Are there fees or permits required for Webbers Falls (historical)?

No, there are no fees required to visit Webbers Falls (historical).

Is swimming allowed at Webbers Falls (historical)?

No, swimming is not allowed at Webbers Falls (historical).

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Webbers Falls (historical) near Carlisle, Oklahoma

LiDAR terrain view · USGS 3DEP

Live Conditions · 63 ft³/s · Lower than usual

Webbers Falls (historical)

Q: Are dogs allowed at Webbers Falls (historical)?

No, dogs are not allowed at Webbers Falls (historical).

Oklahoma

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Cherokee Oklahoma Tribal Statistical Area TRIBL · DESG

Difficulty

Drive Up

About Webbers Falls (historical)

Webbers Falls is a historical river site on the Arkansas River in southeastern Muskogee County, Oklahoma, and gives its name to the small town of Webbers Falls (population 338 at the 2020 census). The place takes its name from a once-prominent seven-foot waterfall that marked a trading and meeting place established by Cherokee leader Walter Webber, who opened a trading post here in 1818 and was a leader among the Western Cherokee (“Old Settlers”). That modest cascade was inundated when the Webbers Falls Lock and Dam was built in the mid-20th century, so the original falls are no longer visible today. The site lies within the Cherokee Oklahoma Tribal Statistical Area (land unit designation TRIBL) and is noted as being managed by tribal authorities (manager code: TRIB), with land ownership recorded as DESG. Visitors are drawn more for riverside strolls, local history and the town’s riverfront setting than for a classic waterfall hike; interpretive signs and historic points of interest in town help tell the story of Walter Webber and the community that grew up around the river.

The Setting

Webbers Falls (historical) sits at 459 feet within Cherokee Oklahoma Tribal Statistical Area, fed by the Illinois River, in the coastal lowlands of Oklahoma.

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

No hiking required. Webbers Falls (historical) is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.

Trail Description

There is no official USFS trail to the original falls, which now sit underwater behind the Webbers Falls Lock and Dam. Instead, most visitors use a local out-and-back route of about 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain; the route is commonly rated moderate in difficulty. Surface, grade and USFS trail classification data are not available for a formal trail corridor here, so expect a mix of town streets and informal riverbank paths rather than a designated forest trail.

What to Expect

Visitors can expect to learn about the historical significance of Webbers Falls and enjoy views of the Arkansas River. The original waterfall is no longer present, but the area offers opportunities for fishing, boating, and exploring the local history.

Accessibility

This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Webbers Falls (historical)?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Webbers Falls (historical)?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

Spring and fall are ideal times to visit due to mild weather, but the area is accessible year-round.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Safety Information

Be cautious near the river, as currents can be strong. Seasonal flooding may occur, so check conditions before visiting.

Current Water Conditions

Updated 42 minutes ago Moderate

63 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Lower than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

55 120 903 1.9k

Based on 72 years of record

6.48 ft

Water depth at gauge

71°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 71 degrees F, pleasant for swimming. Expect low dissolved oxygen levels.

Water Quality

3.1 mg/L

Dissolved Oxygen

Poor

Low oxygen — stressed ecosystem

About This Gauge

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

Illinois River near Gore, OK

USGS 07198000

7.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 1,615 sq mi

Altitude: 468 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge Illinois River near Gore, OK (13 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

68 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Moderate

68 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

63 cfs

9/10

Thu

Strong

62 cfs

7/10

Fri

Roaring

60 cfs

6/10

Sat

Roaring

93 cfs

6/10

Sun

Strong

72 cfs

8/10

Mon

Strong

71 cfs

10/10

Best window: Mon — strong flow, sunny (trip score 10/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to late May, 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 Carlisle 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.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Webbers Falls (historical) near Carlisle, Oklahoma, for comparison with the lidar view

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Webbers Falls is located near the town of Webbers Falls, Oklahoma, along the Arkansas River. The site can be accessed via Interstate 40, with nearby exits leading to the town.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available in the town of Webbers Falls or near the river access points. Specific parking areas for the historical site may be limited.

Elevation

459 feet above sea level

Coordinates

35.460833° N, -95.054444° W

Land Management

Cherokee Oklahoma Tribal Statistical Area TRIBL

Managed by TRIB

Visitor Tips & Gear

Bring a camera to capture the scenic views of the Arkansas River. Check local weather conditions before visiting, as the area may be affected by seasonal flooding.