Built in 1919, Lake Overholser is Oklahoma City's oldest reservoir. The scenic Lake Overholser East Trail closely follows its eastern shore and offers boat ramps, fishing piers and picnic areas. A highlight of the journey is the Lake Overholser Dam, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, and can be found near the southern end of the trail.
At the trail's northern end, a cattail marsh attracts herons, egrets, blackbirds and many other types of birds. It's here that you can find a connection to the Hefner-Overholser Trail. Stinchcomb Wildlife Refuge, a beautiful forest and marshland area along the North Canadian River, is also nearby, on the other side of State Route 66.
A parking lot is available at the southern end of the Lake Overholser East Trail, off E. Overholser Drive, just south of the Lake Overholser Dam.
Hats off the Oklahoma City!!! The trail system around the area is fantastic. Other large cities should go to OC and ride the trail system. The trails are all connected. We started on the Oka River Trail which intersected the River trail which intersected other trails. I did 50 miles and could have done much more. We were only in OC for two days passing through on our trip around the USA. I would rate the OC trail system at the top of trails that I have done in America.
This easy to access trail provides an easy walk with beautiful scenery. The park description doesn't mention it, but there is parking at the north end of the trail just south of 39th St (Route 66). There is access to the top of the dam about half way on the trail. It's fun to walk across the water on the dam's edge. One side of the trail offers a lake view, and the other side offers views of some lovely residences that were pretty fabulous in their day. An enjoyable city walk.
This is an outstanding trail especially for pushing a wheelchair. We covered nearly the entire trail from the dam on the south end to the Route 66 bridge on the north end. I had no problems pushing my son's chair along the entire course! We are likely to frequent it often it is well maintained and offered no difficulty for the wheelchair.
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