JD Metcalfe Trail

Mingo Creek drains the east side of the Tulsa area north to Bird Creek and on to the Verdigris River. The area suffered from frequent flooding to the extent that the floodplain was restructured with channels and flood control basins. This is the purpose of the area east of Mingo Creek between 11th and 21st streets. Operational access is provided by crushed-rock service roads which are open to the public for non-motorized use. The described trail runs mostly on the boundary service roads but they are connected to other trails into the two lakes. The area is mowed there is no shade. The boundary trail begins at the bridge over the creek at the Mingo Creek Trail North. Running along the creek to the north accesses the Metcalfe Pond parking lot, which includes a series of historical markers for Route 66. Continuing on to the south, there is a low-water crossing required to reach the southern portion. Though often crossable, it is subject to high water flows at times. Do not risk being carried off by the water flow. The southern loop of the trail ends up at the Redford Pond parking area.