8 Most Bike-Friendly Towns in Oklahoma
Oklahoma is home to many small towns rich in natural beauty and community pride, and one of the best ways to see them is by bike. This state's many bike trails appeal to beginners and experienced mountain bikers alike. The well-maintained trails offer plenty of chances to spot wildlife, birdwatch, fish, or simply to take in and admire the majesty of nature. After you are done biking, relax with a refreshing beverage or meal in the quaint downtowns and exciting shopping districts these little cities center around. Enjoy your biking vacation in these small Oklahoma towns, and don't forget your helmet!
Medicine Park
Medicine Park may have a year-round population of just 450 people, but it was founded as Oklahoma's first resort town. This tiny town was named for the health benefits of the Medicine Creek waters, a reputation that dates back to when the Plains Indians were the only inhabitants. In 2008, Medicine Park was named the fifth prettiest town in the United States, according to Expedia.com. Nowadays, Medicine Park is known for its bike trails. The Lawtonka Trails between Lake Lawtonka and Mount Scott provide a delightful mix of landscapes for the avid bike fan. Casual bikers will enjoy roaming the cobblestoned streets of downtown with its unique boutiques stocked with Native American artifacts.
In contrast, the more dedicated mountain bikers may wish to travel with the local Mountain Bike Club while riding through the more challenging routes' picturesque boulders and creeks. After you're done with your ride, don't forget to cool down with a massage at the Blissful Body Shop or enjoy another perspective on nature at the Aquarium and Natural Sciences Center in the foothills of the Wichita Mountain Wildlife Refuge.
Arcadia
Located on historic Route 66, this town of only 250 people is a delight for bikers. The 4.8-mile Spring Creek Trail is open year-round for hikers, road bikers, and birdwatchers. Its gentle, paved length is perfect for beginner and casual bikers, but the unpaved natural trails nearby are ideal for more dedicated mountain bikers. Nearby Lake Arcadia also offers scenic hiking and biking trails, along with activities like fishing, boating, swimming, and camping in the beauty of nature. Don't forget a trip to the Arcadia Round Barn on Route 66 to take in the town's history, a stop by the Washington Irving Monument to pay homage to a great American writer, and a stop at Pop's 66 for a refreshing bite at an old-fashioned soda fountain.
Bethany
Bethany sits just 12 miles outside of Oklahoma City. This charming town is known as the Heart of Route 66. The town is home to 4 large parks, each with its own attractions, but the avid biker will want to head right for Overholser Park on the shores of Lake Overholser. This park features a 5.4-mile trail, an easy but unpaved route along this beautiful lake's shores. After an exhilarating bike ride, don't forget to check out the unique shops and eateries on the section of Route 66 that runs through the center of town. The Stray Dog Cafe and the Not Cho Cheesecake shop offer sweet treats to please any palate. At the same time, Hello Nutrition and MentaliTea and Coffee provide a wide range of refreshing beverages for the thirsty cyclist. Baskets of Love and Gambit's Toy Box are the perfect stop for those looking for souvenirs and gifts in this little city.
Sulphur
Sulphur is a scenic, historic town full of natural beauty. Located in the foothills of the Arbuckle Mountains, Sulphur's Chickasaw National Recreation Area is home to the Veterans Lake Trail. This 2.8-mile loop runs around the shores of this beautiful lake. This paved trail is a favorite of birdwatchers and anglers as well as for hikers and bikers. Bigfoot E-Bikes, near the entry of the recreation area, can provide bikers with a cool new ride or help fix their bike so that it's ready to go. After an easy and beautiful ride, stop at the Rusty Nail Winery or the Tipsy Raccoon for a refreshing drink, or visit the Chickasaw Cultural Center to take in living history at the Chikasa Inchokka Traditional Village and see a traditional Chickasaw Stomp Dance.
Stillwater
Stillwater's Lake Kameoka might be an artificial lake, but the Boomer Lake Kameoka Trail is 4.7 miles of natural beauty. This gentle, paved loop is known as the best hiking and biking trail in Stillwater. Birders will enjoy catching sight of migrating coots, pelicans, and scissortail flycatchers, while athletes can recreate with a rousing game of disc golf. Downtown Stillwater has a quaint and charming air, with options like Blue Spruce Gelato and Sorbet for a cool-down dessert, Finnegan's or Louie's Grill and Bar for lunch and a refreshing drink, or the Beadery and Leonard Jewelry for gifts and souvenirs. Music fans will want to catch a performance of Stillwater's famous Red Dirt Music at the Gypsy Cafe, Stonecloud Brewing, or George's Stables.
Bartlesville
Bartlesville is a prime location for bikers. The Bartlesville Trails are single-track mountain bike trails built at Hudson Lake by volunteers starting in the spring of 2022. These trails loop around the gorgeous Hudson Lake, a reservoir that serves the city as a water source. While there are eight miles of shoreline around the lake, the trails will be anywhere from 12 to 15 miles long upon their completion. However, these aren't the only trails in Bartlesville! The Jo Allyn Park trail wends through the city, connecting Bartlesville's parks in a scenic route of 2.7 miles, featuring two beautiful bridges and a disc golf course. After riding the trails, stop by Linger Longer Antiques and Old-Fashioned Soda Fountain for some shopping and a refreshing beverage or snack.
Vian
The little town of Vian is home to Lake Tenkiller, known as "heaven in the hills" for the beautiful scenery along its 130 miles of shoreline. It's also home to the 20,800-acre Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, part of the only national network of waters and lands managed much to the benefit of migratory and local wildlife. Within this wildlife refuge is the Horton Slough Trail, a 1.2-mile loop perfect for hiking, biking, and birdwatching. This paved trail's lakeshore mileage features plenty of opportunities for seeing turtles and birds and provides a perfect angling spot along its bridge. After your bike ride, check out the Lake Tenkiller Dam, where establishments like Big Daddy's Restaurant, the Pine Cove Marina, and Clearwater Cafe offer tempting dining options on the water.
Purcell
The little town of Purcell, Oklahoma, is home to Purcell Lake, 150 acres of blue and sparkling water that's a delight for anglers, boaters, swimmers, and all lovers of natural beauty. Purcell Lake features the Purcell Lake Loop, a 3.3-mile loop trail that's a moderate challenge for bikers. This scenic loop is paved and ADA accessible, and there are plenty of spots to stop, take in natural beauty, and even catch a few fish. The town even has a Walk the Trail day on the first Saturday of June, as well as other events like the Heart of Oklahoma Music Festival, the Purcell Carp Classic Fishing Tournament, and a Saturday farmer's market with local arts and crafts as well as fresh produce.
Biking is a wonderful way to see the great state of Oklahoma. Enhance your cycling experience by waking up early to watch the birds in the wilderness or fish at one of the many angling spots around one of Oklahoma's gorgeous lakes. You can also hit the trails in the morning and enjoy a drink and a snack or some retail therapy in one of the quaint downtowns these places offer. Always use caution and protective gear, especially when biking on unpaved trails.
