s the tallest waterfall in the state at 77 feet, and cascades down into gorgeous turquoise waters where you can go for a refreshing swim. In Pennington Creek Park, you’ll find a hidden gem in Pennington Creek. This Oklahoma hidden swimming hole features a small waterfall created by a dam, and has a nice sandy beach where you can relax once you’re done cooling off in the creek itself. Where else can I go swimming in Oklahoma? With the most man-made lakes in the entire United States, Oklahoma has no shortage of swimming spots. Lake Murray, located in south central Oklahoma, is a great spot for lakeside fun – you can even rent a floating cabin here! Broken Bow Lake, in the Ouachita Mountains, is absolutely stunning year-round but especially fun in the summertime, with its gorgeous deep blue water, which is some of the cleanest in the state. For more lake adventures in the Sooner State, visit our article on the 10 best lakes in Oklahoma.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
The Sooner State has some great old-fashioned swimming holes where you can cool off on a hot summer’s day. Gage Artesian Beach is a unique swimming spot, being a cross between a traditional man-made outdoor swimming pool and a natural swimming hole. It has cement sides like a swimming pool, but a sandy bottom like a lake – and you may occasionally see a few fish in the water, which comes from a nearby lake. Spavinaw Creek and Boy Scout Hole are both popular natural swimming holes in Spavinaw and Tahlequah respectively, each with rope swings and rocks to jump off of into the beautiful blue water. Learn more about the best Oklahoma swimming holes.
Are there any other waterfall swimming holes in Oklahoma?
Aside from Travertine Creek’s Little Niagara, there are a few other Oklahoma waterfalls and swimming holes where you can make a splash this summer. Turner Falls, located in Davis, is an especially beautiful spot. It’s the tallest waterfall in the state at 77 feet, and cascades down into gorgeous turquoise waters where you can go for a refreshing swim. In Pennington Creek Park, you’ll find a hidden gem in Pennington Creek. This Oklahoma hidden swimming hole features a small waterfall created by a dam, and has a nice sandy beach where you can relax once you’re done cooling off in the creek itself.
Where else can I go swimming in Oklahoma?
With the most man-made lakes in the entire United States, Oklahoma has no shortage of swimming spots. Lake Murray, located in south central Oklahoma, is a great spot for lakeside fun – you can even rent a floating cabin here! Broken Bow Lake, in the Ouachita Mountains, is absolutely stunning year-round but especially fun in the summertime, with its gorgeous deep blue water, which is some of the cleanest in the state. For more lake adventures in the Sooner State, visit our article on the 10 best lakes in Oklahoma.
