Sitting on the banks of the Arkansas River, Tulsa, OK, is surrounded by natural beauty on all sides. The city is brimming with city and riverside parks and has become a popular location for outdoor recreation.
Locals and visitors alike can find numerous outdoor spots for an array of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, camping, and white water rafting, to name just a few. In this guide, we’ll explore 6 of the best places for outdoor recreation in and around Tulsa, OK.
1. Keystone State Park and Ancient Forest
Located just 20 minutes to the west of Downtown Tulsa, Keystone State Park and Ancient Forest is an extraordinary area of natural beauty that takes in the Keystone Dam, the wild waters of the Arkansas River, and majestic cross-timbers woodlands.
The ancient forest boasts three hiking trails of its own, plus a state-of-the-art visitor center, all easily accessible from a spacious car park. Home to wildlife including mountain lions, bobcats, bald eagles, and deer, the forest is a nature-lover’s paradise.
Fantastic mountain bike trails can be found on the southeast edge of the park, while white water rafting can be enjoyed along the roaring rapids of the Arkansas River.
2. Mohawk Park & Oxley Nature Center
Covering 3,300 acres, Mohawk Park is one of the largest city parks in the country. It sits on the northern edge of the city and offers an array of facilities and attractions, including:
- Picnic areas and pavilions,
- Disc golf,
- Golf course,
- Polo fields,
- Equestrian trails,
- Fishing ponds.
The park is also home to the Tulsa Zoo, making it a fantastic place for a fun-filled day out for the entire family. However, one of the best parts of the park for outdoor enthusiasts is the spectacular Oxley Nature Center. Covering 800 acres, it incorporates 9 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, boardwalks, and a superb observation tower with impressive views over the natural surroundings and the city alike.
With ample parking and excellent facilities, including toilets, a snack bar, and a restaurant, there’s plenty to keep everyone comfortable and entertained.
3. Turkey Mountain
Located on the southern edge of the city, next to Woodview Heights, Turkey Mountain is a popular hiking destination for residents of Tulsa. Soaring up above the west bank of the Arkansas River, Turkey Mountain provides an oasis of rugged woodland, ancient boulders, and peaceful ponds, all tucked away within the city limits.
Covering a total of 750 acres, there are numerous trails of varying difficulty to explore, either as a hiker, mountain biker, or trail runner. With mountain bike hire available in the park, Turkey Mountain is a superb place for those looking to try the hobby.
The spacious, modern car park provides access to the various trailheads, making it easy to explore the mountain.
4. Chandler Park
Chandler Park is another fantastic outdoor space on the edge of the city, this time on the west side, near the Berryhill community. Covering 192 acres, the somewhat historic park has been revamped in recent years and now offers numerous amenities.
- Picnic tables, grill pits, and three pavilions,
- Two disc golf courses,
- Basketball courts,
- Baseball diamonds,
- Tennis courts,
- An award-winning splash park.
Visitors can also discover five nature trails, each boasting impressive views over Downtown Tulsa and Sand Springs. With a mix of wide open plains, rocky nooks, and scrubby woodland, Chandler Park is a superb area to explore.
5. Lake Bixhoma Park
Lake Bixhoma is an ideal choice for those looking for somewhere a bit more off the beaten track. It’s about a 40-minute drive south of Tulsa, near the small city of Bixby. However, it’s well worth the trip, especially for outdoor enthusiasts who crave peace and solitude.
The gorgeous lake is fed by a series of cascades, providing a stunning backdrop to a host of activities. Boat ramps allow kayaking on the lake, while fishing can also be enjoyed. Both require a $5 daily license, though regular visitors can get unlimited access for just $15 per year.
There are also three trails to enjoy, including the waterfall trail and a longer route that loops the entire lake. While the area only offers basic amenities, there is a car park and two portable toilets. However, for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, Lake Bixhoma is hard to beat.
6. Natural Falls State Park
Finally, Natural Falls State Park is about an hour’s drive east of Tulsa. Located in the Ozark Highlands, it offers incredible scenery that takes in an epic 77-foot waterfall, intriguing rock formations, and meandering streams.
It’s a top spot for camping, hiking along the 4.5 miles of nature trails, and picnics amid some of the finest natural beauty in Kentucky.
Image credit: Kit Leong / Shutterstock.com
