Shout out to Michael who greeted me outside. He provided me with information about the trails, the…read morecolor coded flags on the trees, points of interest to watch for, such as the tree that grows sides ways, sandwiched between large boulders. He was super helpful! I hiked The Falls Trail, which is 3.5 miles and rated difficult, and the rating is absolutely accurate. The trails are well marked and easy to follow. All of them begin to the left of the visitor center as you walk toward the Fire Road. To reach The Falls Trail, you walk about a quarter mile on the Fire Road, and the trail is the second access point on the left. It's clearly marked with signage, so you won't miss it. Near the butterfly garden, where the trails split to take The Falls Trail or the Wilson Trail, there's a water jug with cold water available, which is a thoughtful touch. The first half of The Falls trail is fairly easy, mostly flat, and a nice warmup. Eventually the terrain shifts to rocky sections and larger boulders. You're not rock scrambling, but there are a few places where the step up or down is high enough to make you slow down and choose your footing. The second half is where the difficulty really sets in. It's mostly incline, and mile markers 118 and 119 were the toughest for me because of the steep grade. It took me three and a half hours to complete the trail, longer than I expected. I'm out of shape and still adjusting to Oklahoma humidity, so I needed several breaks on the return route. The entire trail is under a thick canopy, which keeps you shaded but also blocks most of the breeze. It's a blessing and a challenge at the same time. One thing I really appreciated was the park's safety protocols. Color‑coded flags on the trees help keep you on the correct trail, and the mile markers include location numbers. If you ever have an emergency, you can relay that number so rescuers can find you quickly. No one expects to need help, but it's reassuring to know the system is in place. There are also a couple of spots marked with blue flags that indicate the quickest way out to the Fire Road, which is helpful if you need to exit the trail fast. The visitor center is a great place to cool down after a long hike. There are misters out front, and I stood under them when I finished because I was overheated and exhausted. They felt amazing. There are also rocking chairs outside, and inside you'll find clean bathrooms and a small selection of souvenirs including magnets, pins, keychains, beanies, and T‑shirts. I picked up a sticker and a pin. They really thought of everything to make your visit a good one. From having wood hiking poles you can borrow inside the Visitor Center, to the misters and rocking chairs, the water jug, the color coded flags. Highly recommend visiting Keystone Ancient Forest.

There is a decent sized parking lot for free parking. There is a small welcome center with decent…read morebathrooms before you hit the trails. There are several loop options of various lengths. For my first experience, it was really nice. It was kind of chilly but really perfect weather for a hike and to explore. It was quiet and we didn't see many people while we were out hiking. The trails are well marked as well. It's a nice location to get out and enjoy the outdoors.

One of the best Welcome Centers in America. This was a little gem on the southbound side of I-35…read more It was a necessity stop on a move day so I was not in my Sunday best. Still, the attendants were friendly and I bought some souvenir stuff. I had hardly been in a Welcome Center that sold souvenirs. I was disappointed they didn't have any OU stuff but that's ok. I also have some Oklahoma touristy information which will come in handy when I visit next year. Some other good welcome centers: Louisiana, I-10 West. Missouri I-29 South, Tennessee, I-65 South, Minnesota, I-94 East ...

Beautiful visitors center! Fenced dog park, separate building with vending machines, outdoor…read morebenches, fresh coffee inside, Oklahoma souvenirs, countless brochures on the area, comfortable seating (couch, chairs) and super friendly staff! The bathrooms? Immaculate with plenty of room. Changing table and an exit to the lobby or parking lot. Worth passing by the others to stop here! Note: Signs outside say,"Smile, your under surveillance"

What a neat place! It really is in the middle of nowhere. It is nearly all gravel roads for miles…read more Max speed probably around 35mph. But it's so neat to just drive around. It's also very quiet, except for the wind. I didn't pass many other cars at all. It probably took me about 2 hours to drive through (including my stop at the visitor center). I stopped for about 30-45 mins to talk with the volunteers there and sign the guest book. They were so friendly! Both ladies were so passionate about the preserve and knew so much about its history. And also about the wildlife and plants on the prairie. They were also telling me about the controlled burn that they were doing at the time of my visit. I learned about how the burns help keep the prairie healthy. So neat! Cell reception is spotty. I have an iPhone and downloaded an offline map while still in Tulsa before my journey up there so I was worry free. Worked out perfect! Also check the website i'm close to the day of your visit to ensure of volunteer will be staffed that day. As the visitor center is run by volunteers... There might not always be someone there every day. PS... don't expect to touch a bison. There are signs warning you to stay away as they can be dangerous/aggressive. For the most part, you are supposed to stay on the gravel road.

