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Run along the Shore of Lake Hefner

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

4.5/5
based on 4 reviews

Details

Distance

9.5 miles

Elevation Gain

25 ft

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Improvised Journeys

Watch the sun rise in wondrous peace at this suburban lake and take in the morning rituals of the native birds. After soaking in the views, take a morning run or bike ride along a raised, dedicated path around the lake.

Lake Hefner lies in the northwestern corner of the city limits of Oklahoma City, in a suburban neighborhood. To reach the parking lot and trails, access Lakeshore Dr. from Wilshire Blvd. There will be a dirt road that heads down to the lake, providing a secluded spot to watch the sun rise over the lake and view the many seagulls who call the area home. In the early hours of the morning, they can be observed feeding on the fish just emerging from the lake. It can become quite a frenzy!

Just up the road from the dirt pull down area lies the actual Lakeshore Park, a good place to park your car and start a run or bike ride down the shore. The lake is raised up over the surrounding land, being a constructed reservoir. The road is one way only for cars from here on, but there is a nice dedicated bike lane for running or cycling. Not much traffic is up here in the mornings.

The path alongside the road will continue to the opposite side of the lake, where you can see an OKC water tower in the distance. From here you can pick up the trail along Lake Hefner Pkwy. to continue the loop. The entire loop is 9.5 miles. Wind can be strong, so prepare for a headwind on at least a portion of this loop.

On the east side of the lake, there will be a couple lakeside restaurants, as well as Stars and Stripes Park. The path will then follow Lake Hefner Dr. and return to Wilshire and the Lakeshore Park where you have parked your vehicle.

For running or cycling nearly 10 miles, be sure to bring enough water and prepare for the heat to increase quickly, as well as humidity, in summer.

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Features

Fitness
Cycling
Photography
Running
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Lake
Wildlife

Run along the Shore of Lake Hefner Reviews

More and more I see very rude bicyclists hoping for a speed record I suppose as they come through heavy traffic areas Ie near Louies...yelling at people, kids, animals to get off the bike trail. Cmon man! The space belongs to everyone and everyone should have a chance to enjoy it without the threat of getting run over or being chastised by jerkoff riders. B nice please.

At 9.5 miles around, it's the perfect distance to train up to for bigger runs and bikes!! Such a great running/biking area for okc!

Good views on calm late summer evenings. The trail is pretty crowded, but most people stay around the east side of the lake, the further you are from the highway the less crowded it gets. Louie's is a good spot for a post run beer.

If you run the trail clockwise, you will usually hit a headwind on the east side of the lake. This is a great time to take a break and have a beer at Louie's, just steps off the trail.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Kayak at Lake Hefner

Bike the Bluff Creek Trails

Run through Bluff Creek Park in Oklahoma City

Kayak the Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge

Paddle from Yukon to Lake Overholser

Run from Fink Park to Hafer Park Loop