Presbyterian Falls is an 8-foot waterfall-like run of river-wide ledges on the Mountain Fork in McCurtain County, Oklahoma, on the stretch of the Lower Mountain Fork below Beavers Bend State Park. It is better known to paddlers and anglers than to hikers: a Class II drop on a popular float and trout river, and a summer gathering spot.
The falls
The river spills over three low ledges spread along a chute, with the main drop measuring as a river-wide ledge of about 3 feet. The site consists of ledge-like rapids rather than a true waterfall: lidar data shows a cumulative drop of no more than 6 to 8 feet over more than a tenth of a mile. Below the reregulation dam the Mountain Fork is a clear, rocky stream kept cool enough for trout.
Getting there
Public river access is available near the rapids of Presbyterian Falls, one of two access points outside Beavers Bend State Park, along US 70 about 5 miles east of Broken Bow. Parking is available near the falls, with a portage trail on river left that runs the full length of the chute. On the water, the falls sit at mile 1.3 of the 3-mile run from the reregulation dam to the US 70 bridge.
When to go
The Lower Mountain Fork is a float-trip river from spring through fall, and trout fishing runs year-round. In summer the river usually runs at 120 to 300 cfs before the dam releases, low enough for beginners. Releases, often in the late afternoon in hot months, can raise the flow quickly.
On site
The falls are a popular summer gathering spot and a place to watch rental boats come through on busy weekends. At about 2,000 to 4,000 cfs a keeper hydraulic forms at the ledge. On October 22, 2009, a 46-year-old kayaker drowned after his boat was caught in that hydraulic at high water. Check release schedules and stay off the ledge when the river is up. The ledges just upstream hide many submerged rocks.
Nearby
Cossatot Falls is about 28.6 miles away, across the Arkansas line, and Panther Bluff Falls about 32.2 miles. Hontubby Falls, on the Poteau River, is about 54.7 miles away in Oklahoma. Camping and cabins are available at Beavers Bend State Park.
Distances are straight-line.