Are there fees or permits required for Cedar Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Cedar Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Cedar Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Cedar Falls.

Live Conditions · 414 ft³/s · About average

Cedar Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Cedar Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Cedar Falls.

Oklahoma

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 8 other waterfalls also named Cedar Falls, see below

Chickasaw Oklahoma Tribal Statistical Area TRIBL · DESG

Photo Credits (5)

rutlo CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

2.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Cedar Falls

Cedar Falls sits on tribal land within the Chickasaw Oklahoma Tribal Statistical Area (designation TRIBL), with landowner listed as DESG and manager listed as TRIB. The fall's gentle cascade is framed by rocky outcrops and shaded woods, creating a peaceful, photogenic setting that swells after periods of rain. Note that “Cedar Falls” is a common place name and appears on Wikipedia as a disambiguation entry for multiple waterfalls, so be sure you’ve got the Oklahoma location when planning your visit. The site makes for a rewarding short hike and a quiet nature stop for day visitors. Because the falls are managed as tribal land, please observe any posted rules and respect the area’s stewardship; the setting feels intimate compared with larger park waterfalls and is best enjoyed with a low-impact approach.

The Setting

Cedar Falls sits at 869 feet within Chickasaw Oklahoma Tribal Statistical Area, fed by the Washita River, in the foothills of Oklahoma.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Turner Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oklahoma at 77 feet, lies 8.3 miles to the northwest.

Turner Falls

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The trail to Cedar Falls is a 2.4-mile out-and-back route with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain and is typically rated moderate. The path winds through wooded sections and rocky terrain; surfaces can be uneven and may become muddy or slippery after rain, so sturdy footwear and good footing are recommended. This moderate out-and-back is suitable for hikers with a bit of experience on rockier trails and offers a relatively short but engaging approach to the falls.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Cedar Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Cedar Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall is more likely to have a strong flow due to seasonal rains.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall, especially after rain. Watch for wildlife and avoid feeding or approaching animals. Carry plenty of water and avoid hiking during extreme heat.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

414 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

84 173 1.2k 4.3k

Based on 65 years of record

7.58 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year.

About This Gauge

This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.

Washita River near Dickson, OK

USGS 07331000

8.3 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 7,172 sq mi

Altitude: 650 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Washita River near Dickson, OK (13 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

414 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Moderate

414 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

408 cfs

9/10

Wed

Moderate

434 cfs

6/10

Thu

Moderate

437 cfs

6/10

Fri

Moderate

423 cfs

6/10

Sat

Moderate

359 cfs

9/10

Sun

Moderate

353 cfs

9/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to late June, peaking in June.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Gene Autry hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

Through the falls the surface drops roughly 153 feet over a short, steep run of tiers. Elevation at the pin is about 878 feet.

The ground changes about 37 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 52 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Cedar Falls near Gene Autry, Oklahoma, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Cedar Falls near Gene Autry, Oklahoma, showing about 153 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing west

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 878 feet; Measured by 3-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 153 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: West; Glows in afternoon and evening light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading west).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Cedar Falls is located within the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Visitors can access the area by driving to the refuge, which is near Lawton, Oklahoma. Specific directions to the trailhead or parking area may vary, so it is recommended to consult a map or GPS for accurate navigation.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at designated areas within the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. Visitors should follow signage to locate the nearest parking lot to the trailhead.

Elevation

869 feet above sea level

Coordinates

34.335091° N, -97.053071° W

Land Management

Chickasaw Oklahoma Tribal Statistical Area TRIBL

Managed by TRIB

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit after recent rainfall for the best waterfall views. Bring water, wear sturdy shoes, and be prepared for uneven terrain. Check weather conditions before your trip, as the trail may be more challenging in wet conditions.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

Buckhorn Campground (Chickasaw)

7.4 miles away · 137 sites

Reservable

Overview Buckhorn Campground is a relaxed, family-friendly campground conveniently located 8 miles off Hwy 177. Popular recreational activities include boating, swimming, fishing, bicycling, and birding. Recreation Bring your boats and jet skis to enjoy the lake or pack your fishing rods to catch some of the state's finest bass, catfish, and crappie. This area is most popular for water sports but hiking trails and bicycling are also great ways to explore the park and take in scenic views of Lake

Book on Recreation.gov

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Other attractions in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge include Mount Scott, the Holy City of the Wichitas, and the Prairie Dog Town.

Wildlife

The refuge is home to a variety of wildlife, including bison, elk, deer, and numerous bird species. Visitors should maintain a safe distance from all animals.