This place is special. As part of the southern flint hills region, this protected tall grass…read moreprairie preserve is something you can't see just anywhere. Once upon a time, America was full of prairie lands, but that is no longer the case. I'm so glad this glorious area is being preserved. Go see the visitor center and learn about bison as well as the native flora that abounds around this area. Learn why fire is essential for maintaining a prairie. While at the visitor center, peek through the windows of the cutest bunkhouse ever (I'd love to spend a weekend here!). Go hike the trail they maintain and see all the flowers, bushes, trees, grasses, butterflies, bees, birds and other wonders of nature. Drive around and marvel at the grazing bison. Leave with a happy heart and your proverbial cup overflowing.

Maybe have the employees at the Welcome Center actually WELCOME travelers? Yeah, maybe one of the 4…read moreladies standing behind the desk, 2 of them eating at the desk, could at least look up, maybe smile or grunt or anything to acknowledge a tourist when they walk in. And if they don't do that, maybe get maintenance or someone to make sure the faucets, soap and towel dispensers are full and working. A really nice WC, full of lots of local stuff (most made in China). We were going to shop and buy but the Unwelcome Center left us cold. Such a waste to pay 4 people at a welcome center to NOT welcome people. Bathrooms were clean and well designed as was the exterior.

Nice place with drive arranged to force slow driving. Room for kids to play. Nice visitor's…read moreinformation area with brochures. Restrooms usually clean. Trucks go straight, cars turn left.

This was a great little spot that I found on my drive back from Arkansas to Tulsa. The waterfall…read moreis pretty and there are a few trails. Lots of benches, picnic tables, and even paved pathways.

Natural Falls State Park is located in West Siloam Springs, Oklahoma, 6 miles from the border with…read moreArkansas. If you're coming to Natural Falls for barbecuing, picnicking, short hiking, lounging around and camping...then this park is for you. I was scrolling through Google Maps and discovered a photo that looked intriguing. It was a picture of a 77 foot plunging waterfall among a scenic backdrop known as Ozark Springs. This Ozark Springs waterfall is the #1 top highlight at the park. The rest of the activities (I believe) are side compliments. So...if you're passing through West Siloam Springs, it could be worthwhile to check out Ozark Springs, and it doesn't take long to do. The trails map says 45 minutes, but it can be finished in less. The walk to the falls is half a mile at the most. You can find Ozark Springs along the Dripping Springs Trail. There are two parts to capturing views. First is from an overlook point high above. After completing this lookout spot, then it's 47 steps down to the bottom. The base of Ozark Falls has a boardwalk pathway leading you in front of the waterfall. I was tempted to step off the boardwalk to avoid the hand railing when taking pictures, but that wasn't not allowed. Also unfortunately, they don't permit swimming in the pool that Ozark Falls splashes into. But the waters appeared refreshing. You can connect Dripping Springs Trail with Ghost Coon Trail to combine two hikes in one. Or otherwise you can return to the Dripping Springs Trailhead and either choose another pathway or hang out, have lunch and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. There are a few other trails you can consider, but they're nothing dramatic. - Fox Den Trail - 1.5 miles to a "rock overhang and cavern area". - Bear Trail - hardly a hike but leads to Ozark Springs and intersects with Dripping Springs Trail. - Pine Ridge Trail - 3/4th's of a mile that navigates the perimeter of Natural Falls Park. It's $10 entrance fee for a day pass. You can pay at the Visitor Center. Plus inside the VC, you can purchase souvenirs from a small selection of items or buy snacks and drinks if you haven't arrived prepared. I noticed they have a lot of space for camping. Although I didn't spend a night here, the conditions for sleeping outdoors looked inviting. Btw...while walking along Ghost Coon Trail, I passed by these Yurts, or I'd describe them as huts accommodative for "glamping" or glorified camping. It's like upscale camping staying in tent - cabins. There may have been 5 - 6 yurts located beside the grass edge of the forest and pleasant looking for enjoying the great outdoors. Overall, Natural Falls State Park has a quiet setting and is fine for taking a few hours to breathe in fresh air, especially if you're in no hurry. Although I wanted more challenging hiking trails and activities to keep me occupied, I was okay with taking a lazy day to appreciate nature.

