Best Hiking Trails in OKC

March 23rd, 2022 by

Here at Eskridge Lexus, we know that Oklahoma City has everything you could possibly want in a city, including great restaurants, museums, and gorgeous nature. One of the best ways to experience Oklahoma’s natural beauty is to walk through it! OKC has an extensive network of hiking trails that allow you to get fit and see the plants and animals that call our state home. The City of OKC’s official webpage has an interactive trail map to help you plan your next hike, but here are our top picks for hiking trails in our area.

Oklahoma River Trails

The Oklahoma River Trails are two paired routes, the North River Trail and the South River Trail, that follow the line of the Oklahoma River in OKC. Together, these trails cover 13 miles of paved pathways, open to pedestrians and cyclists, but not to equestrians or motorists. These trails give you a view of both the OKC skyline and the scenic Oklahoma River. Many portions of the trails are shaded, and the trails include spots to sit, take photos, and rest. Many people come to these trails to bird-watch or walk their leashed dogs.

Bert Cooper Trail

The Bert Cooper Trail loop encircles Lake Hefner, giving pedestrians 9 miles of walking and biking paths. This fairly level path offers views of glorious Lake Hefner, one of Oklahoma City’s most popular fishing and recreation areas. While this trail is longer than some of the others on this list, it’s definitely worth it. You’ll pass the marina, the lighthouse, and multiple recreation areas, making this trail a perfect option for families. Spend a day walking around the lake, fishing, or picnicking in the natural beauty of OKC.

Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge

Located near Lake Overholser, Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge is a 1,000-acre natural area full of native wildlife species, including a wide range of bird species, such as Carolina wrens and wood ducks. Named for the Stinchcomb family, descendants of 19th-century farmer James Stinchcomb, this park is one of the best places to fish and bird-watch in the OKC area. You can explore on foot or bike, though motorized vehicles are not allowed. Like many of the parks in OKC, Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge has free admission.

Hefner-Overholser Trail

The 7.8-mile Hefner-Overholser Trail connects Lake Overholser in the south to Lake Hefner in the north. It passes by Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge and also connects to several other trails. Most of this trail is for hiking only, with a 2-mile stretch for road bikes in the more populated areas. You can take this trail between the two popular lake destinations and finish up your day with a picnic or boat trip. This trail is very popular with birders and other wildlife enthusiasts because of its heavily wooded sections and natural habitats. You might see gulls, loons, and other marine fowl.

Lake Stanley Draper Park

Lake Stanley Draper Park is in southeast Oklahoma City and includes Lake Stanley Draper, a large constructed reservoir. Because of the reservoir’s size, there are multiple areas for hiking and off-roading in the area. The park includes a marina and several fishing areas at different points on the lake shore. You can also kayak or canoe in the lake, which might be a nice way to begin or end a day of hiking. There are several trails on the park, including the Draper Lake Trail, a 13.5-mile loop that passes public art installations and several natural habitats.

Katy Trail

The Katy Trail follows the path of the historic Missouri-Kansas-Texas, or Katy, Railroad. For 7 miles, traveling through the Adventure District and other scenic parts of Oklahoma City, you can stroll along paved, level pathways lined with trees. This trail is open to bikers and pedestrians and has spots for resting and taking pictures. If you’re looking for a day of hiking, you can walk the Katy Trail and connect to other OKC routes, including the Oklahoma River Trails.

Will Rogers Trail

Named for the famous film star and Oklahoma’s Favorite Son, the Will Rogers Trail is an 8.3-mile paved trail that runs between Lake Hefner and the Oklahoma River. It’s an easy road over fairly level ground that might take you a few hours to walk. You can stroll through downtown Oklahoma City, seeing historic buildings and parks along the way. The trail is lit by LED solar-powered lights and features multiple places to stop and enjoy the beauty of our city. This multi-use trail is open to pedestrians and cyclists, though equestrians and motorists are not allowed.

Spring Creek Trail

Located 20 minutes from downtown OKC, Spring Creek Trail is a paved pathway that winds through picturesque Edmond, leading to Spring Creek Park. Spring Creek Park is on the shores of Arcadia Lake, which offers fishing and recreation opportunities for visitors. While the Spring Creek Trail is short, only 2.5 miles, it links up to the Arcadia Lake Multi-Use Trail, a 6.5-mile unpaved pathway. The Spring Creek Trail is fairly level, while the Arcadia Lake Multi-Use Trail offers some challenging inclines. Mountain bikers use the Arcadia Lake Multi-Use Trail, so hikers should be aware of their surroundings.

Lake Thunderbird State Park

Located a half-hour outside of Oklahoma City, Lake Thunderbird State Park offers camping, marine activities, and hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts. This state park is expansive, covering 1,874 acres of pristine natural beauty. There are two marinas and boat launching areas for canoes and kayaks. The park also offers both equestrian and pedestrian hiking trails, though motorized vehicles are not permitted. The state park charges $10 per car for non-residents and $8 per car for residents.

There you have it. These are the best hiking trails in Oklahoma City. At Eskridge Lexus, we want to get you on the road so you can hit the trails. If you’re looking for the perfect vehicle for your next OKC adventure, take a look at our new and pre-owned inventory, or contact us to learn more. We’re here to help you!

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