Turkey Mountain Trails In Tulsa Set To Undergo A Transformation

Turkey Mountain is just months away from getting a face-lift! 

Design plans are in the works right now to make sure Turkey Mountain isn't overdeveloped while also rehabbing rundown areas of the trail. 

"Turkey Mountain really compliments all of the assets that we have in Tulsa. It is something completely different. It is natural. It is wild and it will stay that way," said Torre Waldo with River Parks Authority. 

If you live in Tulsa and like to be outdoors- you have probably been on these trails at Turkey Mountain.

"We saw a 43 percent increase in usage last year during the pandemic," said Waldo. 

It is a popular place- especially on the weekends and the property is now a couple of months away from some upgrades.

"In 2020- River Parks Authority completed a master plan for the Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness and this is the first steps of the master plan," said Waldo. 

River Parks Authority brought in a design company out of Bentonville, Arkansas called Progressive Trail Design.

"We design and build mountain bike trails all over the world," said Jason Stouder with Progressive Trail Design. 

There are five phases of the Turkey Mountain Master Plan- this is the first one. 

"We are starting with 475 acres up here. 85% of the mountain- the backbone of the trail system is really going to be multiuse trails- trails that can accommodate anyone hikers, bikers, families," said Waldo. 

Jason and his crew say they are focusing on 11-13 miles of new trail.

"It has been a phrase that River Parks and others have used for a while now is it has been loved to death- so, breathing a new life into it," said Stouder, "We want to be able to create a place that is safe and unique for all ages and all rider levels."

The details are still getting sorted out, but the goal is to have shovels in the ground by the beginning of November.

"From there it is a 6–8-month process for that many trails," said Stouder. 

Community input has played a huge part in the creation of the master plan. River Parks Authority says every design is being made with the goal of keeping Turkey Mountain Wild.

You can read more about the master plan HERE