Are there fees or permits required for Presbyterian Falls?

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

Is swimming allowed at Presbyterian Falls?

Yes, swimming is allowed at Presbyterian Falls.

Live Conditions · 163 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Presbyterian Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Presbyterian Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Presbyterian Falls.

Oklahoma

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Choctaw Oklahoma Tribal Statistical Area TRIBL · DESG

Photo Credits (4)

Thomas & Dianne Jones from Okmulgee, OK, USA CC BY 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons

FreeWine CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

0.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

About Presbyterian Falls

Presbyterian Falls tumbles along the Lower Mountain Fork River in southeastern Oklahoma as a lively series of cascading rapids rather than a single vertical drop — a setting that attracts paddlers, photographers and hikers who enjoy dynamic river scenery. The falls’ braided channels and exposed rock shelves create a mix of quiet pools and rushing water, making it an evocative spot for watching currents and for experienced kayakers to run when flows allow. Its character is more rapid than plunge, so views are best from stable riverbanks and rock ledges rather than a single overlook. The falls lie within the Choctaw Oklahoma Tribal Statistical Area on land owned by DESG and managed by tribal authorities (designation: TRIB), so visitors should respect tribal land use and signage. The approach feels natural and undeveloped — a pleasant outdoor escape that rewards a short hike and careful footing along the river’s edge.

The Setting

Presbyterian Falls sits at 367 feet within Choctaw Oklahoma Tribal Statistical Area, fed by the Mountain Fork, in the coastal lowlands of Oklahoma.

Trail & Hike Details

Trail Description

The access route to Presbyterian Falls is an out-and-back trail of roughly 2.4 miles with about 350 feet of elevation gain and a moderate difficulty rating. The tread is primarily dirt with uneven surfaces, including rocky, rooty and occasionally steep sections, so sturdy shoes and steady footing are recommended. The trail is suitable for most hikers comfortable with moderate climbs and natural trail conditions; it leads down to the riverbank and the cascading rapids, where views open up and paddlers often launch. Note that this approach is on tribal-managed land, so follow posted rules and stay on established paths.

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 Presbyterian Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Presbyterian Falls?

✅ Swimming is allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and early summer are ideal for visiting Presbyterian Falls, as the water levels are typically higher, enhancing the beauty of the rapids.

Seasonal Access

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

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks and strong currents near the falls. Always supervise children and pets. Water levels can change rapidly, so check conditions before visiting.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Low

163 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

145 199 536 2.5k

Based on 57 years of record

0.90 ft

Water depth at gauge

75°F

Comfortable

Pleasant for swimming

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. The water is a comfortable 75 degrees F, pleasant for swimming.

About This Gauge

Mountain Fork near Eagletown, OK

USGS 07339000

1.9 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 800 sq mi

Altitude: 334 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Mountain Fork near Eagletown, OK (3 km away).

High confidence

Low right now

163 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Low

163 cfs

6/10

Tomorrow

Low

164 cfs

6/10

Wed

Moderate

182 cfs

4/10

Thu

Moderate

164 cfs

4/10

Fri

Low

142 cfs

6/10

Sat

Low

149 cfs

6/10

Sun

Low

138 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late 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 Eagletown 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: 1-meter lidar measures about 33 feet of drop through Presbyterian Falls, stretched along the creek rather than stacked in one wall. The brink sits at about 361 feet above sea level.

Both above and below, the ground is gentle; the falls are the one abrupt step in an otherwise easy-going creek. The falls face southwest and glow in afternoon and evening light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Presbyterian Falls near Eagletown, Oklahoma, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Presbyterian Falls near Eagletown, Oklahoma, showing about 33 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing southwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 361 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 33 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Southwest; 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 southwest).

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Presbyterian Falls is located near Broken Bow, Oklahoma, within the Lower Mountain Fork River area. It can be accessed via local roads, and the closest major town is Broken Bow. Visitors typically park near the river and walk a short distance to the falls.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available near the river, but spaces may be limited during peak seasons. Visitors should plan accordingly.

Elevation

367 feet above sea level

Coordinates

34.069555° N, -94.624103° W

Land Management

Choctaw Oklahoma Tribal Statistical Area TRIBL

Managed by TRIB

Visitor Tips & Gear

Visit during the spring or early summer for the best water flow. Bring water shoes if you plan to explore the riverbank. Be cautious of slippery rocks near the water.