The best cycling routes around Nichols Hills

The Bert Cooper and Hefner-Overholser Trails offer a fantastic touring cycling experience, combining two of Oklahoma City's prominent lake routes. You'll enjoy picturesque views of Lake Hefner, complete with its distinctive lighthouse, before heading towards Lake Overholser and its historic bridge. This moderate 28.4-mile (45.7 km) journey, with a gentle 367 feet (112 metres) of elevation gain, is mostly flat and paved, making it a great option for a longer ride that takes around 2 hours and 37 minutes. Expect open lakeside scenery and a few glimpses of urban wilderness as you cycle.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as these trails are known for their accessibility and amenities. You'll find numerous parking areas, restrooms, and water fountains along the route, particularly around the lakes. The trails are well-maintained, and some sections even feature dedicated lanes for cyclists, ensuring a smooth and safe ride. Consider starting your ride from one of the many access points around Lake Hefner, where you can also find lakeside restaurants for a post-ride meal.

What makes this route stand out is its blend of natural beauty and historical significance, especially the connection to the old Route 66 via the Overholser Bridge. While the terrain is generally easy, the length of the combined Bert Cooper and Hefner-Overholser Trails touring cycling route elevates its difficulty to moderate, making it a rewarding challenge for those looking to cover some distance. Be mindful of the wind, which can be a significant factor in the open lakeside environment, especially during certain times of the year.

The Will Rogers Trail offers a delightful and easy touring cycling experience through Oklahoma City's urban greenway. This 17.0-mile (27.3 km) paved route winds through the beautiful Will Rogers Park, where you can admire vibrant rose gardens, an arboretum, and a conservatory filled with cacti. With only 381 feet (116 metres) of elevation gain, it's a smooth ride, perfect for a leisurely outing that takes about 1 hours and 34 minutes.

For those planning a visit, the Will Rogers Trail is highly accessible and well-maintained. The paved surface is suitable for all skill levels, especially beginners and families. You'll find amenities like shelters and bicycle racks along the route, and LED solar-powered lights ensure visibility, making it a safe option for cycling at various times of day. No permits are required, and its urban location means easy access from different parts of Oklahoma City.

This trail is a key part of Oklahoma City's extensive trail network, connecting the south side of Lake Hefner to the north side of the Oklahoma River. It also links to the Bert Cooper Trails, offering opportunities for longer rides if you wish to explore further. The focus on gardens and green spaces within an urban setting makes it a unique and popular cycling trail for enjoying nature without leaving the city.

The Oklahoma River Trail – Meridian loop offers a delightful and easy touring cycling experience right in Oklahoma City. You'll pedal along smooth, paved asphalt paths, enjoying tree-lined sections that hug the North Canadian River, interspersed with glimpses of the downtown skyline. Keep an eye out for waterfowl in the wetland areas and enjoy the well-maintained parks, making for a scenic and relaxing ride. The route is particularly notable for its integration with urban landmarks like the Boathouse District and the striking SkyDance Bridge.

Planning your ride is straightforward, with plenty of convenient and often paved parking areas available along both sides of the river. This 13.8-mile (22.3 km) loop has a minimal 158 feet (48 metres) of elevation gain, making it an easy route that takes approximately 1 hour and 16 minutes to complete. It's a fantastic option for beginner cyclists or families looking for a leisurely outing, though some users suggest thorn-proof tires for the south side of the river.

What truly sets this route apart is its extensive connectivity; it's a key part of a larger network, linking to other trails like the Bricktown Trail and Katy Trail, allowing for longer explorations. Beyond the cycling, you can easily access attractions such as RIVERSPORT Rapids and Wheeler Park, or grab a bite in the Bricktown entertainment district. This makes the Oklahoma River Trail Meridian loop a versatile choice for both a quick spin and a full day of urban adventure.

This touring cycling loop offers a fantastic way to experience Oklahoma City's waterways and urban green spaces, covering 33.2 miles (53.5 km) with a moderate difficulty rating. You'll pedal past the historic Lake Overholser Dam and the charming Overholser Bridge, then follow the Oklahoma River, enjoying views of the downtown skyline and the unique boathouses. The route is predominantly paved and flat, making it a smooth ride for most cyclists.

Parking is readily available at spots like Lake Overholser Park and along the Oklahoma River, making access straightforward. The trail is well-maintained, and you'll find amenities like restrooms in parks along the way. For the best experience, plan your ride during the spring or fall when the weather is mild, though the paved surfaces are suitable for cycling in most conditions.

Beyond the scenic ride, this loop connects to a larger network of trails, allowing for extended exploration of Oklahoma City. You might spot various bird species in the marsh areas near Lake Overholser, and the route passes by attractions like the Boathouse District and the First Americans Museum, blending natural beauty with urban highlights.