Redbud Valley Nature Preserve — Attraction in Oklahoma

This Preserve is a great place to visit. Lots of hiking. You get to see several types of Oklahoma biomes (they explain it in their information pamphlets). While it is interesting, I can only summarize them into “sweltering hot Oklahoma” and “mountainous slippery Oklahoma” and finally “dank mosquito infested rain forest Oklahoma”. It all depends on what hiking trail you take and they have great signage out along the path explaining that.

The scenery is great with some great look out points. There are places to sit and rest. People tend to keep the place pretty tidy.

In fact, I used to love hiking here so much that I took my wife on our first date here.

However, ownership changed a number of years ago. They first banned dogs from being in the park. I understand why, but the number of people almost halved when that change came into effect. Not that I ever took my dog out there, I never had any problem with other people’s dogs there.

Another issue are mosquitos. Tulsa has a problem with mosquitos. The mosquitos at this park, especially in the lower part near the parking area, are huge. There is a creek/stream that runs through there and several standing water pools. I had to rush through this section quickly last time. I used to go several times a month with the family but because of the mosquitos, I only went once last year.

I gave it a three star because I loved the place several years ago and it’s become less hospitable. As far as conservation, I would say they are doing better at the expense of the visitors.

Be prepare for a good hike, but...

Redbud Valley is way off the beaten path. Despite being associated with the Oxley Nature Center at Mohawk Park in Tulsa, OK the trail is several miles east and south of Mohawk Park. It is not even that easy to find. But persevering will get to you a really nice nature trail. It is a rugged hike so be prepared. My wife and I are both 65+, not experienced hikers, and we made it without incident. However, my wife said she would not like to do it again. I would not hesitate to bring my 7+ year old grandsons here and walk the trail with them. I would not recommend the hike for kids younger than 5 although we did see two or three very young children. I would be almost certain there were places where they need to be carried. A portion of the trail is quite rocky with some climbing required. Only a very few small portions are improved. We made the complete circuit in a little over an hour. It would probably be much more difficult in wet conditions. Parking is limited although the Valley is so remote I would guess parking is seldom an issue. There is a small nature center near the parking area and modern bathrooms. We did not visit either so cannot comment on their condition. They are part of the Tulsa Park system so I would guess they are quite adequate. A nice way to spend...

Driving up to this place we drove past because the "visitors center" is a run down house that needs maintenence. At the last moment we saw the sign. .. There are many rules to abide by because the goal is to preserve nature. ..even though they have used railroad ties on the trail in several areas. No dogs and no food allowed. There are several areas where trees have been cut down and just left. ..there seems to be no maintenence. The board walk has been destroyed and just left. The hike itself was nice with the rock cliffs proving to be adventurous. However, there are areas that seem unstable and pose a potential risk to be in that area. Some areas and signs have been vandalized with no effort to restore the damage. Overall, it was a disappointment due to lack of maintenance and hypocrisy with the rail road ties and other treated lumber in areas. We did not feel safe around the large rocks where there is obvious evidence of boulders falling...