Gathering Place and Tulsa River Trails - OK

After several years of construction,  Gathering Place is now open and free to the public.  It surrounds Riverside Dr. between 27th and 33rd avenues and incorporates a portion of the Tulsa River Trails.  If urban parks across our nation were ranked for quality, this one would undoubtedly rise to the top.  As a result, it is now one of our favorite trike ride destinations.

We began our ride from Cherry Hill RV Park and headed north on the River Parks West Trail.  Fall colors are just beginning to show.  We caught a glimpse of a bobcat near this point but it didn't hang around for picture taking.

The Tulsa River trails are very popular.  Even though the bike trail is separate from the walking trail, we had to ride single file much of the way to allow passing traffic.

Approaching the 21st Street Bridge we catch a shot of  downtown Tulsa and the Arkansas River.  With all the recent rains, the river has rapids and would be extremely treacherous for kayakers. 

The 21st Street Bridge has a steep ramp on the east side of the river.  It's much easier coming down versus going up.

Entering Gathering Place from the west side of Riverside is now simple from the trail.  Rather than crossing traffic at about the 2700 block, ride 2 more blocks and cross over Riverside at about the 2900 block.  Here there is an overpass walking/biking bridge that reminds me of the I-44 overpass facility near Vinita, Oklahoma.

We are now on the Midland Valley Trail that wraps around the east side of Gathering Place.  Then the trail heads north towards downtown Tulsa.  Via connector routes and trail, you can actually ride all the way to Skiatook, if you are so inclined.

 In this portion of the park, bikes, and other toys, are permitted only on the perimeter trails.

Bike parking is plentiful around the park - not quite so much for car parking although it's available as well.

Inside the park there is a mountain of activities to exhaust kids, parents, and grandparents. 

There is also a couple of restaurants and of course, ice cream.  I recommend the salted butterscotch, or carmel butter percan, or chocolate raspberry,  or all three.

For us older kids there is a scooter track, skateboard track, and basketball/volleyball courts.  Well, I might do the basketball.   The scooter track did look fun though.

Heading south down the River Parks East trail we notice the maple trees are in full color.

Crossing the 71st street bridge and heading to the park halfway up Turkey mountain was our biggest challenge of the day.   We generally take one rest stop on the climb.

The Turkey Mountain Park has lots of hiking and mountain biking trails that are worth the effort but not today.

Don't let the climb up Turkey Mountain scare you off seeing this portion of the trail especially this time of the year.  The sandstone cliffs and fall foliage are worth the view.  Our loop around the river which included a short jaunt up the Midland Valley Trail totaled a little over 15 miles.  It was a gorgeous day.