Those who enjoy walking and running have a number of excellent choices for recreational areas in Oklahoma City. Here are the some of the best places for walking and running in the Oklahoma City metro area. Do you have a favorite spot for walking/running that isn't listed below? Let me know about it.
Chisholm Trail Park (Yukon)
Where: 500 W. Vandament, north of I-40 in Yukon off Garth Brooks Blvd.What: A paved walking path in the shape of a boot outlines the flower bed for about a quarter mile. There are also other trails and the Copeland Nature Trail in the 100-acre park.
Dolese Youth Park
Where: 5105 NW 50th, off Meridian Avenue near Warr AcresWhat: Though unpaved, the Dolese Youth Park nature trail is quite scenic, winding around the park for just over two miles.
Earlywine Park
Where: SW 119th and May Avenue, east of I-44 between Portland and MayWhat: A very large OKC park with a golf course, Earlywine stretches over 400 acres and features a paved walking area of about a mile and a half.
Eldon Lyon Park (Bethany)
Where: 7401 NW 36th, south of NW Expressway between Council and Rockwell, east of Lake OverholserWhat: In addition to the popular Lake Overholser below, Eldon Lyon is another excellent option for those in NW OKC/Bethany area. The park has a paved trail of 1.5 miles.
J.L. Mitch Park (Edmond)
Where: 1501 W. Covell, northwest Edmond just off Kelly AvenueWhat: J.L. Mitch has one of the longer walking/running trails in the metro. It is paved and outlines the entire park, with a length of about 5.5 miles.
Joe B. Barnes Park (Midwest City)
Where: 8700 E. Reno Avenue, between Midwest Blvd. and Douglas Blvd.What: Joe B. Barnes Regional Park in Midwest City has a paved trail of just over a mile as well as a 5-mile scenic nature area with quarter-mile markers.
Lake Hefner
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Where: NW OKC, just west of the Lake Hefner Parkway. Get a detailed map with driving directions.
What: One of the more popular spots in OKC for outdoor recreation, Lake Hefner is perfect for walkers and runners. The path is over 9 miles in length and traces the scenic sailing lake.
What: One of the more popular spots in OKC for outdoor recreation, Lake Hefner is perfect for walkers and runners. The path is over 9 miles in length and traces the scenic sailing lake.
Lake Overholser
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Where: NW 10th and County Line Road. Get a detailed map with driving directions.
What: Another excellent metro area lake, Overholser features a 2.3 mile paved trail on the east side as well as a park on the west side with even more walking trails.
What: Another excellent metro area lake, Overholser features a 2.3 mile paved trail on the east side as well as a park on the west side with even more walking trails.
Martin Nature Park
Where: 5000 W. Memorial Road, just south of the Kilpatrick Turnpike in NW OKCWhat: Martin Park Nature Center is one of the metro's top little-known attractions, a wonderful and inexpensive place for kids and grown-ups alike. For the walkers and runners, there is a two and a half mile nature trail near the wildlife sanctuary.
Oklahoma City University
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Where: 2501 N. Blackwelder, north of NW 23rd and east of Pennsylvania Avenue
What: Walkers and runners in midtown love to hit the Oklahoma City University campus thanks to the path that winds among the beautiful grounds and buildings.
What: Walkers and runners in midtown love to hit the Oklahoma City University campus thanks to the path that winds among the beautiful grounds and buildings.
