You don’t need to leave the city to find yourself surrounded by nature—Tulsa’s trails offer everything from shady forest escapes to sweeping river views just minutes from downtown. Whether you’re craving a flat stroll, a rugged wilderness adventure, or a friendly spot for your weekend run, there’s a hike nearby for every pace and skill level.
Let’s get to it.
Oxley Nature Center
Oxley Nature Center sits within Tulsa’s Mohawk Park and offers nearly nine miles of interconnected trails. You’ll find a mix of gravel, dirt, and grassy paths along with several wooden boardwalks. Terrain remains mostly flat, save for the occasional stone stair set. The North Woods Loop spans just over a mile, and shorter routes let less-ambitious hikers pick their distance.
Scenery shifts as you go—from prairie wildflowers to shaded floodplain forest, then boardwalks winding across the marsh. There’s even an observation tower for a higher vantage point. Birdwatchers gather at blinds along the Blue Heron Trail, and a wooden walkway stretches over Blackbird Marsh. Strollers and wheelchairs manage well on dry days, and the center’s all-terrain track chairs are available by request.
Since the city maintains the center, trails are clearly labeled and mapped. You’ll rarely encounter crowds unless a school group arrives. Picnic groves, gated parking, restrooms, and rentable shelters dot the area. Note that pets are not allowed on the trails, so plan to leave your dog at home. After rain, expect some muddy spots, but otherwise the center delivers varied outdoor fun.
River Parks East Trail
Running along the river’s east side, River Parks East Trail covers roughly 10 to 12 miles of smooth pavement. The mostly flat route splits into separate lanes for cyclists and pedestrians, reducing conflicts along the way. Gentle rises occur here and there, but none qualify as real hills.
Public art installations and animal sculptures dot the trail corridor, and local birdwatchers report occasional bald eagle flyovers. Benches and picnic areas with grills appear at intervals, while restrooms and water fountains stand ready at key points. Leashed dogs enjoy the route, and parents with strollers find the surface easy to navigate.
The trail remains well maintained year-round, though short closures can occur for repairs. Lighting stretches along most sections, extending your window for an evening run or bike ride. Traffic peaks near The Gathering Place and southern trailheads, then thins out as you move farther downstream. Overall, the East Trail offers a reliable, scenic setting for walkers, runners, and cyclists of all levels.
River Parks
River Parks in Tulsa features 26 miles of paved, multiuse trails along both banks of the Arkansas River. The East Bank Trail stretches more than ten miles as a flat, dual-lane corridor. Almost entirely level, it includes lighting for evening routes and offers occasional bald eagle sightings. The historic Route 66 bridge adds a dash of local heritage to your walk or ride.
On the west side, an eight-mile trail follows the riverbank with fewer crowds. It delivers river views and glimpses of Turkey Mountain across the water.
Beyond the riverside paths, the broader park system ties into 45 miles of dirt trails on Turkey Mountain itself. These range from gentle loops for casual walkers to technical routes that demand scrambling over boulders. Mountain bikers and hikers prize these forested canyons and occasional skyline views of downtown. While strollers won’t work on the unpaved sections, the contrast between paved river paths and wild backcountry trails keeps the experience varied and engaging.
Turkey Mountain
Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area lies just minutes from downtown Tulsa, making it a popular urban escape. More than 25 miles of marked trails weave among river bluffs, ridges, and thick woods. Trail surfaces range from packed earth to rocky patches that demand careful footing, with occasional boardwalk sections. Elevation changes are modest yet enough to test calf muscles.
Views of the Arkansas River open up at several overlooks, and rocky outcrops punctuate the forest canopy. Shady ravines feel cool even on warm days, and wildlife sightings include deer, squirrels, and a variety of songbirds. Wildflowers appear in season along the trail edges. Leashed dogs are welcome, and a water refill station stands at the main trailhead.
Weekends and early mornings draw the most visitors, so you might vote for a weekday visit. Routes are not stroller- or wheelchair-friendly due to roots and rocks. Trail maintenance is reliable, but heavy rains can wash out low sections. Turkey Mountain remains open year-round—bring plenty of water in summer and sturdy boots in winter.
