Mountain Biking Oklahoma

General Location: McGee Creek Lake is roughly halfway between Atoka and Antlers, north of OK 3, in the southeastern part of the state.

Elevation Change: The trailhead lies at about 740' of elevation. From there you climb fairly gradually up to around 900' at the intersection of all the trails at Whiskey Flats. You make a rapid drop to lake level after that, about 600'. Then you do the whole thing in reverse.

Season: Anytime is Whiskey Flats time, but summer is probably the worst choice, because the ticks and chiggers are at their strongest during the high heat. Hunting is allowed here, so stay away during deer season, typically October through December. Early spring is probably your best choice, before the trails start to grow over. Some almost disappear in the summer through lack of use.

Services: The headquarters building has rest rooms, showers, and drinking water. The nearest pay phone is at the store where you turn off OK 3 to drive to the park, about 10 miles south. The camping in the McGee Creek NSRA is all primitive at present, though plans for a full-service campground are being made. Picnic table sites in the state park campgrounds across the lake in the dam area offer a more cordial environment, if also more crowded. There is no bike shop in the area that I am aware of.

Hazards: The worst chiggers and ticks I have ever been infected with greeted me when I visited here. Even liberal coatings of repellent had no effect on them. I was covered with bites by the time I realized it was too late. You will some other crawling critters too, like spiders bigger than you will believe, their webs stretching across the trails in many places. Summer is not a good time to be walking around in the tall grass along these trails in Lycra shorts.

Any time of year the loose gravel and rocks will challenge your bike handling skills, making careful riding mandatory if you value your skin. I think it is also safe to assume there may be a snake or two in the vicinity, and I strongly recommend paying very close attention to where you put your feet if you jump off the bike to take a break or to portage a difficult section.

Rescue Index: It would be possible to be rescued here, but only if you had a partner who could make it out of whatever remote trail you were on and find his or her way back to the headquarters to summon emergency personnel. This place is an awful long drive from the nearest hospital, probably at least 25 miles. Be careful when you ride, and live to ride another day.

Land Status: This land is owned by the federal government but leased to Oklahoma for 25 years.

Maps: The state of Oklahoma will offer you a good map with all the trails marked free of charge. This document also contains all the rules of the park and information on camping. Ask at the headquarters. The quad for this park Lane NE.

Source of Additional Information:
McGee Creek State Park
Natural Scenic Recreation Area
HC 82, Box 572
Atoka, OK 745 5
(405) 889-5822

McGee Creek State Park
Park Office
Route 1, Box 6-A
Farris, OK 74542-0006
(405) 889-5822

Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department Division of State Parks 2401 North Lincoln Boulevard Oklahoma City, OK 73105 (405) 521-3411

Oklahoma Tour Tourism and Recreation Department Literature and Information Box 600000 Oklahoma City, OK 73146-6000 (405) 521 -2409 ( 800 ) 652-6552

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