LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP
Hontubby Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainAbout Hontubby Falls
Hontubby Falls is a small, scenic waterfall tucked into southeastern Oklahoma that rewards visitors seeking a quiet, lesser-known nature stop. The cascade sits within the Choctaw Oklahoma Tribal Statistical Area on land owned by DESG and managed by tribal authorities (Manager: TRIB), so visitors should be mindful that they are exploring tribal lands while enjoying the peaceful setting. Its low profile and relative solitude make Hontubby Falls a pleasant outing for afternoon hikes and nature photography.
The Setting
Hontubby Falls sits at 499 feet within Choctaw Oklahoma Tribal Statistical Area, in the coastal lowlands of Oklahoma.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The available data lists the route as an out-and-back hike of moderate difficulty, but specific surface, grade, and trail class information (USFS trail number/name, surface type, or technical class) are not provided in the source data.
What to Expect
Visitors can expect a serene, natural setting with a small waterfall surrounded by forested areas. The falls may be seasonal and dependent on rainfall, so water flow could vary.
Accessibility
Accessibility information is not available. The area may not be suitable for visitors with mobility challenges due to unmarked or uneven terrain.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Hontubby Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Hontubby Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are typically the best times to visit, as the waterfall is more likely to have a steady flow due to seasonal rainfall.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Visitors should be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and uneven trails. Cell service may be limited in the area, so plan accordingly.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Poteau River, 6 miles away, not on Hontubby Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
22 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 34 years of record
8.98 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.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Poteau River at Loving, OK (10 km away).
Today
Roaring
23 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Roaring
17 cfs
9/10Tue
Roaring
15 cfs
9/10Wed
Roaring
15 cfs
9/10Thu
Roaring
17 cfs
9/10Fri
Roaring
20 cfs
9/10Sat
Roaring
18 cfs
6/10Best window: Tomorrow — roaring flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early March to early April, peaking in March.
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 Heavener hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Hontubby Falls Frozen?
Updated about 23 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Hontubby Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 57°F to 36°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 20 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
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.
1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 21 feet through Hontubby Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 508 feet.
Both above and below, the ground is gentle; the falls are the one abrupt step in an otherwise easy-going creek. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 508 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 21 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- East
- Catches soft morning light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Hontubby Falls is located near the town of Hontubby in Le Flore County, Oklahoma. Access may require driving on rural roads, so a reliable map or GPS is recommended.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking availability is unclear, but visitors may need to park along nearby roads or at informal pull-off areas.
Elevation
499 feet above sea level
Coordinates
34.855935° N, -94.585781° W
Land Management
Managed by TRIB
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring sturdy footwear and be prepared for unmarked trails. Check weather conditions before visiting, as rural roads and trails may become muddy or difficult to navigate after rain.
Where to Stay
SureStay Plus Hotel by Best Western Poteau
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Poteau by IHG
Best Western Prime Inn & Suites
Serene Cabins w/ Decks & 8 Acres on Kiamichi River
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
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
Oklahoma Ranger District
7 miles away · 0 sites
The Oklahoma Ranger District consists of about 363,000 acres located on the west side of the Ouachita Mountains in southeastern Oklahoma. The district is split into three areas: the northern unit is within LeFlore County and has many hiking trails and camp grounds, natural areas and a national recreation area; the central unit contains the large and beautiful Broken Bow Lake that provides thousands of people great fishing and water sports opportunities; the southern unit is more coastal plains w
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Nearby Attractions
The Ouachita National Forest and Winding Stair Mountain National Recreation Area are located nearby, offering additional outdoor activities and scenic views.
Wildlife
The area may feature local wildlife such as deer, birds, and small mammals. Be cautious of snakes and other potentially hazardous animals.
Cities near Hontubby Falls
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