Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge
Okmulgee, OK 74447
Plan Your Visit
National wildlife refuges offer a chance to unplug and reconnect with nature. Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge is home to a variety of venomous snakes, such as the cottonmouth, western diamondback rattlesnake, and the pygmy rattlesnake; visitors are advised to keep their distance.
Points of Interest
- Cussetah Bottoms Boardwalk Trail: An elevated boardwalk winding through the bottomland hardwood forest, ideal for wildlife viewing.
- Montezuma Creek Fishing Area: Three ponds open year-round for fishing.
- Coalton Bottoms Railroad Trail and River Overlook: A gravel trail on an old railroad bed used to haul coal, offering a wooded ridge view near the river.
Visitor Tips
- Dawn and dusk are the best times to see wildlife.
- Wear clothing that helps you blend in with the environment.
- Do not wear perfumes or strong scents.
- Bring binoculars, water, snacks, insect repellant, and sunscreen.
Activities
More Activities
Get Involved
National wildlife refuges provide many opportunities for you to help your community by doing what you love. National wildlife refuges partner with volunteers, youth groups, landowners, neighbors and residents of urban and coastal communities to make a lasting difference.
Services
The refuge provides free environmental education programs for students from Preschool to college, tailored to curriculum needs. Staff offer presentations at schools or guide field trips on the refuge to learn about wetlands and wildlife conservation. Special programs like 'Archery in the Schools' Day and participation in the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo are also offered.
About
Established in 1993 to protect bottomland hardwood forests, Deep Fork National Wildlife Refuge encompasses over 10,000 acres along the Deep Fork River. The land has a storied past, originally serving as the home and capital of the Creek Nation and later becoming a center for oil and coal production. Today, the refuge preserves vital wetlands for migratory waterfowl and provides a variety of wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities.
