Norman is home to a number of great trails to experience. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or just looking for a scenic stroll, Norman’s trails offer something for everyone.
With National Trails Day coming up on June 7, it’s the perfect time to explore what Norman has to offer. There are dozens of parks and designated trail areas to choose from, but here are a few you simply cannot miss!
Clear Bay Trail
Why not start your explorations around Lake Thunderbird? With 18.5 miles of hiking and biking trails, ranging in difficulty and experience level, Clear Bay Trail’s multiple paths can give you everything you’d want in a lakeside adventure.
Three ranges – Green, Yellow, and Red Loops – are relatively easy to navigate for beginning or intermediate hikers and bikers. These three paths range from one mile to one-and-a-half miles. The Blue Loop is just under five miles long and the Gold Loop is a 10-mile behemoth with a rock drop, dozens of switchbacks and a bridge near the Thunderbird dam.
The trail is easy to access. Head east down Highway 9 and turn into the Clear Bay area and immediately turn right. Look for the green posts that clearly mark the trail’s entrance. Once you arrive, feel free to walk, jog, or bike during your journey.
George M. Sutton Wilderness Park
Located off 12th Ave NE south of Rock Creek Road, Sutton Wilderness Park is a great option to enjoy a relaxing walk or work on your cardio goals with a jog. A large pond with a shoreline of a mile lies at the heart of the primary trails to give you a peaceful environment to explore.
The 155-acre wilderness park’s paved road path allows for easy navigation of the trail to ensure visitors are comfortable as they move their legs. The trail can either serve as a quick warm-up to kickstart your day or a relaxing and leisurely reward for a day of traveling. In addition to the pond, there is a playground area for kids as well as a disc golf course for people wanting to get competitive out in the elements.
Ruby Grant Park Trails
One of Norman’s largest parks at approximately 150 acres, Ruby Grant Park features a peaceful network of walking trails that wind through open green space and natural scenery. It’s a great spot for a casual stroll, dog walk, or a relaxed morning jog.
After your walk, stick around to enjoy everything else the park offers, including an A-tier 18-hole disc golf course, a 5K cross-country course, a playground, public art, picnic pavilions, and a dog park, all in an accessible, family-friendly setting.
Legacy Trail
Legacy Trail is a beautifully landscaped, paved path that runs through the heart of Norman. Ideal for a leisurely walk or short bike ride, the trail blends nature with history and public art along its route.
As you stroll, you’ll pass bronze sculptures created by Norman’s own Crucible Foundry, as well as historic points of interest like a detailed model of the University of Oklahoma in 1942 and a striking nine-foot statue of James Garner. The historic clock tower is the newest addition to this scenic, story-filled trail.
John H. Saxon Park
Located just south of Highway 9 on the corner of 36th Ave SE, Saxon Park is a wooded walking/jogging trail. With a path of just under two miles, this trail can be completed in under an hour, making it perfect to be a chapter in your day. It’s a popular trail so you won’t feel isolated.
With lush fauna and thick tree lines, Saxon Trail offers a private and tranquil experience for visitors. Dogs on leash are welcome as well (be sure to bring dog bags just in case).
