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Oklahoma City offers a variety of scenic spots perfect for both running and photography, often combining the two. Here's a breakdown of some top locations:

1. Lake Hefner

• Running: Lake Hefner is a highly popular running destination with a paved 9.6-mile loop trail offering great views of the water. You'll find many locals utilizing this well-maintained trail, sharing it with cyclists, walkers, and leashed dogs. There are mile markers every half-mile, and several parking areas available.
• Photography: Enjoy stunning sunsets over the lake, and be sure to capture the iconic Lake Hefner lighthouse. The nautical feel and open views make it ideal for serene photo sessions, especially during sunrise or sunset.

2. Oklahoma River Trails / West River Trail

• Running: These trails offer over 17 miles of paved paths along the North Canadian River, perfect for long runs, half-marathon, or marathon training. The West River Trail specifically spans 7.5 miles and connects to Lake Overholser. You can combine various sections for different distances.
• Photography: The modern architecture of the boathouses in the Boathouse District provides excellent backdrops. You can also capture the energy of Riversport Adventures during warmer months or the sun reflecting off the water.

3. Scissortail Park & Skydance Bridge

• Running: Scissortail Park offers open green spaces, manicured lawns, and gardens, providing a pleasant environment for a run.
• Photography: The Skydance Bridge, inspired by the state bird, the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, is a stunning architectural marvel that lights up at night, offering unique photo opportunities. The park itself provides phenomenal city skyline views and a variety of backdrops for photos.

4. Myriad Botanical Gardens

• Running: These 17-acre gardens in downtown OKC are a lovely place for a stroll or run, offering a peaceful escape within the city. A loop around the park is about 1 mile.
• Photography: The gardens feature seasonal flowers, beautiful landscaping, grassy areas, walkways, and a picturesque pond. The Crystal Bridge tropical conservatory is also a great spot, especially in winter.

5. Bricktown

• Running: Explore the 2 miles of paths along the Bricktown Canal and the brick-sidewalked streets.
• Photography: Bricktown offers a vibrant, bustling atmosphere with unique backdrops for photos, especially along the canal.

6. Lake Overholser

• Running: The Lake Overholser Trail offers 3.2 miles of paved trail along the lake, and it's generally quieter and less trafficked. It connects with the Oklahoma River Trail.
• Photography: This location provides serene lake views and a peaceful atmosphere.

7. Martin Park Nature Center

• Running: Enjoy a pleasant 2.5-mile loop with opportunities to spot wildlife in this natural oasis within the city. The trails are easy.
• Photography: This park offers a beautiful natural setting with scenic woodland trails, perfect for an escape into nature.

8. Bluff Creek Park

• Running: Bluff Creek Park has two 1-mile paved loops and over 3 miles of rolling singletrack dirt trails, appealing to both trail and pavement runners. It can be combined with Lake Hefner trails for longer distances.
• Photography: The dirt and paved trails wind through a wooded glen, offering scenic views and a feeling of being outside the city.

9. Heritage Hills/Mesta Park & Nichols Hills

• Running: These historic neighborhoods boast scenic streets, large trees, and beautiful mansions, perfect for a self-guided run. Nichols Hills also features a roughly 1-mile linear park.
• Photography: The impressive architecture of homes like the Overholser Mansion and Hales Mansion make for great photo backdrops. The neighborhoods are particularly charming when Christmas lights are up.

10. Automobile Alley

• Photography: This neighborhood features bright, bold colors and unique architectural backdrops, especially around the Factory Obscura building. It's also known for its festive lights during Christmastime.

Other notable spots for photography include:

• The Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum: Inspiring awe and reverence, it's particularly beautiful at sunrise or sunset for incredible natural light.
• Wheeler District: Features a giant Ferris wheel, an "OKC" sculpture, and hammocks, offering fun and quirky photo opportunities.
• Plaza District & Paseo Arts District: These districts are known for their vibrant murals, artistic spirit, and unique local businesses, providing colorful and creative backdrops.
• Will Rogers Gardens: Offers a wide variety of scenery, including grassy spots, water features, and an impressive rose garden, arboretum, and cool walkways.
• Oklahoma City Museum of Art: Besides its indoor exhibits, the rooftop offers an uninterrupted view of the OKC skyline.
• Capitol Hill: The Oklahoma State Capitol Building, with its classical Greco-Roman architecture, grand dome, and sprawling grounds, is perfect for dramatic and formal photoshohoots.