This is touted as the "largest waterfalls in OK", so we were excited to visit. However, the park was quiet rundown and there was a ton of litter around the trails, grassy areas, and the water in the pooled lagoons off the falls were a bit murky and not attractive.I thought it was overpriced for what you getj, swimming area has no lifeguards. Won't be coming again, and only recommend if you don't have anything else to see in the area, otherwise, you may just as well enjoy the Chickasaw reserve park, or the Lake Murray state park better than Turner falls.
Go to Turner Falls in October when there are no crowds and you can see things at your own pace. The Falls is running but I would guess when the rains come it is more beautiful but we did enjoy looking. It is more for peolple who want to have a picnic at one of the tables and enjoy being out of town in a peaceful setting. It is not far from where you park the car to get to the Falls, I walked with a cane and made it with a few pauses; but that is what we were there for to enjoy the area. I did not notice any handicap parking. We did not do any climbing but there were people enjoying themselves. We went into the gift shop which is typical for the area. When we left we went to the look out area to see the Falls from above. I did not notice open bathrooms at this time of year. I did notice cabins but did not check them out. This is a place that would be very busy in the summer were you can go and swim.
I have not been here in years and happened to be passing by with my 7 year old and some free time. We stopped for several hours. It was really over crowded and pretty dirty. Lots of folks sitting in the streams (we even saw someone standing up relieving themselves in the stream). Lots of trash and trashy people. The falls and scenery were still beautiful but really wish there was more staff around to help keep area clean and keep folks from trashing the place up.... especially since this is a paid park.
Giving this a 3 instead of a 2 as during the week it was not so crowded and one is able to see a bit more and get to the falls easily and the toilets were clean enough; and the park has great potential. However, for the price one pays to get in one would expect better maintenance and updating. The roads are bad, the maps are terrible and the trash in places is so unbelievable as to be an embarrassment. The "castle" was knee deep in plastic bottles (and no trash can in sight) and I would not even walk into "rooms" as the urine smell was overwhelming at the entrances. How can people be so disgustingly filthy? And life guards should be fired for even thinking of picking up a cell phone while on duty!So, have seen it and not sure I will go back anytime soon
We went with Family since the photo looked great on the website. We got there with a line of cars that was not moving. After looking up pricing we decided to forgo the attraction, but you cannot turnaround once you are in line. So my husband pulled to the line with a cone and got out to talk to the ticket lady which was having a very long discussion with a person about renting a camp site. She went on and on about the pros and cons of each available site. My husband went and grabbed the cone, pulled us through, and put it back and quickly drove out the exit. We went up the hill and outside of the park is a viewing platform that let us see the falls (not much water coming down) and surrounding hills. We took photos from the platform and got on our way.
Now I know what everyone has been talking about. What a great place to spend the day, weekend, or just get lost for a while. The waterfall is so clean and the pools of water just calling you to jump in. The cliffs and caves are awesome and I cannot wait to come back when we don't have our puppies. Cost is $6 until April, then I believe it is $12 for adults. It is very close to Dallas. We drove up at 930a and spent the entire day driving the Arbuckle Mountains and Turner Falls area and we were back at home by 4p.
We hadn't been to Turner Falls in many years, and we were so disappointed in the rundown condition and overall atmosphere of the park. The falls and the scenery have so much to offer and are truly beautiful, but the signage, upkeep and general appearance of the park look like something from the 1950s that has been allowed to go to seed in the worst way. I know there have been improvements in recent years, but the park should quit trying to do so much over such a huge land area, and give attention to upgrading the key areas of the park - primarily the entrance complex and the falls area. Turner Falls / City of Davis needs to hire a good P.R. firm to package the public appearance of the park to match the park's natural beauty. New signage and building paint and decor with a consistent logo and color scheme, paint, an updated appearance, and maps and printed pieces are places to start. There is so much potential at Turner Falls, and it's sad to see it look so terribly behind the times - and definitely off-putting. I can't imagine with-it and discerning young families choosing to come here more than once.
This is a fun stop along I-35 in southern Oklahoma. The park is rather pricy but there are lots of walking trails and the falls are beautiful. The swimming areas are fun too. If you only have a few minutes, continue past the entrance and a couple of miles up the road is an overlook where you can pull off and see the falls from a distance.
So pretty everything about it was great! I'm sure because it was still cold there was hardly anyone here and I can imagine during peak times it's most likely busy and not so peaceful. We hiked up and saw the castles and the falls then walked the sidewalk path and saw the falls. Both views were absolutely stunning! The castles were cool and imagining what rooms used to be was fun. The hiking trails were great! Cabins and tent area look very clean. We saw wild turkey and deer roaming which was super cool! The water was crystal clear and the tress were perfect! Definitely a must see!!
This was perfect for 2 adults who do not hike regularly and 2 smaller kids (5 and 10). We hiked approx. 3 miles one day and over 4 the next exploring the trails, caves and the beautiful waterfall area. It was too cold for swimming but we def plan to go back in the summer to swim in the blue hole (I think it's called) swimming area off the waterfall. Clear water and pretty sites all around.