It’s officially the first day of fall, and that has us dreaming about the crisp fall air and colorful foliage. From leafy parks and scenic trails to peaceful gardens and neighborhoods lined with mature trees, there are plenty of places to enjoy the changing colors throughout the season. After a day of exploring, settle into one of our Tulsa vacation rentals and enjoy having a relaxing place to call home between adventures.
When do the leaves change in Tulsa?
Peak fall colors in Tulsa typically make their grand appearance towards the end of October through the beginning of November.
What is the weather like in the fall months in Tulsa?
In September, summer temperatures still linger, with highs in the 80s. Once October and November roll around, though, the heat and humidity dissipate, and highs typically range around the 60s and 70s.
Where to See Fall Foliage in Tulsa
The Gathering Place – One of Tulsa’s major attractions, the Gathering Place, is one of the best places to see fall colors in the city. The park itself features over 100 species of trees, including red maples, staghorn sumac, red oaks, and hickory trees. Along with the colorful tree leaves, the park is covered in fall florals like autumn sage, chrysanthemums, asters, and so much more. Don’t forget to bring your camera because you’ll have plenty of scenery to capture photos of!
Woodward Park – Located three miles from downtown Tulsa and surrounded by some of Tulsa’s historic neighborhoods like the Terwilleger Heights, Swan Lake, and Maple Ridge. The park encompasses nearly 45 acres and is best known for its two gardens – the Upper and Lower Rock Gardens. A visit to the Tulsa Arboretum at Woodward Park is a must in the fall. The Arboretum is essentially a 3 ½ acre tree museum featuring a wide variety of tree species. Several of the trees see their colors burst in the fall, including the white oaks, maidenhair trees, black oaks, yellow-fruited American hollies, sugar maples, and sweet gums.
Tulsa Botanic Garden – This 170-acre botanical garden is a must-visit if you’re looking for fall colors in Tulsa. On a warm fall day, you may see friendly pollinators enjoying the blooming asters and mums. Look for fall color in leaves on trees like sassafras, pawpaw, and spicebush, as well as maples and oaks.
Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area – Made up of over 750 acres, Turkey Mountain is one of Tulsa’s most popular spots for hiking, biking, and trail running. The park’s thick canopy of native trees turns into a dazzling display of colors towards the end of October and going into November, making for a beautiful fall experience in Tulsa. There are a few different trails that you can hike that range in difficulty and length.
- The shortest is the Red Trail, which is a 0.8-mile paved loop.
- The Blue Trail is 1.5 miles total and features some steep hills, so it can be considered a bit challenging.
- The Yellow Trail is a 4.4-mile trail that runs along the east side of Turkey Mountain, and then alongside the Arkansas River. It’s a fairly straight shot from here, so if you’re looking for a long stroll, this is the perfect trail.
- The Pink Trail is the longest trail, making up a total of 5.7 miles. This trail takes you along the western side of Turkey Mountain.
Day Trips from Tulsa for Fall Foliage
If you’re up for a little more of an adventure, hop in the car and drive an hour or two for even more color.
Osage Hills State Park – About an hour’s drive north of Tulsa, you’ll find the 1,100-acre Osage Hills State Park. During the fall months, the leaves transform into vibrant hues of reds, oranges, and yellows. Hike the beginner-friendly Creek Loop Trail to experience the colors up close, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife like white-tailed deer and wild turkeys!
Robbers Cave State Park – About two hours south of Tulsa, Robbers Cave State Park is another fall favorite destination for colors and outdoor adventurers. With ample opportunities to hike, bike, fish, and birdwatch amongst the stunning display of colors in the fall, this is the ideal place to escape the city for the day and truly enjoy nature. In October, the state park hosts their annual Fall Festival, which features the Fall Foliage Classic Car Show, hundreds of handmade arts and crafts vendors, a carnival, live entertainment, and more!
Book Your Fall Stay in Tulsa with Stay in Tulsa OK
Casa Joya
After spending the day chasing fall colors around Tulsa, there’s nothing better than having a comfortable place to unwind. With a range of amenities to choose from, including dog-friendly homes, homes with private hot tubs, and homes for both small and large groups, the options with Stay in Tulsa OK are endless. Whether you’re visiting for a fall weekend, exploring Tulsa’s parks and trails, or simply looking for a seasonal getaway, booking one of our Tulsa Airbnbs makes it easy to experience the best of Tulsa while enjoying the comforts of home.
