Butcher Falls (1 mile)

Butcher Falls on Poole Creek is a very interesting geologic feature that while on private property was made open to the public.  The access is largely restricted to the exposed rocks above the falls through a small smooth gorge.  The river is slightly dammed by the rocks strata that created the waterfall.  As the creek flows into the falls area, it spreads out and tumbles over some light rapids as it approaches the falls.  The likely route at most flows is down the river left but this river can get rather big at higher flows and produce a beat down hole at the bottom. Be aware that Butcher Falls can dry up when there is no local rain and this is a very seasonal feature. Take exit 4 and follow US-166 eastbound, through Arkansas City, to the split of US-166 and US-166-Bus just west of Sedan (about 44 miles from Arkansas City or 7 miles east of Wauneta). Bear left on the Business route but when you get to the intersection of OK-99, turn left and follow it for 3 miles. Entering the ranch and accessing 100 yards abover and below the falls is permitted (close the gate both when entering and when leaving!). However vehicles are not allowed past the gate.