8 Most Scenic Small Towns In Oklahoma For Nature Lovers
If your ideal getaway includes waterfalls, scenic drives, and hiking trails instead of crowds and traffic, Oklahoma has some gems worth discovering. From the turquoise waters of Turner Falls in Davis to the peaceful woods around Broken Bow, this state has no shortage of natural beauty, if you know where to look. Let's explore eight of the most scenic small towns in Oklahoma for nature lovers — in other words, anyone who enjoys nature loves the great outdoors. Think quiet lakes in Sulphur, mountain views near Medicine Park, and bison roaming free outside Pawhuska. Each place on this list is packed with reasons to pack your hiking boots for an adventure.
Davis
Davis pulls in adventurers with one unforgettable sight, Turner Falls. At 77 feet, it’s the tallest waterfall in Oklahoma, and the centerpiece of a sprawling park filled with caves, trails, and cold spring-fed swimming holes. Set against the backdrop of the Arbuckle Mountains, Turner Falls Park is where hiking boots and swimsuits both come in handy.
One of the standout trails leads to Collings Castle, a crumbling stone hideaway built in the 1930s. From there, you can catch views of the falls or head down toward shaded paths like the Lost Lake Trail, which loops around a quiet stretch of water perfect for birdwatching. For something a little different, explore the natural caves carved into the rock or spend the afternoon cooling off in the creek.
Grab a bite or rest your feet at a local diner in town before heading out again. The Treasure Valley Casino & Hotel is just minutes away and makes for a convenient stay if you are sticking around. Davis might be small, but for those who love the outdoors, it's plenty amazing.
Broken Bow
Broken Bow is the kind of place where one day can start with mist rising off the lake and end around a campfire under the stars. At the edge of the village lies Beavers Bend State Park, an outdoor playground wrapped around the Mountain Fork River and Broken Bow Lake.
If you are craving a rush, head to Rugaru Adventures for a zipline ride that soars through the treetops with views of the water below. Prefer to keep your feet closer to the ground? Book a guided fly-fishing trip or rent a kayak and drift down the Lower Mountain Fork. The lake’s shoreline is perfect for slow walks, wildlife spotting, or stretching out on a quiet bank with a good book.
After a day in the woods or on the water, nearby Hochatown has just the right mix of laid-back eats and unexpected finds. Grab a wood-fired pizza, sip wine at a local tasting room, or challenge your group to a round of mini-golf.
Medicine Park
Medicine Park draws you in with cobblestone streets and creek-fed swimming holes, but it’s what surrounds it that really steals the show. Just steps away, Bath Lake flows through the middle of the city, where swimmers plunge into spring-fed water from smooth rock ledges. On a warm day, it feels like a throwback to simpler times, with families picnicking nearby and kids lining up for another jump.
This gateway to the Wichita Mountains is a favorite for hikers and cyclists. Whether you are coasting along Lake Lawtonka or grinding up the steep curves of Mount Scott, there's always a trail waiting. The area is known for its mountain biking scene too, with challenging singletrack and annual rides that bring in outdoor lovers from across the region.
A short drive puts you inside the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, over 59,000 acres of open range where bison, elk, and longhorn cattle still roam. Hike the rugged Narrows Trail, fish at Lake Elmer Thomas, or just drive slowly and take in the wide-open views.
Sulphur
Sulphur is where cool spring water, wooded trails, and cultural experiences all meet in one spot. The heart of it all is the Chickasaw National Recreation Area, where Travertine Creek flows over smooth stone ledges and into swimming holes like Little Niagara. The water stays cold year-round, making it the perfect place to dive in after a walk along the creekside trails.
Just beyond the park, the Chickasaw Cultural Center adds something special to your trip. Set on a wide-open campus, it’s more than a museum, it’s where you can step inside a traditional council house, watch a stomp dance, or cross the Sky Bridge to explore recreated village life. It’s a meaningful way to connect with the land you’ve spent the day hiking through.
After exploring the trails and springs, Sulphur has a few surprises left. The historic Artesian Hotel is known for its spa and cozy rooms, while downtown is full of small shops and sweet spots like local chocolatiers.
