The best walks and hikes around Edmond

The Eagle Trail Loop offers a delightful and accessible outdoor experience right in Oklahoma City. You'll find yourself immersed in natural beauty, with mature trees creating a peaceful canopy and open spaces providing a sense of calm. This gentle path, often integrating with other park routes like the Teal Loop, is perfect for a leisurely walk or a quick nature break, making it a truly family-friendly option.

Planning your visit to this easy trail is simple; it's located within Oklahoma City, so access is generally straightforward with parking available at the trailhead. Since it's a short 3.1-mile (5.0 km) loop with only 61 feet (19 metres) of elevation gain, you can comfortably complete it in about 1 hour and 16 minutes. It's a great choice for a spontaneous outing at almost any time of day.

What makes this trail stand out is its sheer accessibility and ease, making it an excellent option for beginners or anyone seeking a refreshing escape without a strenuous climb. It provides a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a dose of nature within the urban landscape, offering a pleasant contrast to more challenging trails in the region.

The Hafer Park Loop offers a delightful escape into nature within Edmond, Oklahoma, perfect for a quick refresh. This easy 1.5-mile (2.5 km) hiking trail winds through lush green spaces and mature trees, providing ample shade and a chance to observe local wildlife. You'll pass a beautiful pond with a gazebo, often frequented by ducks and geese, making it a serene spot to enjoy the outdoors. With only 58 feet (18 metres) of elevation gain, it's a gentle walk that takes about 38 minutes.

Planning your visit to Hafer Park is simple, as it's a well-established community park with easy access and ample parking. The paved, multi-use path is suitable for all ages and abilities, making it a great choice for families or anyone looking for a leisurely stroll. Public restrooms are available and well-maintained. To avoid the busiest times, especially during warmer months, consider heading out earlier in the morning.

Hafer Park is more than just a trail; it's a vibrant community hub that was once a golf course, transformed into a public space in the 1970s. Beyond the loop, you'll find playgrounds, picnic areas, and even exercise stations, making it a versatile destination for a full day out. It's also noted as a starting point for Edmond's broader trail network, offering connections for those looking to explore further.

If you're looking for a diverse and engaging hike near Edmond, the Arcadia Lake Trail offers a moderate 6.6-mile (10.6 km) journey that takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes to complete. You'll navigate singletrack paths through wooded areas, enjoying picturesque views of Arcadia Lake, especially as you pass by spots like Turner's Pond. The terrain varies from flat, open stretches to tighter, winding sections with moderate climbs, making it a great option for beginner to intermediate hikers.

Planning your visit means being aware of the multi-use nature of the trail, as you'll share it with mountain bikers and runners. There's typically a park entrance fee to access Arcadia Lake, so factor that into your plans. It's also a good idea to bring a map or use a trail app, as some sections cross park roads, which can make navigation a bit tricky for first-time visitors.

What makes the Arcadia Lake Trail particularly notable is its role as an urban oasis, providing extensive recreational opportunities in an otherwise urban setting. The trail system is well-maintained, thanks to local efforts, and offers multiple loop options and detours, allowing you to customize your hike. It's a fantastic example of how natural beauty and diverse activities can coexist close to a city.

The Arcadia Lake Multi-Use Trail offers a delightful and varied experience, winding through mature trees and providing picturesque views of Arcadia Lake. You'll navigate a single dirt track, encountering bridges, water crossings, and sections with tree roots and rocky terrain. Keep an eye out for abundant wildlife along the northern, western, and southern coasts of the lake, and around mile 3, you'll find a notable section referred to as the “Swamp Trail.”

Planning your visit is straightforward, but be aware that a fee is typically required for trail use, available as either a daily or annual pass. The trail is open from sunrise to sunset daily and can be accessed from Spring Creek Park, Edmond Park, and Central State Park. This easy 1.3-mile (2.0 km) hike with only 35 feet (11 metres) of elevation gain can be completed in about 31 minutes, making it a great option for a quick outdoor escape.

This multi-use trail is a local favorite, popular among hikers, mountain bikers, and nature walkers, and is well-marked with signs indicating main routes and alternate paths. The Oklahoma Earth Bike Fellowship, a non-profit organization, is responsible for its construction and maintenance, ensuring a well-kept path for all to enjoy. It's an excellent choice for beginner hiking or anyone looking for a scenic, easy outing near Edmond.

The Bert Cooper Trail offers a delightful escape with continuous views of Lake Hefner, making it one of the most popular routes in Oklahoma City. This multi-use, paved path winds along the shoreline, providing glimpses of sailboats on the open water and passing through pleasant wooded areas. You'll definitely want to pause at the iconic Lake Hefner Lighthouse, a striking landmark that offers fantastic scenic viewpoints, especially as the sun begins to set.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as there are many Bert Cooper Trail parking areas and access points around the lake. The trail is very family friendly, with amenities like restrooms and playgrounds available. While it's a moderate 7.2 miles (11.7 km) with only 56 feet (17 metres) of elevation gain, taking about 2 hours and 56 minutes, strong winds can sometimes make the journey feel a bit more challenging. It's a great option for an easy, accessible outing any time of year.

Beyond its scenic beauty, the Bert Cooper Trail is notable for its accessibility and connection to the broader Hefner-Overholser Trail system, offering options for longer adventures. Birdwatchers will appreciate the opportunity to spot migratory waterfowl between November and March. This trail is a local favorite, accommodating pedestrians, cyclists, and even those with wheelchairs, making it a truly inclusive outdoor experience.