This was a different experience where I performed live here, while witnessing the scenery. There…read morewas a birdwatching tour before the event + show took place & I missed it, which means I'll have to come back up here to check it out. It was fresh off of a lightly rainy day & to hear the birds chirping a majority of the time I was there did something to my well being. I believe the person I met was Maggie (I'm really bad with names), she's the Nature Programs Director. She enjoyed the music & she was nice. The lady at the front desk was really nice too. Good experience all-around.

The trails were beautiful, easy to walk with children, and easily accessible when able to get to…read morethem from nature center. This nature center parking lot closes at 5. If having to park away from the parking lot it might be quite a walk to the trails. The inside of the nature center had clean bathrooms, a kids area with a couch and some books, and things for kids to look at. There were multiple artifacts out that I felt I had to stop my toddler from possible breaking. So maybe not kid safe for multiple kids being watched by one parent.

got there, immediately liked addition to shared trail of distinction between running and vehicle…read morelanes via green paint at potential collision junctions. next, oh wait, before that, getting ready to cross riverside dr, i heard and saw hooping on the 2nd most southernly of the 5 courts, and hollered something bout hooping on the volleyball court because i've come to associate all 3 of the most southernly courts with a volleyball net setup, even though the 3rd most southernly and northernly is the only court i actually saw with one tonight. okay, so, yeah, the hooping was decently good too, saw a couple tough drives to basket, including a smooth finger rolling lay. i'd not hopped into any of the pickup runs, but glad to be there and see some action. by the way, the drives and lay transpired on the 2nd most northernly court, which tends to be where the most serious hoopers congregate from what i've saw. further, i'd heard a security officer notifying people to the courts closing in about 15 to 20 minutes, before cutting off most of the lights, leaving enough for each courtgoer to safely disperse.

The Gathering Place is truly one of the most peaceful and beautiful spots in Tulsa. It's definitely…read moremy favorite spot. I love to bird watch here! I bring my binoculars and always spot a great variety of birds. The trees are absolutely stunning... there are over 100 species of trees. Honestly... it's a little escape from a hectic world. It's the perfect place to bring a book, find your spot, and just relax for a while. Whether you're looking to unwind, enjoy nature, or have a quiet moment to yourself...this park is a hidden gem that never disappoints. Perfect for getting in your steps too! I like to go early morning before it gets too hot or busy. Starting in May they have free canoe rentals!! They also have very good food. Love their fresh fruit cups which they prepare every morning daily, their sandwiches are fresh and very good! I've also had their ice cream and it's delicious. When you first walk into the main building, you can check out chess pieces and other games. Some of the tables have the chessboard design printed on them. Perfect for getting your chess game on. Every Wednesday and Sunday, you can bring your dog. Over at the boathouse on the bottom floor they have a little museum called "Drawers of curiosity." Hard to believe The Gathering Place doesn't charge an entrance fee!! It's just simply amazing!

We went to Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge today, and beyond happy we did. This location is free…read moreto explore, which was a bonus. On our visit we were the only ones that were on the property so it was very peaceful. We were able to see a few deer,eagles,raccoons, and several other wildlife. It was a little hot so we only drove through the refuge but we do have plans to walk the trails in the future. The property was kept up and saw no trash whatsoever. If you are ever in the area I highly suggest giving Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge a visit. There are a few boat locations if you want to fish from a boat.

Debbie Rusk said she knew all about cruising and since she was a travel agent we believed her. She…read morebooked us 3 rooms with balconies which is what we wanted. Come to find out our balconies did not have ANY kind of a roof over them. Totally open at the top. We found out about this before our cruise but it was too late to do anything about it. Debbie had no idea balconies like this even existed. You would think a travel agent that specializes in cruising would know this! She acted like it was no big deal and said she would love a balcony like that. Did absolutely nothing to try and fix things. All she cared about was getting her money! Maybe the other agents in this agency are better but I wouldn't recommend Debbie Rusk for anything. I don't usually post reviews but thought I would to maybe help someone else out!

Gayla is an excellent agent!!! She helped us find the vacation of a lifetime coming up in late…read moreJuly! We can't wait! She found us a great deal! So helpful and friendly!!