'A Great Opportunity': Turkey Mountain Kicks Off 2024 With Guided Hikes

For many people, getting outside and being more active is a popular New Year's Resolution.

That's why staff with River Parks Authority led visitors to Turkey Mountain on guided hikes Monday to show off what's new on the trails.

For dozens of hikers in Tulsa's Urban wilderness area, 2024 means getting outside.

"Walk on the trail system just like you would drive down the roadway," said River Parks Authority Director Jeff Edwards.

He’s guiding this group of hikers along the trails, showing them all the new improvements, like this natural stone staircase with an elevation change of a 10-story building.

Edwards loves the chance to share Turkey Mountain with both seasoned hikers and those who are new to the outdoors.

"Been out to the mountains a couple times and it's always with people and I just love the mountains it's just so beautiful out here, it's just a nice relaxing time, a great way to start the new year," Pollard said.

She just started coming here a few months ago and is integrating it into her journey to get healthy.

"It's taken me over a hundred pounds lighter and I feel great about myself so I enjoy getting out and making myself better," she said.

With tons of trails for people on foot or on wheels, Turkey Mountain provides a little escape for people living in the city.

"Turkey Mountain is just such a gem for Tulsa and such a great opportunity for folks to get out and get active even on a cold day like today," Edwards said.

He said they've put a lot of work into this area over the last two years, and still have more to do.

"You see the mass amount of improvements that we've made thus far over the last couple years and really specifically over this year in 2023," Edwards said.