Whether you’re biking, running or walking, Oklahoma City’s interconnected trail system offers countless miles of scenic views throughout the metro. So, strap on your shoes and check out these top spots across the city.
Bert Cooper Trail
This trail around Lake Hefner offers about 10 miles of paved multi-use paths with stunning lake views. Some sections even include dedicated lanes for cyclists and walkers/runners. Admire a gorgeous sunset from the lighthouse peninsula, wave hello to the golfers as you stroll the paths winding through Lake Hefner Golf Club and from November through March, keep an eye on the water for rare migratory waterfowl! We recommend beginning your journey from Stars and Stripes Park or the East Wharf.
Overholser Trail
Spanning the east shoreline of Lake Overholser, this 3-mile trail offers stunning views of the lake, including the iconic Overholser Bridge, which was formerly part of Route 66. Overholser Trail also connects to Hefner – Overholser Trail to the north, which as the name implies, will take you directly to Lake Hefner. This connection also runs by Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge, a beautiful urban wilderness with a trail of its own. If you head south instead, you’ll reach the West River Trail, which follows the Oklahoma River all the way to downtown. For those on bikes, Overholser Trail also connects to a road encircling the lake, offering consistently excellent views of the water!
Lake Stanley Draper Trail
Those looking for a more challenging excursion will find it here! This loop around Lake Stanley Draper is a half marathon in length (13.1 miles) and offers a wide and rather hilly asphalt trail that’s perfect for cyclists, runners and walkers alike. In the early spring, this is a hotspot for those training for the OKC Memorial Marathon. The best place to get started is Lake Stanley Draper Park on the west end. Get there early in the morning to catch a gorgeous sunrise on the lake!
Oklahoma River Trails
Spanning from Lake Overholser in the west all the way to Eagle Lake in the east, this trail system offers over 20 miles of scenic paths on both sides of the Oklahoma River. Between the OKC skyline, varied wildlife along the shoreline and athletes rowing through the Boathouse District, there is no shortage of things to see on these trails! While there are many places to hop on, we recommend starting your adventure from River Park, Wheeler Park or the boat ramp lot at Portland and SW 15th.
Bluff Creek Trail
Just north of Lake Hefner, this patch of woods is a natural oasis outside of the downtown core. For those on foot, the 1-mile pedestrian path is perfect for a quiet evening stroll after a busy day. Stick around for a picnic at one of the pavilions or a game of ultimate frisbee in the open field space. For those on bikes, Bluff Creek Park offers an over 3-mile network of mountain biking trails. Check out our guide to get ready for your biking adventure. And no matter what you’re there for, keep an eye out for the deer that call the park home!
Explore more of the outdoors in OKC and get to planning your next outing with an interactive trails map made available by Parks & Rec with the City of OKC.
