The Arcadia trail has been around for while, most of it was already in place before OEF cut the trail from the Project Office to the Central Entrance back in '98. To get to the Project Office, go 3 miles east of I-35 on 2nd Street (also Highway 66 East). Take the third entrance marked "Project Office". The gravel parking lot on the left of the road is posted no public parking 8-4:30 M-F, you can park there 'after work' and during the weekend or drive down to the office and park in the paved lot. Restrooms, a phone, and water are available right there at the project office. When the office is open they should have info inside. The trailhead has an honor box for payment right at the trailhead or pay at one of the guard shacks when you ride by. A very basic map is available at the guard shack, we are trying to get a detailed version on-line soon.
The trail is basically a horseshoe between the Project Office and 15th street, therefore, it is an out-and-back. At the trailhead you have the option to go left or right. The right trail is the more established one and easier the follow. The left trail is more technical, it goes down to the lake and actually has a few pretty good short climbs but currently lacks marking. Both trails meet after only a mile or so. After crossing a road there is another left or right option. Go right since that trail flows better on the way 'out'. The trail crosses the Central Entrance and a second entrance off 2nd street. After the Central Entrance the trail is very well marked with white arrows for the main route and yellow arrows for alternate routes which always join back up with the main trail. You can’t get lost. Try to avoid the "swamp trail" because it can stay wet for long periods of time. The trail itself is all singletrack, around 14 miles out and back, and not very technical, except for maybe the first mile or two to the Central Entrance, the river crossing and Burnout Hill. It can be very sandy in spots and the trail is probably best a day or so after some rain. The Arcadia Lake trail is a multi-use trail so be cautious when riding at speed, especially during the weekend! People walk the trail during their weekend camp outs.
This is a great trail for beginner riders, with the section between the Central Office and the water crossing being the easiest - it starts with a tight singletrack section but after that it winds through open fields. Even the other sections can't be described as very difficult, except for the watercrossing and Burnout Hill.
Some people seem to be very negative about this trail. "It's too sandy, there are no jumps or drop-off's, it's boring...". Well, the sand can be tough, but if you time your ride just right (soon after rain) it won't be a big deal (think 'light'). And if you keep your chain on the big ring, all the open sections become plenty interesting (keep an eye out for other users). This trail can be an excellent workout. If you concentrate on control on the tighter sections and on speed on the open areas it's a good ride. If 14 miles isn't enough, do another 'lap' or ride the Bubber course (the trails between the Project Office and the Central Entrance) a few times.
This trail is now 100% maintained by the City of Edmond, so please pay your fees when you ride. Many of the guard shack areas have water available depending on the season, but you should come prepared and bring your own...

Daily Fees that were effective on February 1, 1998:
Bicycle (per person) - $2.00 (weekdays) / $3.00 (weekends)
Vehicle (up to 5 persons) - $6.00 (weekdays) / $7.00 (weekends)
Watercraft - $6.00 (weekdays) / $7.00 (weekends)
Hiker (per person) - $2.00 (weekdays) / $3.00 (weekends)
Motorcycle (per person) - $2.00 (weekdays) / $3.00 (weekends)
Bus (per person) - $2.00 (weekdays) / $3.00 (weekends)
Horse - $4.00 (weekdays) / $4.00 (weekends)
Extra Persons- $2.00 (weekdays) / $3.00 (weekends)
Camping Fees (pay for 6 days, 7th day free):
Primitive - $8.00 (weekdays) / $10.00 (weekends)
Regular - $13.00 (weekdays) / $15.00 (weekends)
Full Hookup - $18.00 (weekdays) / $20.00 (weekends)
Pavilion Rentals (available at the Project Office):
$40.00 (weekdays) / $50.00 (weekends)


Annual Passes:
Vehicle - $60.00
Watercraft - $60.00
Replacement Pass - $10.00
Pedestrian/Bike - $20.00
Motorcycle/Horse - $20.00
Or When Purchased with Annual Vehicle Pass - $10.00


Misc:
Life Jackets - $8.00
Firewood - $2.75


Discounts:
Senior - 20% Golden Access - 50%

Notes:
Edmond residents get a 20% discount on all annual passes. Simply show your drivers license or utility bill. 2nd Pedestrian/Bike passes for family members are 1/2 price ($10.00) There is a $72.00 fine for non-compliance, so pay your money!! Besides costing you some green, it looks bad for all cyclists when someone doesn't pay.

Weekdays are: Mon - Thursday, except Holidays.
Weekends are: Fri - Sun & Holidays
Horses - allowed on Equestrian Trials ONLY
No discounts on these items