Little Niagara Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (3)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Little Niagara Falls
Little Niagara Falls is a charming, photogenic waterfall on Travertine Creek near Sulphur, Oklahoma. The falls—known for clear, cool pools and travertine-lined rock—are a popular spot for swimming, photography, and a quick nature escape. The site sits in and around the Chickasaw National Recreation Area and falls within the Chickasaw Oklahoma Tribal Statistical Area; it is managed as tribal land (Designation: TRIBL) with the landowner listed as DESG, so visitors should be respectful of tribal regulations and site etiquette. Because of its close proximity to established facilities, Little Niagara is easy to combine with an overnight. Cold Springs Campground (Chickasaw) is about 1.62 km away, making early-morning swims and late-afternoon visits convenient for campers and day-use visitors alike.
The Setting
Little Niagara Falls sits at 1,030 feet within Chickasaw Oklahoma Tribal Statistical Area, fed by the Rock Creek, in the foothills of Oklahoma.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
The trail to Little Niagara Falls is a 2.4-mile out-and-back with approximately 350 feet of elevation gain and is typically rated moderate. While the route is well-used and clearly defined, it includes steady uphill stretches and short climbs rather than being entirely flat, so plan for moderate footing and some elevation change. Official surface, grade, or USFS trail class/number data are not provided; nevertheless the path provides shaded sections through native vegetation and leads directly to the travertine pools. Expect 1–2 hours round-trip depending on pace and stops.
What to Expect
Swimming is permitted. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Little Niagara Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $0.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Little Niagara Falls?
✅ Swimming is allowed
When to Visit
Spring and summer are the best times to visit for swimming and enjoying the lush surroundings. Fall offers cooler weather and vibrant foliage, while winter provides a quieter experience with fewer visitors.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
The rocks around the falls can be slippery, so wear appropriate footwear. Be cautious of strong currents after heavy rainfall. Always supervise children near the water.
Current Water Conditions
7 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 37 years of record
5.28 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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge Rock Creek at Sulphur, OK (4 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
7 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
7 cfs
5/10Wed
Low
8 cfs
3/10Thu
Low
8 cfs
3/10Fri
Low
8 cfs
4/10Sat
Barely Flowing
7 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
7 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
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 Sulphur 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.
Here the descent is spread out: 3-meter lidar measures about 25 feet of drop through Little Niagara Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 1,028 feet above sea level.
The ground changes about 34 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 22 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face west and glow in afternoon and evening light.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,028 feet
- Measured by 3-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 25 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- West
- Glows in afternoon and evening light.
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
Little Niagara Falls is located within the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Visitors can access it via the Travertine Nature Center, which is a short drive from Sulphur, Oklahoma. The falls are easily accessible from the parking area.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available near the Travertine Nature Center and other designated areas within the Chickasaw National Recreation Area. Parking may fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Elevation
1,030 feet above sea level
Coordinates
34.508423° N, -96.950294° W
Land Management
Managed by TRIB
Visitor Tips & Gear
Arrive early during peak seasons to secure parking and enjoy a quieter experience. Bring water shoes if you plan to swim, as the creek bed can be rocky. Be mindful of park rules and pack out all trash.
Where to Stay
Comfort Inn & Suites Pauls Valley - City Lake
Turner Falls Park Villa
Village Inn
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Hotel - Pauls Valley by IHG
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Cold Springs Campground (Chickasaw)
1 miles away · 64 sites
Overview Cold Springs Campground is a popular summer campground conveniently located 5-7 minutes from the town of Sulphur. Travertine Creek, directly across from Cold Springs, provides several refreshing spring-fed swimming areas to escape the summer heat. Other nearby attractions, such as Little Niagara and the Travertine Nature Center, make this campground an ideal location for both seasoned and first-time campers.El Camping Cold Springs es un popular camping de verano, convenientemente ubicado
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Travertine Nature Center, Buffalo Springs, Antelope Springs, Veterans Lake, Lake of the Arbuckles.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including deer, birds, and small mammals. Visitors may also spot fish and turtles in the creek.
Cities near Little Niagara Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Little Niagara Falls
3 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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