The best cycling routes around Lawton

There are over 5 touring cycling routes around Lawton featured on komoot, catering to various skill levels from easy to difficult. These routes explore the diverse landscapes of the region, including the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge and local lakes.

Yes, Lawton offers easy touring cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. For instance, the McMahon Woods loop from Medicine Park is an easy 6.4-mile (10.4 km) trail with minimal elevation gain, offering a pleasant ride through varied terrain.

For a challenging ride, consider the Lake Elmer Thomas – Lake Lawtonka Dam loop from Medicine Park. This difficult 26.0-mile (41.8 km) path features substantial climbs and over 540 meters of elevation gain, alongside scenic stretches of two major lakes. The paved climb up Mount Scott also offers a significant challenge with a 7.5% grade over 2.7 miles.

Yes, bicycles are permitted on paved roads within the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, including the scenic Mt. Scott Service Road and the Lake Elmer Thomas Service Road. For a more rugged experience, the nearly six-mile dirt and gravel Mt. Scott Fire Road offers challenging terrain and opportunities to spot wildlife like bison and elk. For more detailed information on biking regulations, you can visit the official refuge website: fws.gov.

Absolutely. The region features several routes that incorporate these beautiful lakes. The Lake Elmer Thomas loop from Medicine Park is a moderate 24 km route offering scenic views. Additionally, the Lake Elmer Thomas – Lake Lawtonka Dam loop from Medicine Park provides extensive lakeside cycling. Lake Lawtonka also has over 30 miles of singletrack mountain biking trails on its west and south sides, though these are more suited for mountain bikes. For more information about Lake Lawtonka, you can visit lawtonok.gov.

Many routes offer stunning panoramic views. The Mount Scott loop from Medicine Park, for example, provides magnificent vistas of the plains and surrounding mountains from its summit. The roads within the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge also offer picturesque views, especially during wildflower season or fall foliage.

The terrain around Lawton is quite varied. You'll encounter rugged granite mountains, mixed-grass prairie, and serene lakeside paths. Routes can range from paved roads with significant elevation changes, like the climb up Mount Scott, to dirt and gravel fire roads, and even rocky singletrack trails around Lake Lawtonka. This diversity offers options for different cycling preferences.

Medicine Park, a historic cobblestone town nestled beside the Wichita Mountains, serves as an excellent gateway to many cycling adventures. Several popular routes, including the Mount Scott loop, the Lower Gruber – Engineer Pond loop, and the Lake Elmer Thomas – Lake Lawtonka Dam loop, begin from Medicine Park, making it a convenient hub for cyclists.

Yes, for those seeking longer rides, the Lake Elmer Thomas – Lake Lawtonka Dam loop from Medicine Park covers 26.0 miles (41.8 km). Additionally, the Lower Gruber – Engineer Pond loop from Medicine Park offers a substantial 38 km ride. The annual 'Spirit of Survival Cycling Tour' also offers various distances up to 64 miles through the scenic landscapes of Southwest Oklahoma.

Warmer months are ideal for touring cycling in Lawton, especially when wildflower fields are in bloom. Fall also offers vibrant foliage, making for picturesque rides. It's always advisable to check local weather conditions before heading out, as Oklahoma weather can be variable.

While popular routes can see more activity, exploring the less-traveled service roads within the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, beyond the main Mount Scott climb, can offer a more secluded experience. The Mt. Scott Fire Road, being dirt and gravel, also tends to be less crowded than paved sections.

The Mount Scott loop from Medicine Park is an excellent choice for a workout, featuring over 320 meters of elevation gain in just 13.3 km. The paved road up Mount Scott itself is a consistent 2.7-mile climb at a 7.5% grade, providing a strenuous but rewarding ascent.