Post Oak Falls
A hidden gem in the Wichita Mountains, Post Oak Falls offers a moderately challenging hike to a breathtaking, seasonal cascade. Prepare for rugged ter...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best waterfall flow
Post Oak Falls
Best Time
Best waterfall flow
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden gem in the Wichita Mountains, Post Oak Falls offers a moderately challenging hike to a breathtaking, seasonal cascade. Prepare for rugged terrain and pack essentials.
"Breath takingly beautiful. About 3 mile hike round-trip. Medium difficulty. Well worth it though when you finally reach the waterfall. "
🥾 Wear Non-Slip Boots
Crucial for navigating rocky and potentially wet terrain.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
No potable water available on site. Stay hydrated!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Main Waterfall
End of the lower trail
A breathtaking cascade, especially impressive for the region. Rock climbing offers an even closer, amazing view.
Lower Trail Shaded Path
Lower trail route
A slightly more challenging but shadier path offering a more immersive nature experience.
Upper Trail Sunny Route
Upper trail route
An easier, sunnier option for reaching the falls, suitable for those seeking a less strenuous hike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Water Flow
Essential Preparations
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Non-Slip Boots
Crucial for navigating rocky and potentially wet terrain.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
No potable water available on site. Stay hydrated!
♻️ Pack It In, Pack It Out
Leave no trace. Carry out all your trash.
🗺️ Follow Main Trails
Desire trails can be confusing; stick to the main path for clarity.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Non-Slip Boots
Crucial for navigating rocky and potentially wet terrain.
💧 Pack Plenty of Water
No potable water available on site. Stay hydrated!
♻️ Pack It In, Pack It Out
Leave no trace. Carry out all your trash.
🗺️ Follow Main Trails
Desire trails can be confusing; stick to the main path for clarity.
🧗♀️ Rock Climbing for Views
For an amazing perspective, consider some easy rock climbing near the falls.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Post Oak Falls is a breathtakingly beautiful, albeit challenging, natural attraction. Visitors rave about the impressive waterfall, especially when water flow is strong in fall and spring. However, the hike requires preparation due to its rugged, off-trail nature and complete lack of facilities like restrooms or trash cans.
"Super beautiful waterfall. If you get down there by lower ground it’s harder to get there. But you’re closer to the fall.
No restrooms, no trash cans and I highly suggest having non slip boots to get there.
Getting to the waterfall, you’re kinda be off trail and it’s rocky to get there. So be ready."
Cam A.
"Hike is easy but seasonal. I went in augest and the waterfalls were all dried up, may try going again later in the fall or spring.
There's an upper trail, it's easier and sunnier and a lower trail it's slightly harder but shadier."
Kailey Miller
"NO restroom. NO drinking water. No Garbage cans.. NOT wheelchair accessible. NOT well marked .... BUT
Breath takingly beautiful.
About 3 mile hike round-trip. Medium difficulty. Small amount of easy bouldering. Up hills, down hills, valleys, flat ground, Rocky ground, water crossings. Nature everywhere. I will do this hike over , and over again.
The waterfall is seen okay at the end of the trail, but amazing if you do some rock climbing 😉.
REMEMBER: You bring it in - you bring it out. 😉
if you didn't bring it - don't take it ( 🤷 unless it is garbage )."
Hope bailey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Post Oak Falls is located in the Wichita Mountains. The hike is approximately 3 miles round-trip and involves navigating off-trail sections, rocky ground, and water crossings. There are both upper (easier, sunnier) and lower (harder, shadier) trails.
The trail is not well-marked. While following the main stem of the trails will eventually lead you to a sign for the waterfall, some desire trails can be difficult to follow.
Expect a mix of uphill, downhill, valleys, flat ground, and rocky terrain. Easy bouldering is also involved.
No, there are no restrooms, drinking water, or trash cans available at Post Oak Falls. Visitors must be self-sufficient.
No, Post Oak Falls is not wheelchair accessible due to the rugged and varied terrain.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no admission fee or ticket required to visit Post Oak Falls. It is a natural attraction accessible via hiking trails.
As a natural outdoor attraction, Post Oak Falls does not have set operating hours. However, it is best visited during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
Information regarding parking fees is not readily available, but typically, access to natural areas like this within national or state parks may have associated entrance or parking fees. It's advisable to check local park regulations.
While you can technically visit year-round, the waterfall's flow is seasonal. It's best to visit in the fall or spring for the most impressive water levels. In August, the falls can be completely dried up.
The hike is about 3 miles round-trip. The time it takes can vary depending on your hiking pace and how much time you spend enjoying the scenery.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
While the waterfall is visible from the end of the trail, some visitors recommend doing a bit of rock climbing to get a closer and more amazing view.
Yes, Post Oak Falls is described as breathtakingly beautiful and a quiet place to be, making it ideal for nature photography.
Bring plenty of water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and a bag to carry out all your trash. Sturdy, non-slip hiking boots are highly recommended.
Be cautious of the rocky terrain, water crossings, and off-trail sections. Ensure you have appropriate footwear and are aware of your surroundings.
The hike is generally considered medium difficulty, involving varied terrain and some challenging sections.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the hike isn't stroller-friendly and not recommended for very young children or those with mobility issues, families looking for an outdoor adventure will appreciate the natural beauty. The opportunity to explore off-trail sections (with caution) and the impressive waterfall at the end can be exciting for kids. Emphasize the 'leave no trace' principle by bringing trash bags to pack out everything you bring in.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers & Hikers
Given the lack of amenities, solo hikers must be fully self-sufficient, carrying ample water, snacks, and a basic first-aid kit. The trail's less-marked nature means paying attention to your surroundings and potentially using a navigation app can enhance safety and enjoyment. The quiet, natural setting provides a peaceful escape, and the impressive waterfall offers a great sense of accomplishment upon arrival.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Trails to Post Oak Falls
Crucially, the trails are not always well-marked, and there are numerous 'desire trails' that can lead hikers astray. The consensus among visitors is to stick to the main stem of the trails, which should eventually guide you towards signage for the waterfall. This means paying attention to your path and perhaps using a navigation app if you're concerned about getting lost. The effort is well worth it, as the waterfall is described as 'breath-takingly beautiful' and a hidden gem.
Essential Gear: Given the lack of facilities, proper preparation is key. Sturdy, non-slip hiking boots are a must due to the rocky and potentially wet conditions. Bringing ample drinking water is non-negotiable, as is a bag for packing out all trash. Remember the 'leave no trace' principle – bring it in, bring it out.
The Seasonal Spectacle of Post Oak Falls
For the most impressive display of water flow, travelers recommend planning a visit during the fall or spring. These seasons typically bring more rainfall, ensuring that Post Oak Falls is cascading impressively. This seasonality is a crucial factor for anyone planning a trip specifically to see the waterfall in its full glory. Checking local weather patterns and recent rainfall can help in timing your visit for the best experience.
Even when the water flow is low, the surrounding landscape offers a unique hiking experience. The varied terrain and natural beauty provide a worthwhile outing. However, for that iconic waterfall view, timing your visit to coincide with wetter periods is highly advised.
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