Gravel Riding on Lake Overholser: OKC's Hidden Adventure

Why Lake Overholser Is Gravel Heaven

While most OKC cyclists flock to Lake Hefner or the Oklahoma River Trail, those in the know head west to Lake Overholser. This 7-mile loop offers a mix of paved and gravel surfaces, winding through wooded areas and open shoreline. It's quieter, wilder, and perfect for gravel and adventure riders looking to escape the urban bustle.

The Trail Experience

The main loop around the lake is a mix of paved sections and gravel/dirt stretches. The gravel sections are well-maintained and rideable on anything from 32mm to 45mm tires. The wooded sections provide welcome shade on hot Oklahoma days, and the open shoreline offers big-sky prairie views.

Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge

The real gem for gravel riders is the connection to Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge. This natural area adds rugged gravel and dirt trails through bottomland forest along the North Canadian River. It's a completely different riding experience from anything else in the OKC metro — you'll forget you're in a city of 600,000+ people.

What to Bring

• Gravel or adventure bike with 35mm+ tires
• Extra tubes — gravel can be tough on tires
• Plenty of water — no services on the trail
• Bird ID app — the wildlife here is fantastic

Pro Tips

Park at the north lot. The north parking area gives you the best access to both the lake loop and Stinchcomb Refuge trails.

Ride after rain — but not during. The gravel drains well but can be soft right after heavy rain. Give it a day to dry out.

Join Land Run Cyclists. This local gravel group rides Lake Overholser regularly and knows all the best routes.