Map of the River Parks East Bank Trail & River Parks West Bank Trail
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River Parks East Bank Trail & River Parks West Bank Trail
The Arkansas River flows through the heart of Tulsa. There are paved recreational trails along the west and east banks for the river. This trail system extends from just south of the bridge for Interstate 244 to a point just south of the bridge for Highway 364. The trail system also connects with multiple other recreational trails in the Tulsa area. In the future, the River Park East Bank Trail will be in integral part of the A Gathering Place for Tulsa project that is currently under construction.
These are paved non-motorized paths for bike riding, walking and running. They allow residents and visitors to enjoy the outdoors and see many of the local sights in a safe manner away from street traffic. The river area also allows for bird-watching, wildlife viewing and other outdoor activities. The trails split into two separate paths through many sections to allow for the many trail users.
There are multiple places in which bike riders and pedestrians can cross the Arkansas River to get to the trail on the other side. this includes Southwest Boulevard, W. 23rd Street, the Midland Valley Trail bridge, West 71st Street S and E. 96th Street.
River Parks East Bank Trail
The River Parks East Bank Trail is an 10.4-mile long paved trail that is located along the east banks of the Arkansas River as it flows through the middle of Tulsa. This trail travels through several local parks along the way and also connects to a number of other major recreational trails.
The north end of the River Parks East Bank Trail is located at Riverside Drive and Southwest Boulevard. This is also the location of the junction with the Newblock Park Trail which heads off to the northwest. At this point you can also cross the river an connect with the River Parks West Bank Trail.
The River Parks East Bank Trail then heads to the southeast along the east bank of the Arkansas River. It wanders through the parks along the river including the new park area A Gathering Place for Tulsa. A Gathering Place for Tulsa is a projects that combined separate park areas into one large greenspace with walking paths, trees, playgrounds, the great lawn, Mist Mountain, and many other amenities to allow the residents and visitors of Tulsa to have a place for enjoying the great outdoors. The project is currently under development and is expected to take around three years to complete.
Within the same area that A Gathering Place for Tulsa is located, there is a junction with the Midland Valley Trail that extends north to Downtown Tulsa. The Midland Valley Trail allows you to cross the Arkansas River along the old railroad bridge near Zinc Dam.
The River Parks East Bank Trail continues to the south along the east banks. It goes past 41st Street Plaza, under Interstate 44 and past Johnson Park. At West 71st Street S, you can cross the river to get to the River Parks West Bank Trail. South of this location the River Parks East Bank Trail goes through Helmerich Park and wraps back to Riverside Parkway to cross Joe Creek. There is another place to cross the river at E. 96th Street on a bridge that is separate from the roadway. Crossing this bridge will take you over to the Jenks Aquarium Trail.
Just south of the bridge at E. 96th Street, the River Parks East Bank Trail has a junction with the Creek Turnpike Trail. This trail heads off to the east and connects with other trail systems such as the Mingo Trail and the Liberty Trail.
The south end of the River Parks East Bank Trail is located at E. 101st Street and Riverside Parkway. This is near Jenks Middle School and south of the Creek Turnpike.
River Parks West Bank Trail
The River Parks West Bank Trail is an 8-mile long paved path that is located on the west bank of the Arkansas River as it flows through the middle of Tulsa. It connects with several local parks and other attractions along its route.
The north end of the River Parks West Bank Trail is located at Southwest Boulevard. At this location, you can ride or walk over the bridge for Southwest Boulevard to get to the River Parks East Bank Trail or the Newblock Park Trail.
The River Parks West Bank Trail heads to the south along the banks of the Arkansas River. The trail goes through River West Festival Park and under W. 23rd Street bridge. You can also use the W. 23rd Street bridge to connect to trails on the east bank.
At 3/4 miles south of the W. 23rd Street bridge, there is a junction with the Midland Valley Trail which uses an old railroad bridge for crossing the Arkansas River. This is also the location of the Zinc Dam. South of this location the River Parks West Bank Trail goes past the West Bank Soccer Complex. This bridge also leads to the location for the new project A Gathering Place for Tulsa which is on the east bank of the river.
North of Interstate 44, the trail kicks over to the west and follows alongside S. Elmwood Avenue. The junction with Cherry Creek Trail is in this area. The River Parks West Bank Trail then goes under Interstate 44 and heads farther south to goes through Turkey Mountain Park. There are numerous walking trails at the park and a parking area at S Elwood Avenue.
The south end of the River Parks West Bank Trail is located at the West 71st Street S bridge over the Arkansas River. There is a bike and pedestrian lane on the bridge and it allows trail users to reach the River Parks East Bank Trail on the other side of the river.
Resources
Following are links to official off-site resources to find out more details about the communities and trails mentioned in this article.
