Tulsa Riverwalk Trail: Year Round Scenic Exercise

I lived in Tulsa, Oklahoma for several years, and while it is not exactly the most exciting city, it does have its share of fun things to do and places to go. One of my favorites over the years was the Tulsa Riverwalk Trail, a series of bike and walking paths running alongside the Arkansas River, open year-round.

The Tulsa Riverwalk Trail runs from just south of the Oral Roberts University campus, starting at a small park on the River. Here, bikes are available for renting most of the year (credit card swipe machine is used, no attendant is here), restrooms are available, and a small playground is also available. The trail passes under the bridge going into Jenks, Oklahoma, and continues up along the Arkansas River. It winds its way past a Bald Eagle preserve/restricted area, then passes the Creek Nation Casino, newly re-done. From here, it passes over Joe Creek and continues up north, passing several apartment complexes and another public park area. This park has volleyball sand pits available, a popular summer pastime with local church groups and college students. It then passes under the 71^st Street bridge, and continues up north, all the way to downtown Tulsa, passing under several more bridges and through several parks on the way. There's also a cool Dam that walkers and bikers can cross and see the River from.

A walk on the whole Tulsa Riverwalk Trail is bound to take the better part of the day, it's about 9-10 miles in length, from end to end. A bike is a better way to see the trail and the corresponding riverside, providing a little more comfort in the trek. I've walked and biked all the different portions of the trail and have been really pleased with what it has to offer. There is a myriad of wildlife alongside the river's edge, plus loads of activities for the whole family to enjoy. The many different parks along the trail have tons of things for children to play on, thanks to the hard work of the city's park's department. There is even a new park with a new play area going up at the time of this article's writing.

The entire trail is paved, half is a double trail (split to allow bikers to have one part and walkers the other) while the rest is combined. It's important to be cautious of bikers in the area, always keep an eye out for them and listen for their passing warning call ("Passing on your left!"). Also, watch out for snakes alongside the river in the warmer months. I often fished off of the trail in the Arkansas River and never saw any snakes, but it is still important to be careful.

Have fun and enjoy the awesome free exercise opportunity that is the Tulsa Riverwalk Trail! I have used it on many occasions and found it a great way to explore the outdoors, fish, and get some much-needed exercise. Enjoy!