The best dog-friendly hikes and walks in Tulsa County

The River Parks East Bank Trail is a fantastic urban escape, offering a generally easy and scenic hiking experience along the Arkansas River. You'll find yourself on a paved, multi-use path, often shaded by trees, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy river views and spot local wildlife. The route is well-maintained and connects to popular spots like The Gathering Place, making it a vibrant and engaging walk for its entire 11.4 miles (18.3 km).

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the trail boasts numerous amenities like restrooms, drinking fountains, and picnic areas. Parking is available at various access points along the route, though it's wise to arrive early on busy days to secure a spot. This moderate trail, with its minimal 136 feet (41 metres) of elevation gain, is suitable for most fitness levels and takes approximately 4 hours and 38 minutes to complete, making it a great option for a longer, relaxed outing.

Considered a crown jewel of Tulsa's trail system, this route is more than just a path; it's a green corridor featuring native plantings and public art installations. It also offers excellent connectivity, linking to other regional trails like the Riverparks West Bank Trail and the Katy Trail, providing endless possibilities for extended exploration. The trail's design, with separate lanes for pedestrians and cyclists in many sections, ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.

The Tuckabache Trail provides a delightful and easy urban hike, perfect for a relaxed outing in Tulsa. This 3.5-mile (5.7 km) route, with its minimal 151 feet (46 metres) of elevation gain, is mostly flat and paved, making it accessible for nearly everyone. You can expect to complete this scenic walk in about 1 hour and 28 minutes, enjoying pleasant views of the Arkansas River and the vibrant landscape of The Gathering Place as you go.

Planning your visit is simple, as the trail is well-integrated into the city's park system. You'll find ample amenities, including restrooms and picnic areas, especially when passing through The Gathering Place. This trail is suitable for all skill levels and is a great option for those seeking a family-friendly path or an easy stroll, with good access and parking available nearby.

Beyond its recreational appeal, the Tuckabache Trail holds significant cultural importance, having been renamed to honor Tuckabache, a respected Muscogee (Creek) leader. This gesture acknowledges local Indigenous history, adding a layer of depth to your walk. The trail also connects to other greenway trails, offering further exploration opportunities within Tulsa's urban landscape.

The River Parks Trail Loop offers a fascinating blend of urban parkland and rugged wilderness, making it one of the best hikes in Tulsa for those seeking variety. You'll start on smooth, paved paths along the Arkansas River, enjoying green corridors and city views, before diving into the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness. Here, the scenery transforms into a secluded natural environment with a thick tree canopy, serene ponds, and ancient boulders, culminating in expansive viewpoints of the river and skyline.

This difficult 15.7-mile (25.3 km) route, with 313 feet (95 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 6 hours and 28 minutes. The paved sections are generally easy, but the Turkey Mountain portions demand good fitness due to their unpaved nature and notable elevation changes. The trail system is well-lit in many areas (with an 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew) and offers amenities like restrooms and water fountains, connecting to cafes and attractions like The Gathering Place.

What makes the River Parks Trail Loop truly unique is its ability to combine easily accessible urban paths with the challenging, preserved natural habitat of Turkey Mountain. This extensive system allows for creating various loop routes using pedestrian bridges, providing a significant recreational resource within the city. It's a fantastic option for a long, diverse day out, showcasing Tulsa's commitment to outdoor recreation.

Embark on the Tuckabache and River Parks East Bank Trail Loop for a refreshing hike along the Arkansas River in Tulsa. This moderate route spans 5.6 miles (9.0 km), gaining 171 feet (52 metres) in elevation, and typically takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete. You will enjoy views of the river and well-maintained green spaces, with the notable Gathering Place park adding a vibrant landmark to your journey.

This trail is mostly flat and features a hard-surfaced path, making it accessible for many fitness levels. While generally smooth, be aware that some sections may have cracks in the pavement. You will find convenient amenities along the way, including picnic areas, outdoor grills, drinking fountains, and restrooms, perfect for a family-friendly outing.

The route is a popular choice for locals seeking an urban escape, offering a chance to spot various bronze statues and observe birds and other wildlife along the riverbanks. It provides a straightforward and enjoyable experience, blending natural scenery with city park features, making it a unique option for a leisurely hike in the area.