Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department opened many trails in its state parks in early 1995. This greatly enhances cycling opportunities in this Great Plains state. Also available are Wildlife Management Areas. Contact: OK Dept. of Wildlife Conservation, 1801 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 73105; 405/521-3721. For a free road-biking map, contact Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Development at 405/521-3981; also request the "Oklahoma Camping and Lake Guide."

Beavers Bend Resort Park

Box Broken Bow, OK 74728; 405/494-6300; bbend@pine/net.com

This state park in extreme southeastern Oklahoma is renovating its David Boren Hiking Trail to a 10-mile multi-use route above Broken Bow Reservoir. Other activities include boating, camping, swimming, nature center, miniature golf. Lodging and dining on site.

Arcadia Lake

9000 E. 2nd St., Arcadia 73007; 405/396-8122

You'll find 21 miles of trails for all skill levels, with a fun creek crossing, in this state park north of Oklahoma City. Other activities include boating, camping.

Lawton

On 12 Miles of Hell Racecourse, you can ride on rocks, singletrack, fire roads, creek crossings and thrilling downhills. For more information and a map, contact 12 Miles of Hell Racecourse, 5340 NW Cache Rd., Lawton, OK 73505; 405/442-3553. Please contact the ranger’s headquarters at the above number before riding in the area.

Biking season: October through April. Other activities include bicycling, hiking, rattlesnake hunts, rock climbing, swimming. Lodging and dining in Lawton. Bike shop in Lawton (Mud, Sweat & Gears).

McGee Creek Natural Scenic Recreation Area

405/889-5822

A natural scenic recreation area of 8,900 acres with rugged, wild trails; primitive camping available. Located in southern Oklahoma in Atoka, three miles north of Farris, off Hwy 3. Permits necessary to enter the park. For reservations, call 405/889-5822.

Oklahoma City Parks and Recreation Department

201 Channing Square, Room B-1, Oklahoma City, OK 73102; 405/297-2211

In a relatively small area called Draper Lake, the trails are so numerous that you can ride for 20 to 50 miles and not cover the same part of a trail twice. And the blackjack trees are so thick that you won't even notice another trail only four feet away. Recommended for mountain biking are the southern end of the lake, the trails southwest of the concession area and the east side of the lake. Motorcyclists use the north end of the lake. Maps are available at the Draper Lake concession area and at the police/ranger station. Permits are required to ride, so contact the ranger station (405/794-5010).

Biking season: All year. Other activities include boating, fishing, horseback riding, water skiing. Bike shop in Oklahoma City (Wheel-A-Rama).

Roman Nose State Park

Rt. 1, Watonga, OK 73772; 405/623-7281

This is the place for challenging singletrack. You'll share the trail with horses and cacti; near Watonga and the Canadian River in west-central Oklahoma. Other activities include meeting rooms, canoeing (with rentals), camping, miniature and nine-hole golf, swimming, equestrian facilities. Lodging on site.

Sequoyah State Park

918/772-2046

This well-developed park was the first to offer mountain bicycling on state lands. We thank Oklahoma Earth Bike Fellowship for assistance in that effort. The park is on Ft. Gibson Lake, southeast of Tulsa. Other activities include boating, camping, meeting rooms, swimming, golf, hiking, equestrian center. Guest ranch on site. Bike rental on site.

Tulsa District Office

U.S. BLM, 7906 E. 33rd St. Suite, Tulsa, OK 74145-1352; 918/621-4100

Weyerhauser Area

405/670-2811

This timber company allows mountain bicycling on some of its lands in southeastern Oklahoma. Contact the company for a map.

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