Lubell Park
Just a few minutes from downtown, Lubell Park covers forty acres of easy trails and hidden features. The main route, Mary’s Loop, is nearly flat packed dirt with occasional wood chips under an oak-hickory canopy. Minimal hills make it a stress-free stroll. The loop is accessible for off-road handcycles and junctions are clearly marked so getting lost is unlikely.
The Lubell Park Loop adds sandy dirt, rolling switchbacks, and several creek crossings. Wildlife sightings include deer and songbirds. Benches are strategically placed along the creek. While strollers handle the smoother sections easily, the loop is not fully wheelchair rated.
Mooser Hollow Loop offers tighter curves and more elevation change. You will see patchy wildflowers and shaded river views. Restrooms and water are available at the main trailhead, but deeper on Mooser you must bring supplies. A jump/flow line and wooden skills features provide extra challenges for mountain bikers. The park stays clean thanks to volunteers and clear wayfinding. Leashed dogs are welcome. Avoid muddy conditions after rain and heavy insects in midsummer. Overall, Lubell Park feels surprisingly serene just outside the city.
LaFortune Park
LaFortune Park in Tulsa features a 3.2-mile loop around its public golf course. The mostly asphalt trail includes a few crushed-stone segments to vary the surface. Wide entrances, ramps, and smooth pavement make it wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, and modern LED lighting lines the route for early-morning or evening outings.
The loop passes two fishing ponds and expansive lawns that open up sightlines across the park. Leashed dogs join their owners without issue. Restrooms and water fountains stand near the library and community center, and parking is available along Yale and Hudson avenues.
While the trail sees regular use by joggers, walkers, and dog owners, it rarely feels overcrowded. Shade is limited, so mid-summer afternoons can feel warm. Otherwise, the combination of accessible surfaces, varied scenery, and convenient amenities makes LaFortune Park a versatile spot for outdoor exercise or a casual stroll.
Mohawk Park
Spanning more than fifty miles of trails, Mohawk Park offers routes around lakeshores, river bluffs, and wooded hills. The Mary K. Oxley Nature Center trails are flat and accessible, making them a good choice for families and strollers. Dogs are not permitted on those paths.
Lake Yahola Loop provides a paved, smooth path around the reservoir and close encounters with resident geese. The Oxbow Lake Trail remains quieter, focusing on birdwatching along its unpaved stretches. Both perform best when dry.
For more rugged terrain, Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness features a network of technical trails. The red trail serves as a warm-up, while blue, green, and pink routes deliver rocky steps and steep pitches. After rain, some sections become slippery. Leashed dogs are allowed here and mountain bikers share the trails.
Parking is plentiful and restroom facilities are scattered near main trailheads. Regular maintenance keeps the paths clear of overgrowth. Plan a weekday visit if you prefer minimal crowds. Every trail delivers a distinct experience, from calm lake views to challenging forest tracks.
Bales Park Trails
In west Tulsa, Bales Park Trails spans sixty-five acres of beginner and intermediate multi-use paths. The paved parking area includes clear trail maps at the entrance. Lookout Ridge is a quick out-and-back of about half a mile offering prairie views and a peek at the downtown skyline. This easy trail is stroller-friendly.
Little Rock is just over half a mile of singletrack along the park’s north edge. It sees light traffic, making it ideal for warming up or walking dogs.
Trail enthusiasts and mountain bikers head to Bootlegger. This 0.3-mile course features jumps, berms, and a drop that demands solid braking skills. Hikers seeking a workout choose Blackjack, which winds for nearly two miles with boardwalks, creek crossings, rocky sections, and benches for rest stops.
The full Bales Park Loop ties everything together in a three-mile circuit of dirt and grass paths. Wildlife sightings may include deer or large insects along the way. Signage and trail blazes are clear throughout. Trails close or become very muddy after rain, so plan accordingly. Overall, the network balances variety, maintenance, and scenic views.
