I’ve learned is that the best way to really feel a city is not behind the wheel of a car or from the window of a bus—it’s with my feet on the ground or on a bike saddle, breathing in the air, listening to the sounds, and moving at the pace of life around me. In Oklahoma City (OKC), I discovered a surprisingly rich landscape of jogging and biking trails, waterfront paths, urban greenways, and parks that gave me a sense of both the city’s pulse and its calmer side.
When I arrived, I thought of OKC mostly in terms of cowboys, barbecue, and basketball. But once I laced up my running shoes and rented a bike, I quickly found out this city has invested deeply in making the outdoors accessible, safe, and genuinely enjoyable for locals and visitors alike.
I’ll share three of my own jogging and biking adventures in Oklahoma City—complete with routes, my honest impressions, and personal highlights. Then, I’ll recommend four more activities that I think are worth exploring if you’re a runner or cyclist looking to maximize your time in the city. I’ll also give you the practical details: where these trails are, how to get there, what services are available, pros and cons, discounts or rentals, and my tips for booking or preparing.
My Own Jogging & Biking Adventures
- Jogging Around Lake Hefner
• Location: Lake Hefner Parkway area, northwest Oklahoma City
• Route: 9-mile paved trail looping around the lake
• Access: About 25 minutes by car from Will Rogers World Airport; accessible by local bus routes (though limited)
When I first arrived in OKC, locals told me, “You have to check out Lake Hefner.” I assumed it would be a small park, but when I got there, I was floored. The 9-mile paved trail around the lake is one of the most scenic jogging routes I’ve ever done in a mid-sized American city.
I started just after sunrise on a weekday morning. The lake was glassy, reflecting streaks of pink and orange in the sky, while sailboats bobbed quietly at their docks. Jogging along the path, I passed families walking dogs, cyclists whizzing past on road bikes, and other runners nodding hello.
My pace was easy; the flat terrain made it feel effortless. Around mile three, I stopped at Lighthouse at East Wharf, which has become a sort of local landmark. The views there are picture-perfect—you almost feel like you’re in New England rather than Oklahoma.
Services & Amenities
There are plenty of parking lots, restrooms, and even restaurants like Redrock Canyon Grill and Mama Roja Mexican Kitchen right off the trail. After my run, I treated myself to brunch at Redrock, which made the effort all the more rewarding.
Pros & Cons
• Pros: Scenic, flat, long loop, restrooms and restaurants nearby.
• Cons: Can get windy around the lake; summer afternoons can be very hot with little shade.
My Recommendation
If you’re looking for a quintessential OKC jogging experience, Lake Hefner is it. I’d rate it a 9/10 for runners.
- Biking the Oklahoma River Trails
• Location: Trails run parallel to the Oklahoma River, south of downtown
• Route: Approximately 13 miles of paved path on both sides of the river
• Access: About 10 minutes from downtown; 20 minutes from the airport
As a cyclist, nothing excites me more than a long, uninterrupted stretch of trail—and OKC’s Oklahoma River Trails delivered. The first time I rented a bike downtown (using Spokies, the local bike-share program), I headed straight for the river.
The trail runs on both the north and south banks, stretching for about 13 miles, connecting to other greenways. I biked from the boathouse district eastward and was immediately struck by the wide-open feel of the path. On my right, rowers skimmed across the water; on my left, grassy fields stretched toward the skyline.
Halfway through my ride, I stopped at Riversport OKC, a multi-sport adventure park that rents kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and even offers whitewater rafting. The energy there was infectious—families, athletes, tourists all buzzing with activity.
Services & Amenities
Plenty of water fountains, shaded rest areas, and signage. If you don’t want to use the bike-share, there are rental options at Riversport, with day passes around $20–$25.
Pros & Cons
• Pros: Scenic skyline views, safe, wide paths, family-friendly.
• Cons: Few food options along the trail itself; better to bring snacks.
My Recommendation
For bikers, this is the top trail in OKC. A solid 10/10 if you want a long, uninterrupted ride close to downtown.
- Jogging & Biking at Martin Park Nature Center
• Location: 5000 W Memorial Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73142
• Route: About 3 miles of trails, mix of dirt and paved
• Access: 30 minutes by car from downtown
After all the urban paths, I craved something more natural. Enter the Martin Park Nature Center, one of OKC’s hidden gems. I drove out there one cool morning and was greeted by a surprisingly wild landscape: wooded trails, a small creek, and fields alive with birdsong.
I started with a jog along the 3-mile network of trails—not long, but perfect for mixing in some trail running. The dirt paths wound through forested areas, and I spotted deer at one point, which made me stop in my tracks. Later, I switched gears and took my bike for a leisurely ride along the paved sections.
This wasn’t about speed or endurance. It was about slowing down, enjoying nature, and appreciating that OKC offers more than just concrete trails.
Services & Amenities
Free entry. Restrooms and water fountains available at the visitor center. Educational programs for kids are also offered.
Pros & Cons
• Pros: Peaceful, wildlife, shaded, family-friendly.
• Cons: Limited mileage for serious runners or cyclists.
My Recommendation
For nature lovers, this park is a must. I’d give it a 7/10 for distance but 10/10 for atmosphere.
Four More Recommended Activities
- Katy Trail (Connecting OKC to Edmond)
The Katy Trail is one of the longest continuous trails in the area, stretching northward from downtown. It’s perfect for long-distance cyclists. The path is flat, well-maintained, and less crowded than Lake Hefner. I’d recommend it for those training for marathons or long rides. - Bluff Creek Park Trails
A hidden gem for mountain bikers and trail runners. Located at 11301 N Meridian Ave, it offers about 3.5 miles of rugged, wooded trails. I recommend this to anyone craving a bit of adrenaline and variety from paved routes. - Earlywine Park
On the city’s south side, Earlywine Park combines jogging trails, sports facilities, and open lawns. It’s less touristy, more of a neighborhood vibe. Great for families or casual joggers looking for space without the crowds. - Will Rogers Park
One of the city’s oldest parks, this is ideal for a leisurely jog or bike ride through rose gardens and scenic lawns. Located near NW 36th St, it has a charming, old-fashioned feel. Bonus: the gardens are in full bloom in spring.
Practical Tips for Jogging & Biking in OKC
• Weather: Summers are hot—run early in the morning or at sunset. Winters can be chilly but manageable.
• Transportation: From Will Rogers World Airport, car rental is easiest. Local buses reach some parks but not all.
• Rentals: Use Spokies Bike Share downtown or rent from Riversport OKC. Day passes range from $8 to $25.
• Safety: Trails are well-maintained, but bring water, especially for longer rides.
• Booking: No need to reserve trail access. For bike rentals, booking ahead online can save time.
Why Jogging and Biking Made Me Fall for OKC
When I think back on Oklahoma City, it’s not just the skyline or the cowboy history that stands out—it’s the rhythm of my feet hitting the pavement around Lake Hefner, the thrill of biking along the Oklahoma River, and the serenity of Martin Park.
These activities connected me to the city in a way no tour bus could. They reminded me that travel isn’t only about ticking sights off a list—it’s about experiencing a place with your whole body, at your own pace.
For fellow travelers, I can’t recommend OKC’s jogging and biking trails enough. Whether you’re training for a race, looking for a scenic ride, or simply wanting to stay active while exploring, this city offers more than you’d expect. In fact, I’d argue its greenways and parks are some of its greatest treasures.
So next time you pack your bags for Oklahoma City, don’t just bring a camera. Bring your running shoes, rent a bike, and discover a side of the city that you’ll truly feel.