Colcord
Colcord may be quiet on the surface, but just a few miles down the road, nature makes a bold statement. Natural Falls State Park is the main draw here, home to a 77-foot waterfall that spills into a fern-lined basin surrounded by steep cliffs. It’s a scene that feels straight out of a movie, and it actually was, Where the Red Fern Grows was filmed right there.
The park's trails are short but rewarding, winding through hardwood forest and past trickling streams. You will find a disc golf course, picnic areas, and even yurts with private decks if you are staying overnight. In town, Colcord adds a bit of local flavor to your outdoor trip. Stop by the historic Hildebrand Mill, built in 1907 and still standing as a reminder of early life in the area. If you are lucky enough to visit in June, the Old Settlers Day celebration brings the community together with parades and music.
Talihina
Talihina sets the stage for one of Oklahoma’s most unforgettable drives. The Talimena Scenic Byway begins right here, winding 54 miles through the Ouachita Mountains with sweeping views you will want to pull over for again and again. In autumn, the hills catch fire with color. In spring, wildflowers dot the ridgelines and the breeze carries the scent of pine. No matter the season, this stretch of road feels like it was made for slow drives and wide-open thinking.
Just outside of town, Talimena State Park serves as the eastern trailhead for the 192-mile Ouachita Trail. It’s small but well-equipped, with shaded campsites and a peaceful atmosphere perfect for hikers, bikers, or anyone needing to hit pause for a while. The trail network gives you access to miles of rugged paths through forested slopes, ideal for early-morning treks or golden-hour walks.
For something off the beaten path, the Kerr Arboretum adds a quieter kind of wild. Covering thousands of acres, its trails move through a surprising variety of plant life from dry, rocky hills to lush, low-lying groves.
Shattuck
Shattuck might fly under the radar, but it is a solid pick for anyone who enjoys being outside without the crowds. Centennial Lake Park is the heart of it all, with a paved trail circling the water, shaded picnic spots, and a public pool for hot summer afternoons. In the evening, it’s not unusual to catch a movie under the stars at the drive-in right next door, one of the few still running in Oklahoma.
Just a short drive out, Lake Lloyd Vincent gives anglers a quiet space to cast a line for bass, catfish, or crappie. If you are staying overnight, the surrounding Ellis County Wildlife Management Area has primitive campsites and trails that lead you into the brush and wide-open sky. It’s remote enough for stargazing and just rugged enough to feel like a real escape.
What makes Shattuck different is the unexpected mix of outdoor space and prairie heritage. The Shattuck Windmill Museum lines up more than 60 vintage windmills across four acres, some towering, some rusted, all restored with care. It’s a quirky and thoughtful tribute to the area's roots. Add in a local nine-hole golf course or a quick dip at nearby Gage Artesian Beach, and you’ve got more than enough to fill a relaxed weekend away.
Pawhuska
Pawhuska gives nature lovers something most places can’t, a front-row seat to one of the rarest ecosystems in the world. Just outside the village, the Tallgrass Prairie Preserve stretches nearly 40,000 acres and is home to hundreds of free-roaming bison. Drive the loop through the open range, pull over at one of the overlooks, or take a quiet walk along the Prairie Earth Trail. It is the kind of place where wind and sky seem to go on forever.
Back in town, Pawhuska serves up more than just prairie views. The Pioneer Woman Mercantile, owned by Ree Drummond, draws big crowds, and with good reason. Between the bakery, general store, and hearty comfort food, it’s a worthy stop after a morning outdoors. And if you are up for it, you can even tour the lodge where her cooking show is filmed.
Finish the day with a stroll across its swinging bridge or check out the Osage Nation Museum for a deeper look into local heritage. From sweeping grasslands to downtown flavor, Pawhuska delivers the kind of trip that feels both grounded and wide open.
Oklahoma’s small towns are full of quiet trails, rushing waterfalls, open skies, and places where you can breathe a little deeper. Whether you are hiking through the Wichita Mountains in Medicine Park, floating down the Mountain Fork River near Broken Bow, or driving through bison country outside Pawhuska, each destination offers something different for those who love the outdoors. These eight cities may be small in size, but they’re big on adventure, each with its own unique way to connect you to the land. So, if you are looking to swap screen time for creek time, or trade traffic for trailheads, it might be time to explore Oklahoma one place at a time.
