Outdoors Lake Hefner
Lake Hefner Trail
An outdoor spot in Lake Hefner, free to visit and worth about 1.5 hours. Best time to go: Late morning.
Why go
A paved path around much of the 2,500-acre reservoir, popular for first-day walks, runs and bike rides.
It is one of 6 curated places we feature in Lake Hefner, alongside 2 places to eat, 2 outdoor spots and 1 sight. 3 more of our picks sit within about half a mile in a straight line, so it pairs easily with Lake Hefner Lighthouse and Louie's Grill & Bar.
- Type
- Outdoors · Nature
- Price
- Free
- Time needed
- 1.5 hr
- Best time
- Late morning
Nearby
Our closest curated picks, including 1 beyond Lake Hefner. Distances are straight-line, not walking or driving.
- 1Lake Hefner Lighthouse
The small lighthouse at the end of the East Wharf jetty, the lake's landmark and its sunset spot.
Sight · 0.0 mi straight-line - 2Louie's Grill & Bar
Casual lakeside bar and grill next to the lighthouse, known for burgers and a deck facing the lake.
Food · 0.1 mi straight-line - 3Redrock Canyon Grill
Lakeside grill at the East Wharf known for wood-fired rotisserie chicken and a patio over the water.
Food · 0.1 mi straight-line - 4Stars and Stripes Park
Lakeside park on Hefner's south shore with open lawns, picnic shelters and a stretch of the shoreline trail.
Outdoors · 1.1 mi straight-line - 5Martin Park Nature Center
City nature preserve with short wooded trails along a creek and a small nature center.
Outdoors · 3.3 mi straight-line - 6Picasso Cafe
Paseo Arts District restaurant with a patio and local art on the walls.
Food · Oklahoma City · 5.5 mi straight-line
On these curated routes
Lake Hefner Trail is a stop on our Oklahoma City New Year's Eve route. Open it to see the full day-by-day plan.
When to go
Average daily highs in Lake Hefner run from 47°F in January to 94°F in July; May is usually the wettest month. For Lake Hefner Trail itself, we suggest: Late morning.
Modelled monthly averages for Lake Hefner from NASA POWER, not a forecast. Full Lake Hefner weather by month.
Getting there
Map links open a live search for Lake Hefner Trail, so hours and directions come straight from the map app.
- Coordinates
- 35.56517, -97.57866
- Destination
- Lake Hefner, Oklahoma
Lake Hefner Trail: quick answers
How much time do you need at Lake Hefner Trail?
Plan on about 1.5 hours at Lake Hefner Trail. That is our curated estimate for a typical visit; groups that linger will want more.
When is the best time to visit Lake Hefner Trail?
Our pick: Late morning. Insider tip: The park is open 5 am to 11 pm; the east shore by the lighthouse has the most parking.
Is Lake Hefner Trail free?
Yes, we list Lake Hefner Trail as free to visit. Check locally before you go, since special exhibits, parking or tours can carry a fee.
Which TripsCircle routes include Lake Hefner Trail?
Lake Hefner Trail appears on Oklahoma City New Year's Eve, a curated route you can open on TripsCircle and plan with your group.
Add Lake Hefner Trail to your crew's plan
Save it to a shared TripsCircle itinerary, settle the timing with a quick poll, and split the costs with everyone going to Lake Hefner.
Plan Lake Hefner
- Lake Hefner travel guide 6 places
- Best time to visit Lake Hefner weather by month
- Downtown OKC & Bricktown to Lake Hefner 8.6 mi straight-line
Lists & regions
Curated recommendation, not live listing data. Confirm hours, prices, bookings and access before you go.