At first glance, Lake Thunderbird, the 7,000 acre lake located just east of Norman, does not appear to me much more than a small lake used by fishermen and the occasional boater. However, first impressions can be deceiving, and there is certainly much more to this little lake than meets the eye. Several miles of trails surround the lake, ranging from easy nature walks to full mountain biking trails complete with steep drops and jumps. Many locals say this is a great place to go to get away without actually having to get too far away.

Sophomore Braden Scott ventures out to Lake Thunderbird often for a variety of activities. “My friends and I like to get out here with our bikes and ride on most weekends when the weather is decent,” Scott said. “It’s just a really good way to blow off steam. The trail is set up so you can ride anywhere from one to about four and a half miles, and it never gets old.”

While the main trail, Clear Bay Trail, does have plenty to keep the mountain biker entertained such as both natural and manmade drops and some impressive downhill turns, the trails are also maintained well enough for hikers or runners to enjoy them.

“I come out to the lake for a lot of different reasons,” said sophomore Rachelle Barteau. “I run the trails whenever I can, and sometimes when the weather’s really nice I do homework by the water. It’s just nice to feel like you’re away from everything for a while, and the lake is the perfect place for that.”

Maybe you have been looking for an adrenaline-fueled mountain bike ride or maybe you just need a more interesting setting for your daily run. Whatever the inkling, the little lake just east of Norman can satisfy any outdoor need.